Air Defense at Echelon

The DIVAD Battalions’ Necessity for a General Support Relationship

By LTC Lawrence Richardson, MAJ Matthew Covalt, CPT Brett Yelverton, and 1LT Mark Haroutunian

Article published on: November 1, 2024 in the Air Defense Artillery Journal: E-Edition Fall 2024 issue

Read Time: < 17 mins

Introduction:

Fort Hood, Texas - The modern battlefield demands rapid decision-making and fluid command relationships to effectively counter the threats presented in a large-scale combat operation (LSCO). The employment of Division Air Defense (DIVAD) battalions within the current operational force structure reflects a divergence between doctrinal intent and practical application. While doctrinal references establish that DIVAD battalions are to operate in a general support or direct support role to the division commander (See Figure 1), the prevailing status quo subordinates these formations under the command and control of an assigned brigade. In the same way that the Division Cavalry (DIVCAV) served to answer the Division Commander’s Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR) across the division’s battlespace, the DIVAD battalion serves to provide air defense for the Division Commander’s critical assets across the division battlespace.

Figure 1: Direct Reporting Units of 1st Cavalry Division listed in FMS Web.

To effectively support a maneuver Division, DIVAD battalions must serve in a general support role and as a direct reporting unit to the division headquarters. The significance of the DIVAD battalion's immediate access and contribution to each warfighting function is a crucial aspect of this support. When the DIVAD battalion’s staff is integrated alongside their respective counterparts at the division headquarters, it enables seamless coordination and decision-making. Furthermore, the ability to dynamically task-organize subordinate air defense units across the division's entire area of operations is essential, a flexibility that is limited when DIVAD battalions are subordinate to brigade-level headquarters. Equally vital is the understanding of the distinct roles of the two air defense entities within the division - the DIVAD battalion and the Division Air Missile Defense cell (DIV AMD).

Collectively, these considerations reaffirm the imperative to align DIVAD battalion employment with doctrinal roles, enabling unity of effort, command agility, and effective integration of air defense operations in support of the division’s scheme of maneuver.

Integration by Warfighting Function:

For a divisional air defense battalion to effectively fulfill its role, the unit needs to operate in a general support capacity, the role assigned to it according to its Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) (See Figure 2). This positioning is crucial because the battalion's focus extends beyond the scope of any individual brigade's area of operations. Given their unique role, the staff of the DIVAD battalion must be granted the opportunity to contribute to all warfighting functions, specifically at the division level. Direct cooperation with the division staff enhances the capacity to process information and coordinate assets across the entire battlespace while leveraging corps, adjacent division, and theater assets necessary to counter aerial threats across the broader operational landscape.

Figure 2: TOE #: 44335P000, Divisional Air Defense (DIVAD) Battalion

Intelligence: rapid sharing of aerial intelligence preparation of the operational environment (IPOE) and engagement area (EA) development is critical for effective air defense operations. When intelligence must flow through multiple echelons, crucial details can be lost or delayed, diminishing the battalion's ability to anticipate and counter enemy air threats. Direct access to division-level intelligence products is essential. This includes the timely dissemination of enemy air order of battle, likely avenues of approach, and significant movements of enemy ground formations. Division-produced products and consolidated information from Corps must be shared to inform real-time adjustments to defense design. This two-way information sharing enables both tactical and operational decision-making. One of the DIVAD battalion’s key contributions is the collection and analysis capacity regarding enemy aviation. By tracking the movement patterns and locations of enemy aviation formations, the DIVAD battalion assists in developing new Named Areas of Interest (NAI). Incorporating this capability into the wider Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) architecture significantly augments the division’s comprehensive collection plan.

