text: Chapter 5
  The battery commander must be in constant communications with the supported unit's air defense
  airspace management cell, in the case of a maneuver BCT, maneuver enhancement brigade, field artillery
  brigade, combat aviation brigade, division artillery, or with other ADA personnel (if present) in a fixed site's
  operations center, such as a base defense operations center. The air defense airspace management cell or its
  counterpart is the conduit for air defense information within the supported asset. Cell ADA personnel keep
  the battery commander informed of current and future brigade operations. The battery commander, in turn,
  advises the supported asset of the SHORAD unit's on-going operations, capabilities, and limitations. The
  battery commander develops the air defense plan for the supported unit and coordinates with the air defense
  airspace management cell to ensure that the plan is nested with supported unit's operation plan.
  The ADAM cell or operations center personnel may also be aware of another AMD unit or units
  operating within the asset's area and will so advise the SHORAD battery commander. The battery commander
  should coordinate with that commander to synchronize and ensure mutually supporting operations.
  RECONNAISSANCE
  Reconnaissance provides information about the AO. Preparation activities begin with a reconnaissance
  of the route to the area. The available preparation time and resources will determine to a large extent how
  (extensive and detailed) the reconnaissance activities can be performed and therefore influence the choice of
  reconnaissance type. There are three types of reconnaissance: map, aerial, and ground.
  MAP RECONNAISSANCE
  Map reconnaissance is the fastest way to conduct a reconnaissance and will always precede any other
  type of reconnaissance. When geographical limitations hamper physical reconnaissance, map reconnaissance
  is the only way. The positions of SHORAD sensors and weapon systems are plotted on a map and represent
  the best locations for providing air defense. Detailed physical and digital maps will provide specific
  information on terrain, buildings, roads, rivers, forest, and other terrestrial and man-made features. The most
  current and detailed digital and physical maps can be requested from the unit's space element. Overlapping
  current imagery and terrain data, space elements can provide the most accurate maps possible even if the
  ground topography has changed due to a recent battle or geographic event. The platoon leader must consider
  the AMD employment guidelines and tenets, weather, and mission variables in this initial reconnaissance.
  Alternate positions should be identified at this time. After the weapon positions are plotted on a map,
  check points and primary and alternate routes are selected and plotted. The platoon leader identifies a
  reconnaissance route by conducting a map reconnaissance to the proposed area. Positions selected by map
  reconnaissance must be confirmed by additional reconnaissance if the tactical situation allows.
  AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE
  If time is limited and an aircraft is available, the battery commander or the reconnaissance officer
  (generally a platoon leader) can see the terrain. Aerial reconnaissance provides the fastest way to see the
  terrain, but is likely unavailable to SHORAD leaders. Even when available, aerial reconnaissance has
  significant limitations. For example, fields of fire, ground conditions, and local threat cannot be determined
  from the air. In addition, aircraft activity, to include that of UASs, may expose friendly interest in a particular
  area.
  GROUND RECONNAISSANCE
  Ground reconnaissance is an on-site examination of the terrain. A ground reconnaissance is the most
  accurate and desirable type of reconnaissance, though the slowest method. The route can be evaluated for
  road worthiness, obstacles, choke points, and key terrain. Firing positions, fields of fire, and air avenues of
  approach can be analyzed. However, ground reconnaissance is time-consuming and dangerous. Covering the
  distances over potential routes and checking alternate positions takes time. The small reconnaissance party
  could be subjected to threat observation en route or at the objective area.
  Map reconnaissance is an important part of the preparation of the actual ground reconnaissance. The
  reconnaissance party will benefit from a detailed and thorough map reconnaissance.