text: Chapter 7
  Patriot has a robust capability for developing an internal air picture in which the ADA task force C2 node
  receives and processes data from all Patriot radars in the task force tracking the object. Other sensors in the
  ADA task force use a track reporting schema that has rules for selecting the best sensor track for reporting
  across the network. Additional sensors, such as the Army’s Lightweight Counter-Mortar Radar (LCMR) and
  Firefinder, Navy’s Aegis SPY radar, and the Air Force’s AWACS radar, may supplement networked sensors
  by reporting tracks across standard Army or joint linkages. Track reports are received at the ADA task force
  C2 node, which further distributes the data to subordinate fire units. The THAAD radar reports tracks across
  joint linkages through the THAAD fire control and communications equipment.
  7-22. Engagements are conducted by mixes of missiles carried on Patriot and Avenger launchers or by C-
  RAM guns. Patriot employs three missile variants: PAC-3, missile segment enhancement, and guidance
  enhanced missile. PAC-3 and missile segment enhancement missiles use inertial midcourse with ground-
  based target vector updates and radar terminal homing to defeat air and ballistic missile threats from low-to-
  high altitudes. Missile segment enhancement missiles are an upgraded version of PAC-3 missiles with greater
  kinematics to achieve higher altitude and longer range intercepts. Both of these missiles are optimized against
  ballistic threats but have significant capability against air threats. Guidance enhanced missiles are retrofitted
  older versions of Patriot missiles that retain midcourse command guidance and track-via-missile terminal
  homing. Guidance enhanced missiles are optimized against air threats, especially cruise missiles, while
  retaining good capability against close-range ballistic missiles. Patriot missiles require the support of a
  “local” Patriot radar (a radar located in a geometric missile capture and guidance relationship with the
  launcher) for the entire engagement sequence. The shooting function may be augmented by the attachment
  of Avenger with Stinger missiles and .50 caliber machinegun or LPWS guns. THAAD launchers carrying
  THAAD missiles may also augment the task force.
  7-23. Voice and data communications capabilities enable task force integration with external data and
  targeting networks supporting Army and joint advanced warning and engagement operations. ADA task force
  communications operate within the tactical data link networks (for example, link 16 and LandWarNet) for
  battlefield integration. The ADA task force can operate independent of other U.S. AMD forces, but will
  normally be employed as a part of a larger joint AMD capability.
  COMMAND AND CONTROL
  7-24. ADA task forces are normally employed with other ADA assets and organized under the ADA brigade
  and the AAMDC to support JFC priorities. On rare occasions, an ADA task force may be employed with
  minimal or no supporting ADA resources and be required to directly integrate with the AADC for control.
  An ADA task force may also be required to integrate with the JFLCC for command. ADA task forces perform
  AMD functions as specified by the JFC. The deployed ADA task force performs lower-tier missile defense
  and air defense in support of joint unified action and Army unified land operations. Figure 7-1 depicts the
  nominal control relationships for a deployed ADA task force. The figure omits echelons above the ADA
  brigade level to focus on the ADA task force. Engagement authority is exercised through an ADA brigade
  ADAFCO, deployed with a joint higher echelon commander, presented as a regional air defense commander
  (RADC)/SADC in the figure. Engagement authority may be delegated in accordance with METT-TC and
  promulgated through a surface-to-air missile tactical order or a short-range air defense tactical order; the
  engagement authority may change dynamically as the battle proceeds. Patriot engagements are planned and
  managed by the task force C2 node, unless engagement authority is decentralized and executed at the battery,
  which has direct control of its assigned Patriot radar and launchers. Avenger and C-RAM normally deploy
  and fight at the platoon level, which has direct control of assigned weapons. Avenger sensors are under the
  control of the battery C2 node, but may be attached to a platoon and controlled by the platoon C2 node. C-
  RAM sensors are controlled by the platoon. Supported units may vary in accordance with METT-TC. The
  ADA task force coordinates with the supported unit to pass high quality air picture information and to
  collaborate on defense design to protect the maneuver element’s high value assets.