Fires: targeting information, particularly regarding enemy Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs) and Ground Control Stations, must be immediately shared. This direct coordination is critical for achieving timely and decisive engagements against high-payoff targets. The battalion plays a key role in identifying and developing these targets, leveraging its organic sensors and access to the integrated air picture. The DIVAD battalion allows the division fires enterprise to layer Targeted Areas of Interest (TAIs) over NAIs, and to prosecute these High Value Targets (HVTs). In Warfighter Exercise (WFX) 23-4 and NTC 25-03, passing HVTs through a brigade delayed handing handling FARPs to the Joint Air-Ground Integration Center (JAGIC) to process with fires. The delay in passing targets for consideration allowed rotary wing (RW) aircraft to egress the Division’s AO without interdiction and left multiple HVTs on the Immediate Strike List untargeted. This delay in target engagement allows the enemy to maintain freedom of maneuver and increases the risk to the force. Direct participation in the targeting working groups ensures that critical targets are identified, prioritized and engaged expeditiously.

Protection: battalion must maintain a division-wide focus on protection, participating in the division’s protection working group (PWG). This broader perspective enables comprehensive air defense coverage across the entire battlespace, rather than being limited to individual brigade areas of operation. Direct participation in the PWG ensures that air defense assets are postured to protect the most critical assets, such as command posts, logistical nodes, and key infrastructure. This proactive approach to protection is essential for maintaining freedom of action and preserving combat power. During WFX 23-4 and Remagen Ready 24-01, the DIVAD battalion, operating in a General Support role, was able to move a platoon of SGT Stouts forward to protect the Multi-Role Bridge Company (MRBC) as it approached a wet gap after the initial platoon was destroyed by indirect fire. The adjustment of coverage to the first item on the Protection Prioritized List (PPL) for this phase of the operation allowed for the defeat of enemy RW and targeting Group 3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as the MRBC employed its assets.

Sustainment: Air defense-specific logistics requirements necessitate coordination with the division staff. While supported maneuver brigades can provide basic Class I (food and water) and Class III (petroleum, oils, lubricant) support, more complex or specific requirements, such as Class V (30mm ammunition, Stinger missiles), Class VII (major end items), and reconstitution efforts require division-level coordination. The specialized nature of air defense systems, including radars and support equipment, necessitates a dedicated logistics pipeline. The prioritization of battalion sustainment assets must be managed to ensure proper support across the entire formation. This includes prioritizing requests for critical parts, coordinating maintenance support, and ensuring the timely delivery of specialized ammunition. While supporting the 1st Infantry Division at National Training Center (NTC) 25-03, 6-56 Air Defense Artillery Regiment (6-56ADAR) had its forces arrayed across the entire division area of operations (AO), which encompassed several hundred square kilometers (See Figure 3). Even with a fully equipped Field Support Company (FSC), sustaining a formation across such a vast range stretches the capabilities of the DIVAD battalion. Cross boundary coordination, convoy security, and supply “push/pull” operations will be a necessity that the division staff must be prepared to facilitate such assistance between the Division Sustainment Support Brigade (DSSB) down to the Brigade Sustainment Area (BSA) that each DIVAD battalion is aligned to.

Figure 3: AO Danger, FICA (NTC 25-03)

Movement/Maneuver: The battalion must maintain awareness of branch plans and sequels, allowing for proactive positioning of air defense assets. This includes access to the division’s common operational picture (COP) and the ability to participate in key planning sessions. This awareness allows the battalion commander to provide timely air defense input during the planning process and anticipate future requirements. Integration into the G5’s branch and sequels planning events enable the DIVAD battalion to forecast adjustment to the Decision Support Matrix, execute deliberate allocation of forces to enable follow-on operations, and advocate for protection of key enablers and assets on the PPL in the protection working group. This early identification allowed the division to develop a mitigation plan, ensuring the security of the formation during this vulnerable phase of the operation.

