Coordinates section activities under supervision of the ATC operations sergeant/officer.
z
Supervises and trains aviation operations specialists.
z
Serves as assistant airfield operations sergeant.
z
Provides flight-planning service to include current publications, maps and charts, NOTAM
displays, and weight and balance forms on each assigned Class 2 aircraft.
z
Prepares work schedules for aviation operations specialists and ensures adequate coverage during peak periods.
z
Ensures section SOP provides for immediate notification of the operations officer if an impending/actual emergency or operations security (OPSEC) violation occurs.
z
Processes reports of unidentified flying objects (such as kites, balloons, model airplanes, and drones).
z
Develops a training program for newly assigned operations personnel.
z
Ensures airfield advisory procedures are established according to FAA Order (FAAO) 7110.10.
z
Ensures ground personnel operating near or on taxiways or runways are thoroughly briefed on two-way radio communication procedures and are familiar with the ATC light signals in the Airman’s Information Manual and FAAO 7110.65.
z
Establishes and maintains a flight information publication (FLIP) account for the airfield according to AR 95-2 (contains information on the establishment and maintenance of a Department of Defense [DOD] FLIP account.).
Aviation Operations Specialist
2-36. The aviation operations specialist—
z
Posts and disseminates NOTAMs.
z
Transmits and records flight data.
z
Advises local control tower on proposed departures and arrivals.
z
Notifies operations sergeant when an arriving flight is overdue, as required by the local SOP.
z
Notifies airfield services of estimated times of arrival and departure, ensuring timely servicing of aircraft.
z
Notifies operations sergeant of arriving and departing very important persons (VIPs) for proper protocol procedures.
z
Disseminates severe weather warnings to appropriate individuals or agencies according to the local SOP.
z
Informs operations sergeant of any OPSEC violations.
z
Inspects the airfield (including runways and taxiways) at least once during the shift for maintenance, police, OPSEC considerations and requirements, and foreign object damage (FOD).
Flight Dispatch Element
2-37. The flight dispatch element consists of two aviation operation sergeants. The flight dispatch element processes flight plans through the combat airspace system or host nation system. It develops and maintains local checklists, logs, and other required documentation to support functional area responsibilities. The element also provides flight planning services to include current publications, maps and charts, NOTAM
displays, and weight and balance forms for Class 2 aircraft. Flight dispatch also develops local instructions for:
z
Inbound and outbound aircraft.
z
Distinguished visitors.
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z
Aircraft requiring special handling (such as air evacuation and hazardous cargo).
z
Airfield restrictions (prior permission required).
z
Crash alarm system.
z
FLIP.
z
In-flight advisories.
z
FOD checks of the airfield at least once per shift.
z
Providing advisory service in the event of ATC facility closure.
z
A training program for newly assigned personnel.
z
Ensuring airfield advisory procedures are established according to FAAO 7110.10.
z
Ensuring ground personnel operating near or on taxiways or runways are briefed thoroughly on two-way radio communication procedures and are familiar with the ATC light signals in the Airman’s Information Manual and FAAO 7110.65.
z
Establishing and maintaining a FLIP account for the airfield according to AR 95-2. (AR 95-2
contains information on the establishment and maintenance of a DOD FLIP account.) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OPERATIONS HEADQUARTERS
2-38. The coordination of ATC procedures and establishment of ATS is the responsibility of the terminal and airspace information services platoons. These elements provide detailed planning for terminal and airspace information services in and out of the area of responsibility (AOR) by developing aviation flight procedures and incorporating them into the theater airspace plan. ATC elements coordinate directly with the airfield management command group, other airfield services organizations, and force protection elements. The ATC operations element—
z
Assists in the development of local airfield procedures.
z
Develops the crash grid map used by airfield responding agencies.
z
Develops the airfield diagram, and identifies/annotates crash response points.
z
Assists in development and publication of the APG.
z
Develops aircraft emergency procedures for both on and off the airfield.
z
Coordinates, assists, and directs emergency crash rescue services.
z
Develops ATC facility training manuals and programs for the airfield assigned. This ensures a comprehensive program of instruction for assigned air traffic controllers, enabling them to become FAA certified as CTOs or ATC specialists.
z
Provides the CTO and/or ATC specialist examiners for those ATC facilities.
z
Initiates the TERPs process if necessary or completes any portion of it to include an emergency recovery procedure in conjunction with tenet aviation unit’s standards officer.
z
Secures and disseminates the ATO/ACO and associated SPINS.
z
Interfaces and coordinates with local AMD.
