"Series Number"

AFSPCHOI10-3

BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER
AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND

15 April 1996

"Series Title"

Operations

"Long Title - Type In All Capital Letters"

HEADQUARTERS REVIEW OF UNIT SORTS DATA

This headquarters operating instruction (HOI) provides policies, procedures, and responsibilities for reviewing unit Status of Resources and Training System (SORTS) data. It applies to all HQ AFSPC staff functional areas who manage units required to report SORTS.

1. References:

1.1. Secretary of Defense Memorandum, Forces for Unified Commands (Forces For). A copy is maintained by XPX.

1.2. Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Memorandum of Policy Number Eleven, SORTS (CJCS MOP 11). A copy is maintained by DOCP.

1.3. JP1-03.3, Joint Reporting Structure, Status of Resources and Training System (SORTS). A copy is maintained by DOCP.

1.4. AFI10-201, Status of Resources and Training Systems (SORTS). Each functional manager will maintain a copy.

1.5. AFI10-201AFSPC1. Each functional manager will maintain a copy.

1.6. AFP55-41, Commanders SORTS Handbook. Each functional manager will maintain a copy.

2. Terms Defined:

2.1. DOC Statements. Full name is Designed Operational Capability (DOC) Statements. Its purpose is to give the measured unit a single reference of SORTS measurement criteria. The SORTS measurement criteria are based on the resources and training required to undertake the full wartime mission(s) for which the unit is organized or designed (definition of C-1).

2.2. Functional Area Manager (FAM). The individual or designated agency responsible for the management and planning of all personnel and equipment within a specific functional discipline.

2.3. Measured Unit. This is the unit named on DOC Statements (also referred to as Reporting Unit.)

2.4. Reporting Unit. See Measured Unit

2.5. SORTS. Status of Resources and Training System. SORTS is a family of computer databases and a report system to update them.
a report system to update them.

3. General. SORTS is established by CJCS MOP 11 and fulfills requirements put forth in the "Forces For" (see paragraph 3.1). The reporting of resources and training status falls under services' role to organize, train, and equip forces for use by combatant commanders. SORTS provides a major indicator of unit readiness and is not a measure of combat capability. Note: SORTS does not measure some key readiness factors such as unit morale and leadership. Readiness is only one pillar of military capability. The other pillars are Force Structure, Sustainability, and Modernization.

3.1. From the "Forces For:"

3.1.1. "Some or parts of the forces assigned may not be able to undertake their full wartime missions because of training deficiencies, shortages of equipment or personnel, maintenance problems, or inadequacies related to reorganization or reequipping. Units are required to notify their services through proper channels when they will not be available or are not adequately resourced or trained to undertake the full wartime mission for which they are organized or designed. The services will, in turn, notify the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the CINCs."

3.2. The definition of C-1 reflects the "Forces For" requirement from paragraph 3.1. From CJCS MOP 11:

3.2.1. "Unit possesses the required resources and is trained to undertake the full wartime mission(s) for which it is organized or designed. The resource and training area status will neither limit flexibility in methods for mission accomplishment nor increase vulnerability of unit personnel and equipment. The unit does not require any compensation for deficiencies."

3.3 Review authority from CJCS MOP 11:

3.3.1. "Although not authorized to change the reported levels or delay submission of a report, commanders at a level above a reporting unit have the opportunity to review SORTS reports of subordinates and submit remarks, as applicable, on a unit's status and on their ability to assist the measured unit."

3.4. Organizing, Training, and Equipping Tasks from JP1-03.3:

3.4.1. "By the Defense Reorganization Act of 1958, the Military Departments have the following functions: recruit; organize; train; equip; supply; service; maintain; mobilize; demobilize; construct, outfit, and repair equipment; and construct, maintain, and repair buildings. In support of these tasks, SORTS will provide the ability to: Focus higher level management attention on problems resistant to normal solution. Confirm shortfalls in acquisition of equipment and supplies by unit. Confirm personnel shortfalls identified by other means. Confirm problems in the distribution of personnel and equipment amongunits. Monitor correction to previously identified problems."