Information: The display of real-time air pictures enhances situational understanding across the formation. Direct communication channels simplify information flow and reduce the risk of miscommunication or delays in critical updates. The battalion plays a vital role in providing timely and accurate air tracks to the division’s COP. Additionally, coordination with the division would facilitate coordination with the JAGIC, increasing track coordination and airspace deconfliction across multiple domains. This shared situational awareness is essential for enabling effective decision-making at all levels of command. During WFX 23-4, the Division was in a defensive posture around Panevėžys, Lithuania. Using their AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radars, the DIVAD battalion was able to identify an enemy air assault intended to seize a key crossroads and sever the Ground Lines of Communication (GLOC) from the Division Sustainment Brigade to Panevėžys. This early warning enabled the division to respond to the potential turning movement and prevent the GLOC being severed.

Command and Control: Effective command and control (C2) over battalion assets requires constant coordination, particularly when conducting dynamic task organization across the battlespace. This relationship enables rapid response to changing battlefield conditions and ensures the effective employment of air defense assets across the division’s area of operations. This centralized C2 structure streamlines the decision-making process, reduces the potential for gaps in air coverage, and enables the synchronized employment of all warfighting functions. NTC 25-03, being a headquarters-centric rotation, highlighted the necessity for an air defense command post at each brigade. Each of these command posts would be operated by the DIVAD battery aligned to the three different maneuver brigades, with an additional DIVAD battery in the division rear area. ¹ This creates redundancy for air defense Command and Control (C2) and enables effective battle-handoff if the DIVAD battalion must rapidly displace. In such circumstances, the DIVAD Battery commander collocated with the Rear Command Post (RCP) would then assume C2 responsibility for the division’s battlespace. In the catastrophic event that both the DIVAD headquarters and the RCP are compromised, C2 is passed to the DIVAD battery commander supporting the division’s main effort.

Staff Integration:

The DIVAD battalion’s ability to operate in a general support capacity is contingent upon effective staff integration with the division headquarters. This process is critical for ensuring that the battalion's air defense efforts are synchronized with the division's overall operational plan. To achieve this, the battalion staff must be fully embedded with the division staff, with representatives from each battalion staff section working closely together to ensure seamless coordination and communication.

For intelligence, staff integration must focus on developing a shared understanding of the operational environment. This can be achieved through regular intelligence synchronization meetings, where the battalion's intelligence section works closely with the division's intelligence staff (G2) to analyze and disseminate relevant information. The battalion's intelligence section (S2) must also be responsible for providing regular updates on enemy air order of battle, activities, and other relevant intelligence to the division's intelligence staff. Furthermore, the battalion could leverage the division's intelligence collection capabilities, including signals intelligence and human intelligence. Although these other collection capabilities may not be directly targeting enemy aviation assets, greater understanding of enemy forces’ evolving composition and disposition enhances the DIVAD S2’s analysis and informs more effective air defense coverage.

In fires, staff integration should prioritize the development of a comprehensive targeting plan. The battalion's S3 and S2 section should work closely with the division's fire support staff and the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) staff to identify and prioritize targets, ensuring that air defense assets are employed in a coordinated and effective manner. However, it is key that in engagements with the DIVARTY staff, the DIVAD battalion engages with them as an equal stakeholder and not as a subordinate unit within the fires enterprise. This cooperation should include the development of a shared target list, with the DIVAD battalion providing input on their targeting priorities, including counter-battery fires. The battalion should also be responsible for providing real-time targeting information to the division's fire support staff, enabling the rapid engagement of high-priority targets.

For protection, staff integration should focus on ensuring the security of the division's critical assets. The battalion's staff should work closely with the division's protection staff to identify and prioritize critical assets, such as command posts, logistics hubs, and key infrastructure. The battalion should then develop a protection plan that ensures these assets are adequately protected from air threats, using a combination of air defense assets and other protective measures. These proactive measures could also include specific targeting that could bolster the DIVAD battalion’s ability to provide air coverage. Given the limited number of DIVAD fire units and the vast area of operations, focusing fire missions on enemy aviation and aviation support (FARPs) to compensate for gaps in air defense coverage. The battalion should also be responsible for providing regular updates on the air defense posture to the division's protection staff, enabling the division to make informed decisions about force protection.

