FM 3-36
ELECTRONIC WARFARE IN OPERATIONS
February 2009
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
FM 3-36
Field Manual
Headquarters
No. 3-36
Department of the Army
Washington, DC, 25 February 2009
Electronic Warfare in Operations
Contents
PREFACE
.............................................................................................................
iv
Chapter 1
ELECTRONIC WARFARE OVERVIEW ............................................................ 1-1
Operational Environments .................................................................................. 1-1
Information and the Electromagnetic Spectrum ................................................. 1-1
Divisions of Electronic Warfare .......................................................................... 1-4
Activities and Terminology ................................................................................. 1-7
Summary .......................................................................................................... 1-12
Chapter 2
ELECTRONIC WARFARE IN FULL SPECTRUM OPERATIONS ................... 2-1
The Role of Electronic Warfare .......................................................................... 2-1
The Application of Electronic Warfare ................................................................ 2-3
Summary ............................................................................................................ 2-7
Chapter 3
ELECTRONIC WARFARE ORGANIZATION .................................................... 3-1
Organizing Electronic Warfare Operations ......................................................... 3-1
Planning and Coordinating Electronic Warfare Activities ................................... 3-4
Summary ............................................................................................................ 3-6
Chapter 4
ELECTRONIC WARFARE AND THE OPERATIONS PROCESS .................... 4-1
Section I — Electronic Warfare Planning ....................................................... 4-1
The Military Decisionmaking Process ................................................................ 4-2
Decisionmaking in a Time-Constrained Environment ........................................ 4-9
The Integrating Processes and Continuing Activities ....................................... 4-10
Employment Considerations ............................................................................ 4-15
Section II — Electronic Warfare Preparation ............................................... 4-19
Section III — Electronic Warfare Execution ................................................. 4-19
Section IV — Electronic Warfare Assessment ............................................ 4-20
Summary .......................................................................................................... 4-21
Chapter 5
COORDINATION, DECONFLICTION, AND SYNCHRONIZATION ................. 5-1
Coordination and Deconfliction .......................................................................... 5-1
Synchronization .................................................................................................. 5-5
Summary ............................................................................................................ 5-5
Distribution Restriction: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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Contents
Chapter 6
INTEGRATION WITH JOINT AND MULTINATIONAL OPERATIONS ............. 6-1
Joint Electronic Warfare Operations ................................................................... 6-1
Multinational Electronic Warfare Operations ...................................................... 6-4
Summary ............................................................................................................. 6-6
Chapter 7
ELECTRONIC WARFARE CAPABILITIES ....................................................... 7-1
Service Electronic Warfare Capabilities .............................................................. 7-1
External Support Agencies and Activities ........................................................... 7-1
Summary ............................................................................................................. 7-3
Appendix A
THE ELECTROMAGNETIC ENVIRONMENT ................................................... A-1
Appendix B
ELECTRONIC WARFARE INPUT TO OPERATION PLANS AND ORDERS . B-1
Appendix C
ELECTRONIC WARFARE RUNNING ESTIMATE ........................................... C-1
Appendix D
ELECTRONIC WARFARE-RELATED REPORTS AND MESSAGES ............. D-1
Appendix E
ARMY AND JOINT ELECTRONIC WARFARE CAPABILITIES ...................... E-1
Appendix F
TOOLS AND RESOURCES RELATED TO ELECTRONIC WARFARE ........... F-1
GLOSSARY
.......................................................................................... Glossary-1
REFERENCES
.................................................................................. References-1
INDEX
.........................................................................................................
