4.
The Electromagnetic Environment.
a. That battles are won depends in large part to the degree of C2
the commander exercises. Radio is the primary means for carrying out
C2.
The battlefield's electromagnetic dimension is where a unique
form of warfare occurs. Friendly units strive to exploit the use of
the electromagnetic spectrum, while denying its use to an enemy.
b. A battlefield is an extremely violent and exceedingly dense
signal environment, with many devices producing signals.
A single
U.S. division engaged in combat will have over 3,000 communications
emitters working. In addition, thousands of enemy emitters and non-
communications emitters (radars, jammers, etc.) are propagating
signals. This vast amount of electronic equipment causes a saturated
frequency spectrum.
c. Communications systems are threatened by physical damage and
enemy jamming. Friendly emitters may be targeted by enemy intercept
or direction finding. Once an enemy gets an electronic fix, he can
quickly target friendly forces with artillery and air assets.
A
battlefield saturated with signals is not very user-friendly. There
is much interference and many unpredictable outcomes due to this
messy environment, this electromagnetic "soup." Our forces must be
able to operate with minimum communications.
They must plan to
continue operations without radio.
Alternate means (messenger,
visual
signals,
etc.)
must
be
practiced
to
enhance
combat
effectiveness.
Another practice is to reduce the dependence on
radio. Too many voice messages relate to aspects of operations that
should be addressed during the planning stage.
Proper planning and
coordination result in fewer calls being made to inquire about what
is to be done. To effectively counter EW in combat, we must make it
a continuing part of our combat preparations.
SS0134
2-10
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