In sustainment, the S4 and the DIVAD FSC’s integration should prioritize the coordination of logistics support for the DIVAD battalion. The battalion's logistics section will work closely with the division's G4 to ensure that air defense assets are properly maintained and supplied. This will include the development of a shared logistics plan, with the battalion's logistics section providing input on air defense-specific logistics requirements. The battalion will also be responsible for providing regular updates on logistics statuses, enabling the division to anticipate and mitigate any crucial logistics shortfalls. Staff integration is especially necessary for the G4 due to the requirement to sustain air defense units at multiple echelons across the entire battlespace. The only way to maintain an accurate, wholistic understanding of the logistical situation is by integration at the division level.

Regarding movement and maneuver, staff integration must focus on ensuring the battalion's air defense assets are properly positioned to support the division's wider scheme of maneuver. The battalion's operations section (S3) should work closely with the divisions G3 and G5 to analyze the operational environment and identify areas where air defense assets are required. The battalion must then develop a movement plan that ensures air defense assets are appropriately arrayed to support the division's maneuvers. It is essential that this analysis and planning occurs well in advance of any operations conducted by the division. The DIVAD battalion must also be responsible for providing regular updates on air defense asset positioning to the division's operations staff, enabling the division to make informed decisions regarding their scheme of maneuver. Throughout the execution of Operation Danger Guardian (NTC 25-03), 6-56ADAR’s integration with the 1ID G5 enabled the DIVAD battalion to plan the fight up to 72 hours in advance, rather than merely reacting to changing battlefield conditions. Simultaneously, the presence of 6-56ADAR staff in the G3 ensured that air defense forces were accounted for during battle tracking efforts as well as in the execution of successive maneuvers.

Similarly to intelligence, staff integration regarding information must prioritize the development of a shared operational picture. The battalion's S2 and S6 should work closely with the division's G2 and G6 to ensure that air defense information is properly integrated into the division's COP. The battalion must also be responsible for providing regular updates on the status of all network and communications equipment, enabling the division to maintain a shared understanding of the operational environment. Furthermore, the DIVAD battalion must leverage the division's information and communication capabilities to enhance its own situational awareness and decision-making.

For command and control, staff integration must focus on ensuring the battalion's air defense >assets are properly integrated into the division's command and control structure. The battalion command team must maintain a direct reporting relationship with the division commander’s staff to ensure a shared understanding of the operational environment and the division commander’s priorities. By interfacing directly with the 1ID division commander, the commander of 6-56ADAR was able to immediately articulate time-sensitive decision points. Such streamlined communication enabled the division commander to decisively adjust their operational plan to account for guidance from the Division Air Defense Coordinator (DIVADCOORD), the senior air defense commander in the division.

By integrating the battalion staff with the division staff in this manner, the divisional air defense battalion can ensure that its air defense efforts are fully synchronized with the division's overall operational plan, enabling the effective employment and redeployment of air defense assets.

Dynamic Task Organization of Air Defense Assets:

The ability to rapidly reposition air defense assets across the battlespace division is crucial for maintaining effective air defense coverage. When DIVAD battalions operate through brigade staff, the movement of platoons and sections becomes unnecessarily complex, requiring multiple layers of approval and coordination. These constraints are similarly pertinent in the advising of the employment of each brigade’s Non-Dedicated Stinger Teams (NDST). In a highly contested environment where enemy aviation is targeting critical division assets, any delay in the repositioning of air defense assets could result in the loss of key command and control nodes or logistics hubs.

