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MTTP KillBox
MTTP KillBox
KILL BOX
MULTI-SERVICE TACTICS,
TECHNIQUES, AND
PROCEDURES FOR
KILL BOX EMPLOYMENT
FM 3-09.34
MCRP 3-25H
NTTP 3-09.2.1
AFTTP 3-2.59
August 2009
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Distribution authorized to DOD
and DOD contractors only to protect technical or operational
information from automatic dissemination under the International
Exchange Program or by other means. This protection applies to
publications required solely for official use and to those containing
valuable technical or operational information. This determination
was made on 11 July 2008. Other requests will be referred to:
HQ TRADOC, ATTN: ATFC-EJ, Ft Monroe, VA 23651-1067; HQ
MCCDC, ATTN: C116, Quantico, VA 22134-5021; NWDC, ATTN:
N5, Norfolk, VA 23511-2723; and LeMay Center for Doctrine
Development and Education, ATTN: DDJ, Maxwell AFB,
36112-6112.
DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any method that must
prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.
FOREWORD
This publication has been prepared under our direction for use by our respective
commands and other commands as appropriate.
JOSEPH E. MARTZ
Brigadier General, US Army
Deputy Director/Chief of Staff,
Army Capabilities Integration Center
WENDI B. CARPENTER
Rear Admiral, US Navy
Commander
Navy Warfare Development Command
STEPHEN J. MILLER
Major General, US Air Force
Commander
Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine
Development and Education
PREFACE
1. Purpose
This publication provides a single source multi-Service tactics, techniques, and
procedures (MTTP) publication that focuses on conducting kill box operations at the
operational and tactical levels of warfighting in order to facilitate the expeditious airto-surface lethal attack of targets which may be augmented by or integrated with
surface-to-surface indirect fires.
2. Scope
This publication is designed for use at the operational and tactical levels for training,
planning, and conducting kill box operations. This MTTP outlines multi-Service kill
box planning procedures, coordination requirements, employment methods, and
command and control responsibilities. It is consistent with joint doctrine and
provides principles that can assist planners to coordinate, deconflict, synchronize,
and implement kill box procedures among the components assigned to a joint force.
This publication has worldwide application and is intended to supplement Joint
Publication (JP) 3-09, Joint Fire Support.
3. Applicability
This publication provides the joint force commander (JFC) and Service components
unclassified kill box MTTP. The target audience includes commanders, the
operations section (current operations, fires, and future plans), and the intelligence
section of Service components, and their main subordinate elements (i.e., Army
corps, Marine expeditionary force, Navy numbered fleet, and Air Expeditionary Task
Force) and their counterparts on the JFCs staff.
4. Implementation Plan
Participating Service command offices of primary responsibility will review this
publication, validate the information and, where appropriate, reference and
incorporate it in Service manuals, regulations, and curricula as follows:
Army. Upon approval and authentication, this publication incorporates the
procedures contained herein into the United States (US) Army Doctrine and Training
Literature Program as directed by the Commander, US Army Training and Doctrine
Command (TRADOC). Distribution is in accordance with applicable directives listed
on the authentication page.
Marine Corps.1 The Marine Corps will incorporate the procedures in this
publication in US Marine Corps training and doctrine publications as directed by the
Commanding General, US Marine Corps Combat Development Command
(MCCDC). Distribution is in accordance with the Marine Corps Publication
Distribution System.
4 August 2009
Navy. The Navy will incorporate these procedures in US Navy training and
doctrine publications as directed by the Commander, Navy Warfare Development
Command (NWDC)[N5]. Distribution is in accordance with Military Standard
Requisition and Issue Procedure Desk Guide (MILSTRIP Desk Guide) Navy
Supplement Publication-409 (NAVSUP P-409).
Air Force. The Air Force will incorporate the procedures in this publication in
accordance with applicable governing directives. Distribution is in accordance with
Air Force instruction (AFI) 33-360.