Index-1
Figures
Figure 1-1. The electromagnetic spectrum ...................................................................... 1-2
Figure 1-2. Electromagnetic spectrum targets ................................................................. 1-3
Figure 1-3. The three subdivisions of electronic warfare ................................................. 1-4
Figure 1-4. Means versus effects .................................................................................. 1-12
Figure 2-1. Electronic warfare weight of effort during operations .................................... 2-2
Figure 3-1. Electronic warfare coordination organizational framework ........................... 3-2
Figure 4-1. The operations process ................................................................................. 4-1
Figure 4-2. Example of analysis for an enemy center of gravity ...................................... 4-3
Figure 4-3. Course of action development ....................................................................... 4-5
Figure 4-4. Course of action comparison ......................................................................... 4-8
Figure 4-5. Integrating processes and continuing activities........................................... 4-10
Figure 4-6. Electronic warfare support to intelligence preparation of the battlefield ..... 4-11
Figure 4-7. Electronic warfare in the targeting process ................................................. 4-13
Figure 5-1. Spectrum deconfliction procedures ............................................................... 5-3
Figure 6-1. Joint frequency management coordination ................................................... 6-3
Figure 6-2. Electronic warfare support request coordination ........................................... 6-4
Figure A-1. The electromagnetic spectrum ..................................................................... A-2
Figure B-1. Appendix 4 (Electronic Warfare) to annex P (Information Operations)
instructions .................................................................................................. B-2
Figure C-1. Example of an electronic warfare running estimate .................................... C-2
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Contents
Figure C-2. Sample update information to the electronic warfare running estimate ....... C-3
Figure E-1. Guardrail common sensor ............................................................................ E-2
Figure E-2. Aerial common sensor (concept) .................................................................. E-2
Figure E-3. Prophet (vehicle-mounted) ........................................................................... E-3
Figure E-4. AN/MLQ-36A mobile electronic warfare support system ............................. E-5
Figure E-5. EA-6B Prowler .............................................................................................. E-6
Figure E-6. EC-130H Compass Call ............................................................................... E-8
Figure E-7. RC-135V/W Rivet Joint ................................................................................. E-9
Figure E-8. Navy EA-6B Prowler ................................................................................... E-10
Figure E-9. EA-18 Growler ............................................................................................ E-11
Tables
Table 2-1. Two Army information tasks: command and control warfare and
information protection .................................................................................. 2-4
Table 2-2. Electronic warfare support to two Army information tasks ............................. 2-5
Table 3-1. Functions of electronic warfare working groups ............................................ 3-3
Table 4-1. Sample input to synchronization matrix ......................................................... 4-7
Table A-1. Radio and radar designators and frequency bands ...................................... A-3
Table E-1. Army and joint electronic warfare capabilities ............................................. E-13
Table E-2. Electronic warfare systems and platforms resources .................................. E-14
This publication is available at
Army Knowledge Online (AKO) (www.us.army.mil)
and the Reimer Digital Library (RDL) at
(www.adtdl.army.mil)
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Preface
PURPOSE
FM 3-36 provides Army doctrine for electronic warfare (EW) planning, preparation, execution, and assessment in support of full spectrum operations. Users of FM 3-36 must be familiar with full spectrum operations established in FM 3-0; the military decisionmaking process established in FM 5-0; the operations process established in FMI 5-0.1; commander’s visualization described in FM 6-0; and electronic warfare described in JP 3-13.1.
SCOPE
FM 3-36 is organized into seven chapters and six appendixes. Each chapter addresses a major aspect of Army EW operations. The appendixes address aspects of EW operations that complement the operational doctrine. A glossary contains selected terms.
• Chapter 1 discusses the nature and scope of electronic warfare and the impact of the electromagnetic environment on Army operations.
• Chapter 2 offers a discussion of EW support to full spectrum operations, combat power, the warfighting functions, and information tasks.
• Chapter 3 introduces the organizational framework for command and control of EW operations.
• Chapter 4 describes how commanders integrate EW operations throughout the operations process.
• Chapter 5 discusses the coordination required to synchronize and deconflict EW operations effectively.
• Chapter 6 provides the baseline for integrating EW operations into joint and multinational operations.
• Chapter 7 discusses the enabling activities that support EW operations, such as command and control, intelligence, logistics, technical support and EW training.
• Appendix A discusses the electromagnetic environment.
• Appendix B illustrates an EW appendix to an operation order.
• Appendix C illustrates an EW running estimate.
• Appendix D discusses EW related reports and messages.
• Appendix E offers a reference guide to Army and joint EW capabilities.
• Appendix F discusses EW-related tools and resources.
APPLICABILITY
FM 3-36 provides guidance on EW operations for commanders and staffs at all echelons. This FM serves as an authoritative reference for personnel who—
• Develop doctrine (fundamental principles and tactics, techniques, and procedures), materiel, and force structure.
• Develop institutional and unit training.
• Develop standing operating procedures for unit operations.
• Conduct planning, preparation, execution and assessment of electronic warfare.
FM 3-36 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated.
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ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Headquarters, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, is the proponent for this publication. The preparing agency is the U.S. Army Electronic Warfare Proponent, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. Send written comments and recommendations on a DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, ATTN: ATZL-CSB-EW
(FM 3-36), 950 Bluntville Lane, Building 391, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-2337; by e-mail to usacewpops@conus.army.mil; or submit an electronic DA Form 2028.
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Chapter 1
Electronic Warfare Overview
This chapter provides an overview of electronic warfare and the conceptual
foundation that leaders require to understand the electromagnetic environment and its impact on Army operations.
OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS
1-1. An operational environment is a composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander (JP 3-0). An operational environment includes physical areas—the air, land, maritime, and space domains. It also includes the information that shapes the operational environment as well as enemy, adversary, friendly, and neutral systems relevant to a joint operation. Joint planners analyze operational environments in terms of six interrelated operational variables: political, military, economic, social, information, and infrastructure. To these variables Army doctrine adds two more: physical environment and time. (See FM 3-0 for additional information on the operational variables). Army leaders use operational variables to understand and analyze the broad environment in which they are conducting operations.