3.5. Report Card. Many of the factors measured in SORTS are beyond the measured unit commander's ability to influence the unit resource and training status.

3.5.1. From CJCS MOP 11:

3.5.1.1. "SORTS is not to be used in any capacity as input for the performance appraisal of the unit or the unit commander."

3.5.2. From AFP55-41 (Under Revision):

3.5.2.1. "The SORTS report is not to be used as a commander's report card."

4. HQ AFSPC Monthly SORTS Review:

4.1. Purpose of the MAJCOM Review. HQ USAF delegates/shares functional management responsibilities for units with MAJCOMs. SORTS is a HQ AFSPC metric for this process. The purpose of review of unit SORTS data is to:

4.1.1. Apprise the commander and staff of the readiness of AFSPC units.

4.1.2. Identify deficiencies that fall within the MAJCOM purview to resolve and establish appropriate resolution actions.

4.1.3. Identify deficiencies that require HQ USAF assistance to resolve and solicit Air Staff assistance for resolution.

4.1.4. Identify trends within the MAJCOM which may not be apparent below the MAJCOM level.

4.1.5. Assist the wing and units in determining realistic get well dates when problems or deficiencies are beyond their control.

4.2. HQ AFSPC Monthly Review Procedures:

4.2.1. The fourth Thursday of each month is set aside for the monthly SORTS briefing. This briefing is presented by DOC, and briefed to the CC and CV. If the CC is unable to attend, the briefing will be chaired by the CV. Read ahead copies of the monthly SORTS briefing are provided to CC and CV. The CV briefing and Directorate pre-briefings are adjusted accordingly to the flow of the briefing activity calendar.

4.2.2. The briefing is also attended by the applicable directorates or their representatives. Directorates explain unit shortfalls and the planned corrective action to the chairperson. Other functional area representatives are encouraged to attend as seating allows.

4.2.3. Briefings are classified SECRET NOFORN IAW CJCS MOP 11.

5. Procedures for Building and Preparing for the Monthly SORTS Briefing:

5.1. DOCP schedules the CC and CV SORTS briefings a month in advance. The 2-ltr offices are notified by E-Mail via the functional managers/secretaries. DO, SC, and XP are notified in person or by phone call to the directorate secretary.

5.2. Unit monthly SORTS reports are due the first duty day of the month.

5.3. Once all units have reported, DOCP provides SORTS "easy-read" products to the applicable staff functional managers on the 4th duty day, and begins to develop the monthly briefing. FAMs use "easyreads" to begin preparation for the briefing.

5.4. FAM comments are due to DOC NLT 1200L on the 8th duty day of the month.

5.5. The 9th duty day of the month, SORTS briefing slides are produced by DOCP and provided to the FAMs to prepare for the director pre-brief which is held on or before the 11th duty day.

5.6. Slides will be updated the 12th duty day of the month, and copies provided to FAMs and OPRs.

5.7. DOCP provides a monthly SORTS calendar to FAMs detailing, by duty day, activities required to be accomplished for the monthly briefing.

6. DOC Responsibilities:

6.1. DOC ensures units submit monthly reports according to schedule.
6.2. DOCP ensures SORTS "easy-read" products and MAJCOM historical data are available to all FAMs.

7. Classification. All information related to SORTS as it pertains to one unit is classified at least Confidential, unless other wise indicated. SORTS data pertaining to two or more units is classified a minimum of Secret, unless otherwise indicated. Aggregated SORTS data at the higher headquarters (NAF and above) level, that does not reveal functional shortfalls has been declassified. It is the responsibility of the individual(s) to safeguard this information. Canadian service members may only view SORTS information of units assigned to NORAD. (IAW CJCS MOP 11)

8. Functional Area Managers:

8.1. Review the SORTS products and work with staff agencies, HQ USAF, wings, and groups to resolve deficiencies.

8.2. Coordinate with wings to ensure establishment of realistic get well dates for reporting in unit SORTS. Changes in get well dates are monitored and reported in the monthly SORTS briefing. These dates are listed on the unit slide with the original date, followed by any additional dates as applicable. The most current date is depicted in red.