5. User Information
a. TRADOC, MCCDC, NWDC, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development
and Education (LeMay Center), and the Air Land Sea Application (ALSA) Center
developed this publication with the joint participation of the approving Service
commands. ALSA will review and update this publication as necessary.
b. This publication reflects current joint and Service doctrine, command and control
organizations, facilities, personnel, responsibilities, and procedures. Changes in
Service protocol, appropriately reflected in joint and Service publications, will
likewise be incorporated in revisions to this document.
c. We encourage recommended changes for improving this publication. Key your
comments to the specific page and paragraph and provide a rationale for each
recommendation. Send comments and recommendations directly to
ii
4 August 2009
Army
Commander, US Army Training and Doctrine Command
ATTN: ATFC-EJ
Fort Monroe VA 23651-1067
DSN 680-3951 COMM (757) 788-3951
E-mail: [email protected]
Marine Corps
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration
ATTN: C116
3300 Russell Road, Suite 204
Quantico VA 22134-5021
E-mail: Publication POC at https://www.doctrine.usmc.mil
Navy
Commander, Navy Warfare Development Command
ATTN: N5
1530 Gilbert Street, Suite 2128
Norfolk, VA 23511-2723
DSN 948-1070/4201 COMM (401) 841-1070/4201
E-mail: [email protected]
Air Force
Commander, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education
ATTN: DDJ
115 North Twining Street
Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6112
DSN 493-2640/2256 COMM (334)953-2640/2256
E-mail: [email protected]
ALSA
Director, ALSA Center
114 Andrews Street
Langley AFB VA 23665-2785
DSN 575-0902 COMM (757) 225-0902
E-mail: [email protected]
4 August 2009
iii
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
reconnaissance (SCAR).
iv
4 August 2009
*FM 3-09.34
MCRP 3-25H
NTTP 3-09.2.1
AFTTP 3-2.59
*FM 3-09.34
MCRP 3-25H
NTTP 3-09.2.1
AFTTP 3-2.59
KILL BOX
MULTI-SERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES FOR
KILL BOX EMPLOYMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. vii
2. ESTABLISHMENT ................................................................................................................................... 1
3. EMPLOYMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 2
4. CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 3
1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................. 5
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Distribution authorized to DOD and DOD contractors only to protect technical or operational
information from automatic dissemination under the International Exchange Program or by other means. This protection
applies to publications required solely for official use and to those containing valuable technical or operational information. This
determination was made on 11 July 2008. Other requests will be referred to:
and LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, ATTN: DDJ, Maxwell AFB, 36112-6112.
DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any method that must prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.
*This publication supersedes FM 3-09.34, MCRP 3-25H, NTTP 3-09.2.1, AFTTP(I) 3-2.59, 13 June 2005.
4 August 2009
1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................ 11
1. JOINT FORCE AIR COMPONENT COMMANDER REQUESTING IMMEDIATE KILL BOX ................................... 30
3. MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT REQUESTING IMMEDIATE KILL BOX ...... 34
4. JOINT FORCE MARITIME COMPONENT COMMANDER REQUESTING AN IMMEDIATE KILL BOX ....................36
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 49
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................. 51
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
Figure 14.
C2 Agency Briefing.................................................................................. 24
List of Tables
Table 1. Kill Box Responsibilities Matrix .......................................................................... 5
vi
4 August 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
KILL BOX
Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for
The Kill Box MTTP reinforces kill boxes as three-dimensional areas used to facilitate
the integration of joint fires while also being a permissive fire support coordination
measure (FSCM) in accordance with JP 3-09, Joint Fire Support. The publication
offers a detailed explanation of kill box employment and provides information to
effectively organize, plan, and execute kill box procedures.
The purpose of this publication is to provide planners and operators with a single
source MTTP manual that focuses on employment of kill boxes at the operational
and tactical levels of warfighting to facilitate the expeditious air-to-surface lethal
attack of targets which may be augmented by or integrated with surface-to-surface
indirect fires. The target audience includes commanders, operations and
intelligence sections of Service components, and their counterparts on the JFCs
staff.
Chapter I Overview
Chapter I provides the definition of a kill box and briefly describes the purpose,
employment, and overarching concepts concerning kill boxes. It provides a graphic
portrayal of these concepts and defines unique kill box terms used in the document.
Chapter II Command and Control Responsibilities
Chapter II outlines command and control duties, establishing authority, control of
assets, and coordination/deconfliction responsibilities.
