Strategic Air Defense Processors
Command and control and computer systems elements of strategic air defense systems are embodied by the R/SOCC with the FYQ-93 computer processor and associated display devices. Figure 2-5 depicts the number and projected operational life of battle management systems within the air defense architecture. The FYQ-X is the expected replacement for the FYQ-93 under the Region/Sector Operations Control Center (R/SOCC) Modernization program, the exact nomenclature has not been determined. Similarly, the HMD-X is the expected display system replacement under the R/SOCC Modernization program, its nomenclature has not been determined.
Track reporting provides significant air activity information to the NMCC and CINCNORAD through the NORAD Air Defense Operations Center (ADOC). The information is essential for the proper execution of NORAD's mission of warning and attack assessment, air sovereignty and air defense. In addition, the information is used for operational and intelligence analysis, as well as being up-channeled to appropriate agencies. Accurate and expeditious reporting is essential. RAOC/SAOC file reports on reportable tracks within their AOR. Reportable tracks are Unknown, Special, Hostile/Faker, and any track believed to be a possible threat, regardless of classification. SAOCs will file reports on tracks detected by E-3, OTHR systems, or sensors under another non-NORAD agency control (e.g. JAITF-W) when the track enters the SAOC's AOR.
CINCNORAD requires all information which provides warning of a hostile attack to include Electronic Attack (EA) degradation of any portion of the C3 system where such degradation impedes or prevents NORAD forces from locating a hostile attack and/or conducting the air battle. The detection of EA may be the first indication of an attack. The direction of an attacking force may be determined from the azimuth of the hostile jamming.
Operational Reports (OPREP) provides all echelons of command with essential information on the planning, initiation, termination, and results of military operations. Additionally, the system provides for the reporting of any event or incident which may attract national level interest, whether or not it is related to possible military involvement.
The OPREP consists of:
- OPREP-1 Operations Planning Report used to describe planned operations for specific situations.
- Operations Start Report (OPREP-2) are start reports.
- OPREP-3 Event or Incident Report is considered a special and separate report and is discussed in chapter 5 in detail. All references to the OPREP system in the remainder of this chapter refer to OPREPs 1, 2, 4, and 5.
- OPREP-4 Operations Stop and Results Report advise of completion of an operation or phase and the results or estimated results. This could apply to intercept results or an operations plan.
- OPREP-5 Operations Summary Report reports provide summarized data and are used only as required.
The OPREP-3 is the single vehicle for the joint reporting of events or incidents to the National Military Command Center (NMCC) and the Canadian National Defense Headquarters (NDHQ). OPREP-3 reports use command and control channels to notify commanders immediately of any event or incident which may attract international, national, US Air Force, or significant news media interest. The report is established to provide time-sensitive information on which to base an appropriate response to any significant event or incident that has occurred or is in progress.
OPREP-3 reports categorize events or incidents according to their nature. Flagwords associated with each category aid prompt transmission, processing, and distribution of the reports by alerting people to their importance.
- PINNACLE (OPREP-3P). This report provides information to the National Command Authorities, NMCC, and appropriate commanders on any incident or event of national level interest which does not require notification using other OPREP-3 reports.
- PINNACLE NUCFLASH (OPREP-3PNF). This reports the actual or possible detonation of a US nuclear weapon which may cause the outbreak of a nuclear war. This report has the highest precedence in the OPREP-3 reporting structure.
- PINNACLE FRONT BURNER (OPREP-3PFB). This reports any attack on North America or harassment of NORAD forces.
- PINNACLE BROKEN ARROW (OPREP-3PBA). This reports an accidental event involving nuclear weapons or nuclear components but does not create a risk of nuclear war.
- BEELINE (OPREP-3B). This report provides information on any incident or event where US Air Force level interest is indicated but not requiring an OPREP-3 PINNACLE report. Although the report normally remains within US Air Force channels, commanders may add other addressees, as appropriate, to avoid duplicate reporting.
- BENT SPEAR (OPREP-3BS), and FADED GIANT (OPREP-3FG). These are service requirements which are reported through service chains of command.
- HOMELINE (OPREP-3H). This report provides information on any incident or event with MAJCOM level interest indicated but not requiring OPREP-3 Pinnacle or Beeline reporting. Regions may identify Homeline reporting requirements in their supplements.
Sources and Resources
http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/airdef/processor.htm
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Updated Tuesday, June 29, 1999 5:25:49 PM