ATC Operations Officer
2-39. The ATC operations officer—
z
Provides input to local flying rules on aircrew procedures (such as filing of flight plans; use of airfield services; joint use of airspace, airfield facility use, night operation agreements, noise abatement, nap-of-the-earth (NOE) training area rules; and other special interest areas). The input provided by the operations officer is aligned with input provided by the air traffic and airspace (AT&A) officer, ATC chief, and SO.
z
Ensures air traffic control facilities are adequate and are operating within established policies.
z
Develops a preaccident plan in cooperation with the ATC chief/senior sergeant, SO, airfield operations sergeant, flight operations sergeant, and personnel from responding agencies.
z
Acts as AOB commander’s representative to the BDOC.
z
ATC Chief
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2-40. The ATC chief—
z
Supervises and manages all ATC facilities under his control at an airfield, heliport, or field site.
z
Provides liaison on matters of ATC and airspace with the AT&A; DA representative; FAA; major Army commands; local post, camp, or station commander; and representatives of other units, agencies, or commands.
z
Ensures ATC systems are operationally acceptable.
z
Ensures facilities collect and safeguard data on aircraft mishaps, emergencies, or violations.
z
Ensures assigned ATC personnel maintain currency.
z
Ensures facilities conduct training and rating programs according to prescribed regulations.
z
Ensures TERPs data collection and packets are complete and accurate in accordance with technical manual (TM) 95-226.
z
May serve as ATC specialist/CTO examiner in accordance with AR 95-2 and appropriate FAA orders.
z
Provides input to the local flying rules on ATC-related matters.
z
Writes operations letters (OLs), letters of agreement (LOAs), and letters of procedure (LOPs) between ATC, flight operations, and the weather section. These letters establish working agreements between ATC, flight dispatch section, weather section, and other sections with clear delineation of authority and responsibility.
Note: Refer to ATS company section above for AOB communication/navigation maintenance section, and terminal and AIS platoon duties and responsibilities.
THEATER AIRFIELD OPERATION GROUP
COMMAND SECTION
Commander
2-41. The TAOG commander commands, controls, and leads the TAOG. The group commander is responsible for the outcome of his force’s combat actions. The variety and impact of tasks confronting the TAOG commander are unique. Although he commands a brigade-level organization, his focus of employment is at theater level. These tasks require the cooperation of many people and integration of complex systems spanning the joint community. The TAOG commander C2s organic, assigned, or attached forces. These forces must be task-organized to accomplish all specified and implied tasks. The TAOG
commander is responsible for—
z
Analyzing and defining the mission and directing its execution, as well as issuing mission-oriented orders detailing the priority of tasks.
z
Advising senior commanders and providing necessary advice in developing the campaign plan by analyzing the long-term aspects of TAOG employment. The TAOG commander ensures plans and orders are in concert with senior commander intent.
z
Controlling ongoing operations and providing guidance for planning future operations.
z
Assessing staff capabilities and limitations, and training them to execute in his/her absence.
z
Developing and directing a safety and standardization program for peacetime and combat.
Executive Officer
2-42. The executive officer (XO) is the principal assistant to the commander. The scope of the XO’s duties is often tailored by the requirements of the commander. The XO directs, supervises, and ensures coordination of staff work and logistics, except in those specific areas reserved by the commander. The XO
is responsible for—
z
Disciplining the staff’s work and providing quality control.
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z
Understanding commander guidance and intent.
z
Ensuring the staff has information, guidance from the commander, and the required facilities.
z
Determining timelines for the staff, establishing back-brief times and locations, enforcing the information management plan, and providing instructions to guide the staff in the military decision making process.
z
Issuing guidance and participating in formal and informal briefings.
z
Supervising logistics operations and ensuring the sustainment effort.
z
Staying current on the tactical situation in preparation to assume command.
2-43. As staff coordinator and supervisor, the XO—
z
Formulates and announces staff operating policies affecting the command.
z
Ensures the commander and staff are informed.
z
Supervises main command post (CP) operations.
z
Ensures execution of staff tasks and the coordinated efforts of staff members.
z
Ensures the staff performs as a team by assigning specific responsibilities.
z
Transmits commander decisions to the staff and subordinate commanders, when applicable.
Staff members can deal directly with the commander; however, they are obligated to inform the XO of the commander’s instructions or requirements.
z
Establishes and monitors liaison and liaison activities.
z
Supervises the information program.
z
Serves as the materiel readiness officer.