Chapter III Planning
Chapter III provides an overview of kill box planning and coordinating
considerations. It also details the kill box establishment process and describes the
characteristics of the two types of kill boxes: the blue kill box which permits air-to
surface fires and the purple kill box which permits integration of surface-to-surface
indirect fires with air-to-surface fires.
Chapter IV Execution
Chapter IV describes factors and procedures involved in conducting kill box
operations, such as SCAR.
4 August 2009
vii
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
The following commanders and agencies participated in this publication:
Army
US Army Training and Doctrine Command, Army Capabilities Integration Center,
Fort Monroe, VA
US Army Training and Doctrine Command, Futures Center, JADD, Fort Monroe, VA
US Army Training and Doctrine Command, Combined Arms Center, CADD,
Fort Leavenworth, KS
US Army Field Artillery School, DOTD, Fort Sill, OK
US Army Air Defense School, Fort Bliss, TX
Navy
Navy Warfare Development Command, Norfolk, VA
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Fallon, NV
Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, NAS Oceana, VA
Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Unit Atlantic, Norfolk, VA
Marine Corps
Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA
Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1, Yuma, AZ
II Marine Expeditionary Force/G-3, Camp Lejune, NC
Air Force
Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, Maxwell, AFB, AL
HQ Air Combat Command/DOTW, Langley AFB, VA
HQ Pacific Air Forces/A3OW, Hickam AFB, HI
57th Operations Group, Nellis AFB, NV
505th Command and Control Wing, Hurlburt Field, FL
607th Air and Space Operations Center, Osan AB, Republic of Korea
viii
4 August 2009
Chapter I
OVERVIEW
1. Definition and Purpose
a. Definition: A kill box is a three-dimensional area used to facilitate the
integration of joint fires. It is a permissive FSCM as described in JP 3-09, Joint
Fire Support.
b. Purpose: When established, the primary purpose of a kill box is to allow lethal
attack against surface targets without further coordination with the establishing
commander and without terminal attack control. When used to integrate air-to
surface and surface-to-surface indirect fires, the kill box will have appropriate
restrictions. The goal is to reduce the coordination required to fulfill support
requirements with maximum flexibility while preventing fratricide.
Note: All aircrew conducting air interdiction within the confines of a kill box will
execute their mission in accordance with rules of engagement (ROE) and special
instructions (SPINS) applicable to air interdiction.
2. Establishment
a. Supported component commanders, acting on JFC authority, establish and
adjust kill boxes in consultation with superior, subordinate, supporting, and
affected commanders. Requirements for kill boxes and other control measures
are determined using normal component targeting and planning processes and
are established and approved by commanders or their designated staff
(e.g., G-3, fire support coordinator [FSCOORD]). Information about the type,
effective time, duration, and other attributes will be published and disseminated
using existing voice and digital command and control (C2) systems. Kill boxes
should be canceled when no longer needed.
b. There are two types of kill boxes: blue and purple. Chapter 3 provides further
details.
(1) Blue Kill Box. A blue kill box permits air interdiction in the kill box without
further coordination from the establishing headquarters (HQ).
(2) Purple Kill Box. A purple kill box permits air interdiction in the kill box
without further coordination from the establishing HQ while allowing land and
maritime component commanders to employ surface-to-surface indirect fires.
The end state is maximum use of joint fires within the kill box to create
synergistic effects with maximum potential for engaging targets.
c. Kill box characteristics:
(1) Target Area. The location and size of the kill box are determined by the
expected or known location of targets in a specified area. The dimensions of
a kill box are normally defined using an area reference system (i.e., Global
Area Reference System [GARS]) but could follow well defined terrain features
or be located by grid coordinates or by a radius from a center point. The
4 August 2009
standard dimensions using GARS would be a cell (30 minute (min) by 30 min
[approximately (approx) 44 kilometer (km) by 44km] area), quadrant (15 min
by 15 min [approx 22km by 22km] area), or keypad (5 min by 5 min [approx
7.5km by 7.5km] area). Reference JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support
to Joint Operations, for further information concerning GARS.
