text: Executing Short-Range Air Defense Operations
  MOVEMENT TO CONTACT
  Movement to contact is a type of offensive operation designed to develop the situation and to establish
  or regain contact (ADP 3-90). The goal of a movement to contact is to make initial contact with a small
  element while retaining enough combat power to develop the situation and mitigate the associated risk.
  Commanders conduct a movement to contact when an enemy situation is vague or not specific enough to
  conduct an attack. A movement to contact may result in a meeting engagement. Meeting engagements are
  combat actions that occur when an incompletely deployed force engages an enemy at an unexpected time
  and place.
  In a movement to contact, forces deploy from assembly areas in attack formations that facilitate
  movement and mass sufficient combat power to ensure decisive victory. Commanders adjust their tempo
  appropriately as they anticipate closing with enemy forces. They decide where their forces can deploy into
  formations that facilitate the initial contact and still provide freedom of action for the bulk of their forces.
  M-SHORAD platoons are integrated with the maneuvering forces. M-SHORAD platoons must be able
  to posture themselves quickly to counter any enemy surveillance or attack efforts. They are positioned based
  on the maneuver force's type of travel (for example, deliberate movement when contact with enemy forces
  is likely) and formation. M-SHORAD systems will generally be placed behind the lead elements of the
  supported force during movement to provide overwatch of enemy air avenues of approach. Air defense
  coverage is extended forward of the lead elements.
  Avengers may be deployed with the covering force, along the flanks, or in overwatch positions of the
  maneuver force. Avenger fire units are light-skinned vehicles and should not be integrated into the maneuver
  force when contact is expected. The Avenger may be positioned on the maneuver force flank and rear where
  it is best suited to defend enemy air avenues of approach. Positioning of the Avenger fire units is dependent
  on METT-TC factors. The battery commander or platoon leader makes a decision based on preventing enemy
  aircraft from successfully observing or attacking the vulnerable moving elements.
  During the movement, the Avenger platoon will be employed to protect the supported unit's critical
  assets, such as the maneuver formations executing the main effort, artillery units, and C2 elements. The
  Avenger can be used to provide coverage for choke points along the march route or to defend the maneuver
  force as it moves prior to contact. The platoon leader should position the squads and teams so that two-thirds
  of the weapon system's effective range extends in front of the maneuver force, if possible.
  Stinger teams may also be involved. They may be used to augment Avengers at choke points but will
  primarily be used to protect C2, maneuver support, and fire support assets. Stinger teams must be careful not
  to get caught up in the direct fire fight. Once contact has been initiated, teams need to assume overwatch
  positions.
  ATTACK
  Attack is a type of offensive operation that destroys or defeats enemy forces, seizes and secures terrain,
  or both (ADP 3-90). Attacks incorporate coordinated movement supported by fires. They may be part of
  either decisive or shaping operations. An attack differs from a movement to contact because in an attack
  commanders know at least part of an enemy's dispositions. A commander may describe an attack as hasty or
  deliberate, depending on the time available for assessing the situation, planning, and preparing. A commander
  may decide to conduct an attack using only fires, based on an analysis of the mission variables. In a hasty
  attack, the commander must move quickly to gain the advantage. Speed and violence of action can overcome
  lack of preparation. A deliberate attack is much more thoroughly planned and prepared.
  Hasty attacks are not based on detailed planning, but the commander must anticipate and plan for them
  as much as possible. They are conducted to catch the enemy off-guard. The maneuver commander can use
  assets available and synchronize all available support and combat multipliers provided they can be committed
  without significant delay. Hasty attack plans are disseminated through fragmentary orders. The use of
  standard operating procedure and battle drills are critical for effective execution of hasty attacks.
  The success of SHORAD units in a hasty attack will depend on thorough prior planning. Prior to the
  mission, on-order M-SHORAD, Avenger, and Stinger positions, aerial areas of interest along suspected
  enemy air avenues of approach, and decision and execution matrices must be developed. SHORAD platoon