Appendix B

Army Air Defense Planning

This appendix describes the specific requirements of the AD estimate and AD annex. The estimate process assists the force commander in decision making. The end result of the planning process is the air defense annex detailing air defense support for the concept of the operation.

AIR DEFENSE ESTIMATE AND ANNEX PROCESS

  • B-1. Estimates are evaluations of how factors in each field of interest will influence the courses of action the commander considers. Estimates provide the basis for logically and analytically developing solutions to situations (both in planning future operations and fighting current operations). The staff recommends how the commander can employ the command's available assets. The commander uses this information to reach decisions.

    B-2. Once a mission is received, the estimate process begins. The ADA commander develops the air defense estimate in concert with the force S3 or G3. The ADA commander uses the IPB during the estimate process. The ADA commander gathers and analyzes facts and makes assumptions. He will use these facts and assumptions to develop logical courses of action. The commander then chooses the course of action that will best support the mission.

    B-3. After the force commander selects a course of action, the air defense planning process continues. The result of this process is the air defense annex detailing air defense support for the concept of the operation.

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    • AIR DEFENSE ESTIMATE FORMAT

  • B-4. The air defense estimate follows the basic staff estimate format. The air defense estimate provides information regarding the air and missile defense supportability of proposed courses of action. It also provides recommended air and missile defense priorities and an air and missile defense scheme of maneuver. This information forms a basis for the air defense plan and is presented in the air defense annex. See figure B-1, for an AD estimate general format.
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    • Figure B-1. Estimate General Format

    Figure B-1. Estimate General Format (continued)

    Figure B-1. Estimate General Format (continued)

  • B-5. The estimate must be constantly reevaluated to keep it current. The factors of METT-TC, OCOKA, and other considerations guide the ADA commander and staff during the estimate and subsequent planning. The degree of detail presented in the estimate depends on the planning time available. However, all elements of the estimate must be considered to make valid recommendations.
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    • AIR DEFENSE ANNEX format

  • B-6. The estimate of the situation assists the commander in determining the most suitable course of action to accomplish the mission. Once the commander makes this decision and clearly articulates the intent, the staff prepares OPLANs and OPORDs.

    B-7. The AMDCOORD must conduct detailed coordination with other staff sections to develop this annex. The AMDCOORD derives information affecting the air defense annex from other staff estimates. Additionally, the air defense estimate helps drive these other staff estimates.

    B-8. The AMDCOORD writes the plan as a five-paragraph annex to the supported unit's OPLAN or OPORD. The air defense annex assigns specific air and missile defense missions each unit must accomplish. Concurrently or sequentially, ADA units may be preparing their own OPLANs or OPORDs. See figure B-2, pages B-6 and B-7 for an Annex G (Air defense) to OPORD general format.

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    • Figure B-2. Annex General Format

    Figure B-2. Annex General Format (continued)


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