8.3. Brief their director on or before the director pre-brief depicted on the calendar. Any changes to the staff comments as a result of this briefing must be forwarded to DOCP immediately.

8.4. Determine the OPR that will be responsible for talking to the applicable data listed on the SORTS slides. It is recommended that the remarks given under the OPR designation come from the agency briefing the slide at the briefing. This may be the FAM or another functional area, close coordination between the FAM and the selected OPR is essential.

8.5. Responsible for coordinated remarks listed below the OPR designator. No changes are to be made to the units remarks listed above the OPR designation by anyone other than the unit.

8.6. Provide directorates with DOCP produced slide products to be addressed at the monthly briefing.

8.7. Coordination of SORTS data is continuous process. Pro-active management is required to ensure the most current data is briefed on a monthly basis. Each functional area must have a minimum of two individuals trained to handle SORTS issues.

9. Briefing Slides:

9.1. DOCP compiles unit data and produces the SORTS slides.

9.2. Each unit having any measured area or forecast falling below C-1 will be depicted on a bubble chart. Each C-level has been assigned a specific color they are as follows:

9.2.1. C-1 - green

9.2.2. C-2 - yellow

9.2.3. C-3 - orange

9.2.4. C-4 - red.

9.2.5. C-5 - blue.

9.2.6. C-6 - white.

9.3. A unit that is C-1, assessed C-1, or only has forecasted areas rated less than C-1, will be counted as C-1 on the Operations and Support slides.

9.4. Commander's assessments must be supported by remarks. Commanders may assess more than 1 level above or below numerical indicators.

10. Staff Functional Area, and Managers:

10.1. Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN): DOOS.

10.2. Aviation: DOOH.

10.3. Civil Engineering: CEPX.

10.4. Communications: SCM.

10.5. Contracting: LGC

10.6. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM): DOOM.

10.7. Manpower: XPM.

10.8. Medical: SGA.

10.9. Missile Warning: DOOO.

10.10. Services: SVX.

10.11. PERSCO: DPA.

10.12. Range: DOOL.

10.13. Satellite Missions (less Space Surveillance): DOOS.

10.14. Security Police: SPOT.

10.15. SORTS System: DOCP.

10.16. Spacelift: DOOL.

10.17. Space Surveillance: DOYO.

10.18. Supply: LGSR.

10.19. Weather: DOOW.

10.20. Transportation: LGTX.

11. Distribution of Unit SORTS Data. Unit SORTS data are distributed to the Joint Staff, HQ USAF, all Unified CINC, and Air Force Components.

DONALD G. COOK, Brigadier General, USAF
Director of Operations

Attachment
1. Monthly SORTS Briefing Schedule

MONTHLY SORTS SCHEDULE

1. Read ahead to CV, Read-ahead to CC, and CC SORTS Brief may move to meet 2-Ltr schedules.

2. Calendar days thru and including the 18th day of the month are rigid.
1st DD
2nd DD
3rd DD
4th DD
5th DD
6th DD
7th DD

Unit SORTS data due NLT 0800L
SORTS data cut-off Easyreads distributed to FAMs
8th DD 9th DD 10th DD 11th DD 12th DD 13th DD 14th DD
FAM comments due to DOC NLT 1200L SORTS briefing slides produced and provided to FAMs
Last day for directorate Pre-briefs Discs mailed to 14th and 20th AF

15th DD 16th DD 17th DD 18th DD
Slides updated, copies provided to FAMs and OPRs
CC brief is normally scheduled for the fourth Thursday of the month, the CV brief is scheduled between the Do and CC briefs