Command Sergeant Major
2-44. The command sergeant major (CSM) acts in the name of the commander and is his primary advisor regarding enlisted Soldiers. The CSM focuses attention on functions critical to the success of the operation.
The CSM assists the commander by—
z
Monitoring NCO development, promotions, and assignments.
z
Identifying, planning, and assessing Soldier training tasks to support the performance of collective (unit) tasks on the METL.
z
Monitoring subordinate unit morale.
z
Providing recommendations and expediting procurement and preparation of enlisted replacements for subordinate units.
z
Monitoring food service and other logistics operations.
z
Undertaking informal investigations.
z
Assisting in controlling group movements.
z
Leading the advance or quartering party during a major movement, coordinating closely with the HHC commander.
z
Performing specific missions as directed by the commander.
Chaplain
2-45. The TAOG chaplain provides unit level religious support to all assigned or attached personnel, including nondenominational coverage and ministry for mass casualties/hospitalized members. The chaplain advises the commander on religious, moral, and Soldier welfare and morale issues. He establishes liaison with unit ministry teams (UMTs) of higher and adjacent units. The chaplain and chaplain's assistant compose the UMT, usually operating from the same location as the S-1.
Medical Treatment Team
2-46. The medical treatment team provides unit-level health support service (HSS) for the TAOG HHC, and medical oversight for subordinate units. The medical treatment team also provides emergency medical treatment, advanced trauma management, and routine sick call services.
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Physican Assistant
2-47. The TAOG physician assistant advises and assists commanders on matters concerning the medical condition of the command, including preventive, curative, and restorative care. The physician assistant conducts flight physicals for unit personnel. He determines requirements for requisition, procurement, storage, maintenance, distribution, management, and documentation of medical equipment and supplies for the HHC. The physician assistant also operates the TAOG aid station normally located in the AA.
COORDINATING STAFF
2-48. The coordinating staff is composed of the commander’s principle assistants responsible for one or a combination of broad fields of interest (personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, planning, and communications). Coordinating staff members assist the commander in the supervision and execution of plans, operations, and activities. Collectively, through the XO, they are accountable for the commander’s entire field of responsibility.
Human Resourse Section
2-49. The S-1 leads the personnel section by coordinating responsibility for finance, religious activities, public affairs, and legal services support for the unit. The S-1 section is normally collocated with the S-4 in the main CP. The S-1 section is responsible for—
z
Human resources matters, including personnel readiness and services.
z
Personnel strength and replacement.
z
Coordinating with the flight surgeon to plan health services.
z
Morale support activities and legal, financial, and postal services.
z
Managing the awards program.
z
Overseeing administration of discipline, law, and order with the provost marshal (if present) and brigade judge advocate.
z
Providing casualty operations management.
Intelligence Section
2-50. The intelligence officer (S-2)/operations officer (S-3) leads the intelligence section, including the tactical CP team. The S-2 is responsible for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. He provides current information and analyzed intelligence for tactical value regarding terrain, weather, and the enemy.
2-51. The S-2 section provides combat intelligence, which includes collecting and processing information.
This section prepares intelligence collection plans; receives and analyzes battlefield information; disseminates intelligence products; and provides up-to-date intelligence information to assist in planning for and coordinating close and rear battle operations. The S-2 staff section also: z
Coordinates intelligence activities.
z
Converts the information requirements of the commander into the command critical information report.
z
Facilitates the IPB process.
z
Assists development of the deployment support team.
z
Frequently updates the commander and staff on the enemy situation.
z
Maintains isolated personnel reports.
Operations Section
2-52. The S-3/S-2 is responsible for the organization, employment, training, and operations of the TAOG
and its supporting elements. The S-3 plans, organizes, and supervises unit training and integrates supporting elements. The S-3 monitors the battle, ensures necessary maneuver support assets are provided, and anticipates developing situations.
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2-53. The operations section provides planning and task organization of brigade elements for combat operations, including personnel recovery. The S-3 section maintains routine reporting, coordinates the activities of liaison personnel, and plans proactively. The S-3 section, through the communications-electronics section (S-6), ensures procedures are in place to resolve complexities posed by different communications systems, ABCS, and connectivity. The S-3 section maintains close coordination with the S-4 and S-1 for TAOG logistics and personnel status.
Chemical Officer
2-54. The chemical officer advises the commander on CBRN operations, decontamination, smoke, obscurants, and flame. The chemical officer works directly for the S-3 and integrates CBRN into all aspects of operations. The chemical officer may have other S-3 section responsibilities and can act as an assistant S-3 or battle captain when directed.