1-2. Army leaders use mission variables to synthesize operational variables and tactical-level information with local knowledge about conditions relevant to their mission. They use mission variables to focus analysis on specific elements that directly affect their mission. Upon receipt of a warning order or mission, Army tactical leaders narrow their focus to six mission variables known as METT-TC. They are mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available and civil considerations. The mission variables outline the situation as it applies to a specific Army unit.
1-3. Commanders employ and integrate their unit’s capabilities and actions within their operational environment to achieve a desired end state. Through analyzing their operational environment, commanders understand how the results of friendly, adversary, and neutral actions may impact that end state. During military operations, both friendly and enemy commanders depend on the flow of information to make informed decisions. This flow of information depends on the electronic systems and devices used to communicate, navigate, sense, store, and process information.
INFORMATION AND THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
1-4. Commanders plan for and operate electronic systems and the weapon systems that depend on them in an intensive and nonpermissive electromagnetic environment. They ensure the flow of information required for their decisionmaking. (Appendix A further discusses the electromagnetic environment.) Within the electromagnetic environment, electronic systems and devices operate in the electromagnetic spectrum. (See figure 1-1, page 1-2.)
1-5. The electromagnetic spectrum has been used for commercial and military applications for over a century. However, the full potential for its use as the primary enabler of military operations is not yet fully appreciated. New technologies are expanding beyond the traditional radio frequency spectrum. They include high-power microwaves and directed-energy weapons. These new technologies are part of an electronic warfare (EW) revolution by military forces. Just as friendly forces leverage the electromagnetic spectrum to their advantage, so do capable enemies use the electromagnetic spectrum to threaten friendly force operations. The threat is compounded by the growth of a wireless world and the increasingly sophisticated use of commercial off-the-shelf technologies.
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Chapter 1
Figure 1-1. The electromagnetic spectrum
1-6. Adversaries and enemies, from small and single actors to large state, multinational, and nonstate actors, use the most modern technology. Such technology is moving into the cellular and satellite communications area. Most military and commercial operations rely on electromagnetic technologies and are susceptible to the inherent vulnerabilities associated with their use. This reliance requires Army forces to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum (within their operational environment) with the same authority that they dominate traditional land warfare operations. Emerging electromagnetic technologies offer expanded EW capabilities. They dynamically affect the electromagnetic spectrum through delivery and integration with other types of emerging weapons and capabilities. Examples are directed-energy weapons, high-powered microwaves, lasers, infrared, and electro-optical and wireless networks and devices.
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Electronic Warfare Overview
1-7. In any conflict, commanders attempt to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum. They do this by locating, targeting, exploiting, disrupting, degrading, deceiving, denying, or destroying the enemy’s electronic systems that support military operations or deny the spectrum’s use by friendly forces. The increasing portability and affordability of sophisticated electronic equipment guarantees that the electromagnetic environment in which forces operate will become even more complex. To ensure unimpeded access to and use of the electromagnetic spectrum, commanders plan, prepare, execute, and assess EW operations against a broad set of targets within the electromagnetic spectrum. (See figure 1-2.) Figure 1-2. Electromagnetic spectrum targets
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Chapter 1
DIVISIONS OF ELECTRONIC WARFARE
1-8. Electronic warfare is defined as military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy. Electronic warfare consists of three divisions: electronic attack, electronic protection, and electronic warfare support (JP 3-13.1). (See figure 1-3.)
Figure 1-3. The three subdivisions of electronic warfare
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Electronic Warfare Overview
ELECTRONIC ATTACK
1-9. Electronic attack is a division of electronic warfare involving the use of electromagnetic energy, directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat capability and is considered a form of fires (JP 3-13.1). Electronic attack includes—
z
Actions taken to prevent or reduce an enemy’s effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as jamming and electromagnetic deception.
z
Employment of weapons that use either electromagnetic or directed energy as their primary destructive mechanism (lasers, radio frequency weapons, particle beams).
z
Offensive and defensive activities including countermeasures.
1-10. Common types of electronic attack include spot, barrage, and sweep electromagnetic jamming.
Electronic attack actions also include various electromagnetic deception techniques such as false target or duplicate target generation. (See paragraphs 1-23 to 1-31 for further discussion of electronic attack activities.)
1-11. Directed energy is an umbrella term covering technologies that relate to the production of a beam of concentrated electromagnetic energy or atomic or subatomic particles (JP 1-02). A directed-energy weapon uses directed energy primarily as a direct means to damage or destroy an enemy’s equipment, facilities, and personnel. In addition to destructive effects, directed-energy weapon systems support area denial and crowd control. (See appendix A for more information on directed energy.)
1-12. Examples of offensive electronic attack include—