Currently, divisional air defense assets are assigned to subordinate brigades, limiting their responsiveness to threats that emerge across brigade boundaries. This hierarchical structure can lead to delays in repositioning critical assets to defend time-sensitive targets. A clear example of this can be seen in the hypothetical conduct of a wet gap crossing. The Forward Logistics Element (FLE), positioned on the near side of the water obstacle, represents a critical vulnerability. While the supported brigade is focused on securing objectives on the far side, the FLE may be exposed to aerial threats originating from outside the brigade's assigned area of operations.

In this situation, the DIVADCOORD, maintaining a comprehensive air picture and understanding the operational importance of the FLE, may identify an air defense battery or platoon assigned to a less threatened sector as best positioned to provide immediate protection. However, the current status quo requires routing the request through multiple echelons, potentially costing valuable time and increasing unit vulnerability. This is especially important as the DIVAD commander attempts to employ their forces in accordance with the “Defense-in-Depth” air defense principal. DIVAD forces must array themselves to maximize chamber capacity in anticipation of threat saturation, which may leave some forces closer to the Forward Line of Troops (FLOT) uncovered. This principle ensures that the division’s critical assets remain defended, however such employment requires coordination across brigade boundaries.

DIVAD battalions must also maintain awareness of Brigade Combat Teams’ (BCT) employment of NDST assets within each maneuver brigade. Battery commanders of the DIVAD battalion serve as the subject matter experts in advising each brigade staff on NDST employment, ensuring these assets are properly integrated into the overall air defense plan. This centralized control ensures that valuable short-range air defense assets are employed where they can best support the division’s priorities. NTC 25-03 revealed critical shortfalls in the division’s air defense posture specifically in the suboptimal emplacement of NDSTs. Subordinate units, lacking access to the DIVAD battalion’s comprehensive air picture, failed to emplace NDSTs according to established air defense tenets, ultimately degrading the overall air defense coverage across the division battlespace. This disconnect between the DIVAD battalion’s situational awareness and the tactical emplacement of air defense assets outside of the DIVAD battalion highlights a critical vulnerability. Without informed air defense oversight there is an increased potential for gaps in air defense coverage which could leave critical assets vulnerable to enemy aviation effects.

Although adherence to the guidance of air defense commanders is essential in matters of air defense artillery (ADA) employment, there is a distinction to be drawn between ADA and air defense (AD). ADA primarily refers to the active air defense measures and assets found in ADA formations, such as the SGT Stout MSHORAD system and the Avenger system. Aside from the NDSTs, each BCT also has access to several AD assets that are distinct from ADA. These assets include but are not limited to SMARTSHOOTER, Drone Busters, and even shotguns. In addition to these active air defense measures, all combat formations are capable of exercising passive AD; this includes intentional aerially focused cover and concealment, proper dispersion and movement when able, and appropriate hardening of fixed positions, and engagement techniques such as air guard and the “wall of steel.” It is imperative that maneuver formations account for these skills and techniques as they prepare their forces for the anticipated LSCO environment.

The operational control exercised by the Fire Support Coordinator (FSCOORD) over field artillery battalions provides a valuable framework for optimizing air defense asset employment. By granting the DIVADCOORD similar authority to dynamically re-task air defense batteries and platoons across the division's battlespace, the force can achieve a more agile and responsive air defense posture. Being able to replicate this capability in the emplacement of BCT-organic NDSTs would provide similar enhancements to force protection. The ability to rapidly reposition air defense assets in response to emerging threats is essential for maintaining freedom of maneuver and protecting critical assets in a dynamic battlefield. By adopting a more flexible approach to air defense asset allocation, the division can enhance its survivability and achieve decisive outcomes in large-scale combat operations.

Roles & Responsibilities of Divisional Air Defense:

In a division’s battlespace there are two significant Air Defense entities, the Divisional Air Defense Battalion and the Division Air and Missile Defense Cell (DIV AMD). The DIV AMD cell is an organic section of a division’s G3 shop. Although both entities are responsible for supporting the Air Defense efforts of the division, their respective roles and responsibilities must be clearly delineated. 6-56 ADAR’s experiences in both Combat Training Center (CTC) rotations and Warfighter Exercises have informed the following proposal for such a delineation:

The purpose of the DIVAD battalion, and the DIVADCOORD is to maintain command authority over, and execute, every aspect of the air defense plan in the division battlespace. In a complementary fashion, the DIV AMD cell is responsible for the resourcing of air defense assets to the DIVAD BN and adjacent division coordination while engaging with higher headquarters.

