text: Executing Short-Range Air Defense Operations
  retrogrades or begins to engage enemy forces. Defensive operations are conducted to identify or create enemy
  weaknesses that allow for the opportunity to begin offensive operations.
  In the defense, the maneuver commander prioritizes requirements for air defense coverage based on
  mission analysis, IPB, and METT-TC. Priority for air defense in the defense may be to the main battle
  positions, C2 elements, or logistics assets. The SHORAD platoon leader must clearly understand where its
  supported force's effort will be weighted. Based on these considerations, the platoon leader will develop a
  coverage plan to support the defensive concept of operations.
  Artillery and rockets will be used extensively against SHORAD-defended assets. They are usually
  numerous, inexpensive, survivable and highly effective. UASs will be employed to provide targeting data.
  UASs are extremely effective in this role due to their small size, low radar cross section, and standoff
  capability. In addition to RAM and UASs, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft continue to present formidable
  threats to a defense.
  SHORAD engagements of air threats are executed locally (decentralized) by team chiefs and section
  chiefs in accordance with the air defense warning, weapons control status, and ROE. SHORAD engagement
  decisions are made and executed locally within the ROE. Identification authority is also exercised at the local
  level. The identification friend or foe capability assists SHORAD team and section chiefs in the identification
  of potential targets. Positive visual identification is required for all aircraft prior to engagement.
  To combat aerial targets, SHORAD fire units are assigned sectors of fire and primary and secondary
  target lines.
  * Sector of fire is that area assigned to a unit, a crew-served weapon, or an individual weapon within
  which it will engage targets as they appear in accordance with established engagement priorities
  (FM 3-90-1). Sectors of fire are specified by left and right limits in azimuth.
  * Primary target line is an azimuth assigned to a weapon system or unit along which the system fire
  control personnel and or gunners focus their attention (FM 3-01). Primary target lines are
  established along the centerline of the assigned sector of fire to assist in the distribution of fires
  when defending against multiple targets that are attacking from different directions. Primary target
  lines are typically aligned with air avenues of approach.
  * Secondary target line is a pre-planned alternative target line used to shift the orientation of fires
  to assure all likely threat avenues of approach are adequately defended (FM 3-01). Secondary
  target lines allow mutual support and overlapping coverage. Secondary target lines are planned in
  advance to allow the proper positioning of equipment to accommodate both primary and secondary
  target line requirements.
  The platoon leader designates sectors of fire and primary and secondary target lines after reviewing
  fire unit positions to ensure that all aerial targets threatening the protected asset can be engaged. Each fire
  unit concentrates its fires on the most threatening aerial target within its assigned sector or closest to its
  primary target line. Controls provide efficient fires and reduce the probability of simultaneous engagements
  from two or more systems.
  The SHORAD platoon leader uses the AMD employment tenets to position launchers in accordance
  with METT-TC. The M-SHORAD platoon leader may initially position the M-SHORADs for early
  engagements. The Avenger platoon leader stresses mutual support, or overlapping coverage when possible,
  to enhance engagement opportunities. If fixed-wing aircraft are considered to be a major threat, the platoon
  may weight coverage to the most likely air avenue(s) of approach. The Land-based Phalanx Weapon System
  platoon leader positions launchers in pairs with mutual support if possible, or overlapping fires between pairs
  as a minimum, for RAM engagements given the relatively short range of the system.
  Early warning of enemy air surveillance or attack is facilitated by Sentinel and the other Land-based
  Phalanx Weapon System sensors which are positioned to extend sensor detection over the defended area.
  Warnings are transmitted by audio or visual means to units or assets in the actual zone of danger and not the
  entire base or AO, unless area coverage is directed by the supported commander.
  In addition to enabling focused early warning of friendly personnel, the Land-based Phalanx Weapon
  System sense function alerts the intercept systems for engagements of incoming RAM munitions. The Land-