text: Chapter 4
  feeds for example), as well as addressing reliability, speed, and risk issues associated with operating in
  degraded environments. See appendix C for a detailed discussion on information systems.
  MANAGE AIRSPACE CONTROL INFORMATION DISPLAYS
  4-17. Airspace elements maintain accurate information displays. Information displays consist of overlays,
  maps, and databases in near-real-time. This information includes computer hardware and software and
  communications as well as policies and procedures. Once developed, the airspace element updates
  information and disseminates it to other staff elements and subordinate airspace elements and users.
  DETERMINE TRACK IDENTIFICATION FOR AIRSPACE USERS
  4-18. The air and missile defense (AMD) element, in coordination with the airspace element, uses combat
  identification criteria to determine track identification for airspace users. The AMD element, supported by
  airspace elements, continuously monitor the air picture. The AMD element tracks and identifies airspace
  users as friend, neutral, hostile, or unknown. Once identified, the element assigns combat identification. The
  air and missile defense element confirms that all tracks are processed for identification. This element
  monitors and verifies that all subordinate airspace nodes process all organic tracks for identification. The
  AMD element coordinates with the area air defense commander for appropriate actions on hostile tracks
  within the AO. The combination of the AMD element’s air tracks and the airspace element’s airspace control
  overlay displayed on airspace element system screens and in the current operations, provides the echelon
  commander a tactical air picture and situational awareness of ongoing airspace use. The airspace element
  maintains situational awareness and situational understanding of all unified action partners and neutral
  airspace users in the AO.
  MONITOR ASSIGNED AIRSPACE AND AIRSPACE USERS WITHIN ASSIGNED AREA OF
  OPERATIONS
  4-19. Airspace elements continually monitor the operations of all airspace users to support their mission as
  well as those transiting through the air over their ground AO. Airspace elements can develop and maintain
  running estimates that provide the basis for the air COP by monitoring airspace users’ identification, location,
  flight paths, trajectories, and other critical information. Further, by continuously monitoring and assessing
  airspace use and airspace coordinating measures for conflicts, airspace elements can provide direction to
  deconflict, coordinate, and integrate the use of airspace within the AO. Airspace elements monitor with a
  near-real-time, jam-resistant, and secure communications network as well as digital connectivity. Airspace
  elements use several means to communicate with higher, adjacent, and subordinate airspace elements within
  the AO. First, elements determine the dimensions of the unit airspace. Next, they determine the level of
  authorization for airspace control delegated to the unit. Once the communication with the assigned AO is
  determined, airspace elements maintain and update all joint airspace control documents to ensure compliance
  with established monitoring procedures. Activities include the following:
  * Airspace control utilizing the low-level air picture.
  * Airspace control utilizing manual reporting.
  * Monitoring air track actions.
  * Maintaining an up-to-date airspace control order.
  * Assigning combat identification to support air and missile defense.
  * Defensive counterair operations to support air and missile defense.
  * Airspace control liaison with higher controlling authorities such as airborne warning and control
  system, control and reporting center, tactical air operations center, or direct air support center.
  RESOLVE REAL-TIME CONFLICTS FOR AIRSPACE USERS WITHIN THE AREA OF
  OPERATIONS
  4-20. Airspace elements need to resolve real-time conflicts for airspace users within the area of operations
  regardless of the thoroughness of planning. These situations require immediate use of airspace. Continuously
  monitoring and assessing current and projected airspace use enables airspace elements to either coordinate