text: Chapter 5
  Sensors must be carefully placed to ensure optimal surveillance of the area. Their positioning is
  generally the first consideration in establishing a defense. Sentinels have a 360-degree capability to detect
  and classify aerial threats. Lightweight Counter Mortar Radars in Land-based Phalanx Weapon System units
  provide 360-degree detection of RAM threats. See ATPs 3-01.48 and 3-01.60, respectively, for more
  information on positioning Sentinel and the Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar.
  Considerations in selecting launcher positions are dependent upon the type of SHORAD weapon to be
  emplaced, asset to be defended, and the threat types. Positions should have clear observation and primary
  and secondary fields of fire, communications with the platoon command post and early warning sources, and
  available cover and concealment to facilitate survivability. Launchers positioned to counter potential rotary-
  and fixed-wing threats are generally near projected air avenues of approach. These positions may require
  adjustments if UASs are also a threat, as UASs can surveil or attack from any direction.
  * M-SHORAD and Avenger systems and Stinger man-portable air defense (hereafter referred to
  simply as Stinger) teams require frequent movements once they commence engagements, as the
  firing signature of their missiles discloses their positions. Units should have primary, alternate,
  and supplementary positions with planned routes between them. A primary position is one from
  which the M-SHORAD, Avenger, or Stinger weapon system intends to accomplish its tactical
  mission. An alternate position is one to which the system moves when the primary position
  becomes untenable or unsuitable for carrying out the assigned mission. The primary positions
  should generally be near the plotted positions in the original defense design, at distances
  determined by clear line-of-sight, security, and survivability considerations; if not near the plotted
  positions, the defense may need to be redesigned. Communications must also be maintained with
  the other squads in the platoon.
  * The Land-based Phalanx Weapon System's limited mobility and emplacement requirements may
  restrict its positioning options. Its position should be close to, but set back from, the perimeter of
  the base or other static asset which it defends. Its communication requirements include a linkage
  to the base defense operations center.
  The primary consideration in selecting the headquarters or C2 node site is the ability to communicate
  with the supported asset and higher- and lower-echelon SHORAD units. Dependent upon terrain and the
  locations of the other SHORAD and supported asset's elements, the headquarters or C2 node should be
  positioned where it can best control the SHORAD units and communicate with the supported element. Other
  considerations for the site selection include available cover and concealment, alternate entrance and exit
  routes, and defensibility against ground attacks.
  After selecting the positions, the platoon leader ensures the ground guides know exactly where all the
  vehicles and equipment should be emplaced. Preparation should include marking the location of each major
  piece of equipment. Everyone at the new position is given the new challenge and password, information on
  any known enemy activity in the area, and the approximate arrival time, location, and order of vehicles for
  the main party.
  If time is limited and the unit must move before the reconnaissance party returns, road guide positions
  are selected, and Soldiers necessary for these tasks are included in the reconnaissance team. Actual inspection
  of the chosen routes and positions on the ground is desirable to confirm selections made from the map, or to
  make necessary adjustments in plans.
  Key leaders provide the results of the reconnaissance and relay appropriate instructions for the
  movement of the main body. The platoon sergeant organizes the vehicles as ordered by the platoon leader.
  Platoon vehicles use movement techniques dictated by the factors of METT-TC; tactics, techniques, and
  procedures; and the unit SOP.
  OCCUPYING POSITIONS
  The occupation of positions should be coordinated with the supported unit to avoid mutual interference.
  When the mission-configured platoon arrives at the position, all vehicles move off the road into the position,
  without halting and without closing the interval between vehicles. The unit SOP should state the requirements
  and the priorities for occupying positions.