Chemical Noncommissioned Officer
2-55. The chemical NCO provides advice to the commander and staff on CBRN defense matters, decontamination, equipment maintenance, CBRN reconnaissance, and support contingency requirements.
Airspace Management Officer
2-56. The airspace management officer serves as AT&A officer of units whose mission impacts the national airspace or host national airspace. The AT&A officer—
z
Represents the airfield commander on all airspace-related matters. Examples include joint-use airspace, special-use airspace, altitude restrictions, restricted areas, range restrictions, training areas, areas of overlapping control for ATC purposes, and joint service agreements.
z
Provides input to local flying rules on airspace-related matters.
z
Maintains liaison with local FAA and/or host government agencies.
Air Traffic Control Officer
2-57. The ATC officer—
z
Advises subordinate units on local flying rules on aircrew procedures (such as filing of flight plans, use of airfield services and facilities, joint use of airspace, night operations agreements, noise abatement, NOE training area rules, and special interest areas). Input provided by the operations officer is aligned with that provided by the AT&A officer, ATC chief, and SO.
z
Compiles airfield information from subordinate units for theater APG publication and dissemination.
z
Ensures airfield facilities are adequate and kept in good repair.
z
Assists subordinate units with development of JIIM and host nation agreements.
z
Ensures submission and dissemination of airfield NOTAMs.
z
Interfaces with division, corps, Army A2C2 elements and appropriate joint element when supporting another service.
Air Traffic and Airspace Management Technician
2-58. The air traffic and airspace management technician (ATASM) is a MOS 150A warrant officer with a thorough knowledge of procedures and standards for the separation and control of aircraft, airports, and airspace. The ATASM—
z
Reviews, revises, and processes TERPs packets; schedules flight inspections, and assists in the certification process of associated NAVAIDs and facilities.
z
Assists in the development and revision of control zones, restricted areas, transition areas, and other special use airspace.
z
Serves as the air traffic and airspace representative during the initial planning phases of missions and exercises.
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Chapter 2
z
Serves as the standardization officer in the TAOG air traffic and airspace standardization office.
z
Serves as the airspace subject matter expert for ATC operations/airspace during the establishment of corps, theater airfields.
z
Provides guidance, advice, and counsel to commanders and staff members.
z
Analyzes Army ATC/aviation accidents to assist determining causative factors.
z
Performs the functions of the ATS standardization officer in the S-3 staff.
z
Serves as assistant principle staff officer for all matters concerning training, operations and plans, and force development and modernization.
z
Provides technical assistance on airfield and airspace matters; initiates recommendations for modifications and elaborations on policy and procedures; provides guidance, advice, and counsel to commanders and staff members.
z
Provides guidance and technical input to subordinate ATC element and other staff elements and commanders at all levels.
z
Provides operational guidance and technical input to joint interface control officers to ensure ATS requirements are coordinated for tactical data information links (TADILs) and the operational tasking data link.
z
Provides technical subject matter expertise for networking and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance connectivity, troubleshooting, and system administration in coordination with the TAOG signal support systems chief and supported unit
S-6/general staff communications-electronics officer personnel.
Air Traffic Control Operations Chief
2-59. The ATC operations chief—
z
Supervises all ATC activities on and around the airfield, including notifying the flight operations branch of outages in navigational or communication systems so aircrews operating in the area can be informed.
z
Provides input to local flying rules on ATC-related matters.
z
Writes OLs, LOAs, and LOPs between ATC, flight operations, and the weather section. These letters establish working agreements when clear delineation of authority and responsibility is required.
Air Traffic Services Standardization Element
2-60. The air traffic services standardization element (ATSSE) is a unique organizational design of the TAOG. This section provides oversight, technical expertise, standardization to Army airfields at theater level and quality assurance for training and certification of controllers and ATS maintenance personnel. It develops special use airspace for restricted areas, transition areas and control zones. The ATSSE serves as the primary staff coordinator for ATS matters within the theater area. The element is capable of splitting into two teams, with the warrant officer and NCOIC serving respectively as supervisors of one team each.
Two teams are included for modularity and support of five AOBs employed across a wide geographical area throughout the theater.
Safety Officer
2-61. See AOB safety officer section above for duties and responsibilities.
Logistics Section
2-62. The S-4 provides supervision and coordination of food service, supply, transportation, and maintenance support for the TAOG. S-4 section responsibilities include—
z
Recommending basic loads and supply requirements.
z
Recommending the ammunition required supply rate to the S-3.
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Command and Control
z
Coordinatin