PART B - ELECTRONIC WARFARE SUPPORT
8.
Electronic warfare components. EW uses electromagnetic energy to determine, exploit, reduce,
or prevent enemy use of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is also action taken to retain friendly use of
the electromagnetic spectrum. That is, it is an important means by which a friendly unit engages in
C3CM, protecting its own electronic systems while attacking these of an enemy. Figure 1-2 shows the
EW components.
Figure 1-2. EW Components.
a.
Electronic warfare support measures (ESM) involve actions taken to search for, intercept,
and identify sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for immediate threat recognition. Thus, ESM
provide a source of information needed for actions involving electronic counter-measures (ECM),
electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), avoidance, targeting, and other tactical employment of
forces. ESM data can be used to produce signals intelligence (SIGINT). Communications intelligence
(COMINT) and electronics intelligence (ELINT) comprise SIGINT.
ECM aids C3CM by taking measurers to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the
b.
electromagnetic spectrum. ECM is comprised of electronic jamming and electronic deception.
ECCM are defensive measures used to protect friendly C3 systems from enemy EW
c.
activities. It is closely related to signal security (SIGSEC). The main difference between ECCM and
SIGSEC is in the type of data being protected. ECCM protect friendly emitters from enemy EW assets.
SIGSEC protects the data sent by friendly forces. ECCM allow friendly forces the continual use of the
electronic spectrum by anti-ESM (preventive) and anti-ECM (remedial) activities.
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