text: Preparing for Short-Range Air Defense Operations
  The first consideration is emplacing the sensor or sensors. Sensors are emplaced on terrain that
  provides the best, longest range line-of-sight in all directions. Sentinels should be positioned within the
  supported asset's AO along likely enemy air avenues of approach to surveil, detect, and provide early
  warning. Sentinel should not be collocated with any command post due to an enemy's ability to target
  emission signatures. The Sentinel's rotating antenna must remain clear of obstructions while operating to
  optimize the radar tracking range and air picture reliability. The Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar should
  be emplaced on a hill, rooftop, or flat plain. Any radar's performance is degraded when placed near
  obstructions, such as buildings, trees, vehicles, or power lines. The radars should be emplaced no closer than
  1,000 meters from one another, and operating frequencies should be separated as much as possible.
  The SHORAD platoon leader uses the ADA employment tenets to position launchers in accordance
  with METT-TC. The most important tenets for the M-SHORAD platoon leader to consider are normally
  early engagement, weighted coverage, and defense in depth. The Avenger platoon leader stresses mutual
  support, or overlapping coverage when possible, to enhance engagement opportunities. If fixed-wing aircraft
  are considered 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 the system 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 Land-based Phalanx Weapon System. The Land-based Phalanx Weapon Systems
  should be emplaced inside the perimeter, but no closer than 500 meters from the perimeter when possible.
  Gun system emplacement requires relatively flat (±5-percent slope) on hard-packed ground or pad. During
  emplacement, the unit will perform gun system mapping to ensure that no coverage areas are in the "no fire
  zone." Stinger teams are generally positioned along the most likely air avenues of approach. Care must be
  taken in positioning M-SHORAD, Avenger, Stinger systems to avoid placing them near terrain features easily
  recognized from the air. Positions are more vulnerable to enemy fires once spotted near an identifiable object.
  When all squads have reported that they are in position and capable of providing coverage of their
  assigned sectors, the platoon leader will report the platoon "ready for action" to the supported force
  commander. Once in place, SHORAD units should implement passive defense measures, such as camouflage
  and protective works, and continuously improve them as long they remain at a location. Crew chiefs begin
  improving positions as dictated by the SOP or additional orders. Position improvements include:
  * Using camouflage nets and supplementing them where possible with indigenous materials (for
  example, branches, leaves, and snow). These materials should be from the vicinity of the squad so
  they will blend naturally into the surroundings.
  * Preparing deliberate fighting positions.
  * Providing cover for M-SHORAD and Avenger systems by having the vehicles dug in, hull down,
  for protection from blast, fragmentation, and small arms. Engineer support is required and should
  be requested through the supported unit. If such support is not available, the vehicles should be
  placed in defilade positions.
  * Developing alternate and supplementary positions. Work is initiated as early as possible.
  A total security plan is then placed in effect. Positioning SHORAD units with maneuver forces or on
  installations allows the units to take advantage of security measures and the security forces of those assets.
  However, regardless of those added forces, the platoon must provide its own local security. This includes
  establishing observation points, positioning automatic weapons overlooking the main avenue of approach
  and alternate routes into the position, and initiating other security positions around the area to preclude gaps
  in the perimeter. A sector of fire, with a primary target line, is assigned to each squad, and communications
  are established with all the positions. Range cards should be prepared. At a minimum, range cards should
  indicate ranges to critical points on all likely avenues of approach, dead spaces, and likely targets (air and
  ground). Obstacles enhance security by blocking, disrupting, or canalizing enemy attacks. All obstacles must
  be coordinated with the supported asset's S-3 and the engineer officer. Other measures taken should also be
  integrated with the ground defense plan of the supported asset. Emission control measures should be
  developed and initiated, when directed, to reduce the electromagnetic signatures of the sensors and command
  posts.