As the senior air defense commander, the commander of the DIVAD battalion must be the highest air defense authority in a division’s battlespace. This alignment would make the DIVAD battalion commander the Division Air Defense Coordinator (DIVADCOORD). Following this pattern, each subordinate air defense battery commander would become the Brigade Air Defense Coordinator (BADCOORD) for each brigade they are assigned to in a general support relationship. Although this relationship is further implied down to each air defense platoon to a maneuver battalion, the Air Defense command concept ceases at the brigade level as this is the lowest command echelon with a holistic situational awareness of the division’s air picture. It is the responsibility of the Air Defense Commander at each echelon to make the appropriate command decisions in the execution of the overall maneuver operation.

Although the DIVADCOORD maintains all command and recommendation authority within the division battlespace, the DIV AMD cell sustains a key role in air defense operations at this echelon. As the primary coordinating authority, the DIV AMD cell is responsible for synchronizing defense designs and boundaries with the air defense forces in adjacent battlespaces. This could include other US Army air defense units within the Corps, as well as foreign partners. Additionally, the DIV AMD cell must communicate with higher echelons regarding the status of the division’s air defense forces and any logistical requirements they may need fulfilled from outside the division.

Another key avenue for cooperation between the DIVADCOORD and the DIV AMD cell exists within sensor and collection management. The DIVADCOORD retains the authority to place and employ the sensors organic to the DIVAD battalion, and the DIVAD staff is equally responsible for coordinating any resulting incidental collection with the Division’s G2. The DIV AMD cell however remains responsible for coordinating intelligence collection from systems and resources outside the division in support of AD-related information requirements.

Despite the DIV AMD’s role in coordination of air defense, assuming C2 or battle-handoff from the DIVADCOORD does not fall under their purview. As a component of the division staff, DIV AMD does not possess the command authority or situational awareness required to effectively execute the air defense plan. In the event that the DIVAD battalion headquarters becomes compromised, the role of the DIVADCOORD falls to a predesignated BADCOORD. Assuming C2 of air defense forces would reduce the DIV AMD capacity for coordination across echelons and undermine their ability to accomplish their primary responsibilities.

While both air defense entities have their own distinct roles, it is the responsibility of the DIVADCOORD and the DIV AMD cell to advise the division commander on air defense matters and to provide an accurate shared understanding of the air picture. The DIVADCOORD staff and the DIV AMD cell must maintain open communication with each other to avoid distorting the tactical and operational air picture for the division commander. Given that both the DIV AMD cell and the DIVADCOORD serve complimentary functions and are equally necessary for the division’s operational success, it is therefore essential that each entity focuses on their role without infringing on the responsibilities of the other.

Conclusion:

The assignment of DIVAD battalions in a general support or direct reporting unit capacity is essential for effective support to maneuver divisions. This relationship maximizes the efficacy of each warfighting function and enables the dynamic task organization of air defense artillery assets based on battlefield conditions. Direct coordination with division staff reduces response times, enhances information sharing, and ensures comprehensive air defense coverage across the division and adjacent battlespaces. As demonstrated through recent integration efforts and exercises between 6-56 ADAR and multiple maneuver divisions, this command relationship in combination with the appropriate distinction between the roles of the DIVADCOORD and the DIV AMD cell provides the flexibility and responsiveness required in modern multi-domain operations. By embracing this organizational structure, the Army can ensure its divisions are postured to effectively counter the evolving aerial threat and enable maneuver commanders to fight and win on today’s battlefield.