(2) Airspace. The airspace block located above the kill box target area is
protected and extends from the surface (or coordinating altitude if
established) up to a ceiling established by the airspace control authority. The
airspace for a purple kill box includes a floor and a ceiling to enable
separation between aircraft delivering air-to-surface fires, trajectories of
surface-to-surface indirect fires, surface-to-air fires, and other aircraft. The
height of the ceiling should be established in the Airspace Control Plan
(ACP), Airspace Control Order (ACO), or SPINS to permit standardized
planning for other airspace uses. These parameters are developed by
coordination between fire support and airspace organizations.
3. Employment
a. Kill boxes are normally used when a support relationship already exists
between two or more functional or Service components and a theater-specific
concept of operations (CONOPS) has been established for the integration and
deconfliction of fires and airspace. The goal is to reduce the coordination
required to fulfill support requirements with maximum flexibility while preventing
fratricide.
b. Kill boxes support the commanders objectives and CONOPS. As such, all
target engagements within a kill box must adhere to the establishing
commanders scheme of maneuver and designated target priorities, effects, and
timing of fires.
c. A kill box will not be established for close air support (CAS) missions. If a
CAS mission is required within an established kill box, the portion of the kill box
requiring detailed integration should be closed.
d. C2 updates on kill boxes (e.g., altitude restrictions, frequency use, and control
measures within the kill box) are accomplished via appropriate C2 systems.
e. The establishment of a kill box is usually in support of a targeting decision.
The kill box assists target engagement by identifying the area where effects are
desired. Opening a kill box facilitates the targeting process described in JP 3-60,
Joint Targeting, but does not replace the requirement for intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or for assigning assets to attack targets.
These actions are conducted within the standard joint and Service targeting
cycles in conjunction with the air tasking cycle.
f. Kill boxes can augment traditional FSCMs, such as fire support coordination
lines (FSCLs), coordinated fire lines (CFLs), and battlefield coordination lines
(BCLs). They also help the commander focus the effort of air interdiction and
indirect fire assets.
4 August 2009
4. Considerations
a. The JFC or establishing commander makes the decision to use a kill box and
determines size, location, and timing based on careful consideration of the
situation and CONOPS. Other factors for the JFC to consider are: disposition of
enemy/friendly forces, anticipated rates of movement, surface-to-surface indirect
weapons capabilities, concept and tempo of the operation.
b. FSCMs are not mutually exclusive so a kill box could contain other measures
within its boundaries to include: no-fire areas (NFAs), restricted operations area
(ROA)/restricted operations zone, or airspace coordination areas (ACAs).
Restrictive FSCMs and airspace coordinating measures (ACMs) will always have
priority when established in a kill box.
c. Optimally, there should be no friendly ground forces within or maneuvering
into an established kill box. If circumstances require otherwise (e.g., long-range
reconnaissance patrols, special operations forces (SOF) teams), then NFAs must
be established to cover those forces or the kill box must be cancelled. The
establishing commander must maintain awareness on locations of friendly
ground forces and the status of kill boxes within the operational area and
maintain timely kill box management to prevent fratricide.
d. Kill Box Coordinator (KBC). A KBC is assigned per kill box to: deconflict
aircraft; manage/direct effective target engagement; and provide battle damage
assessment. See chapter 4 for detailed information concerning kill box
coordination.
e. All aircraft not assigned to an active kill box are restricted from flying through
or delivering air-to-surface munitions into the kill box unless coordinated with the
KBC. Effects and trajectories of surface-to-surface indirect fires also are not
allowed, without coordination, to pass through the airspace of an active kill box.
Commanders facilitate coordination through their appropriate fire support
personnel and airspace organizations to deliver surface-to-surface indirect fires
into or through an established kill box.
f. Authority to engage is not automatically granted by the establishment of a kill
box; the kill box reduces and/or eliminates coordination with the establishing HQ
for mission accomplishment because all requirements for targeting guidance,
clearance of fires, and deconfliction with other ground assets are accomplished
in the process of establishing the kill box. Engagement authority is granted
through standard mission orders, but does not relieve aircrew of the responsibility
for complying with mission requirements such as designated target priority,
effects, and timing of fires; positive identification (PID); collateral damage
estimation (CDE); ROE; or SPINS.
g. Integration of air-to-surface fires and surface-to-surface indirect fires requires
application of appropriate restrictions: altitude, time, or lateral separation. The
establishing commander will determine which restrictions are appropriate for the
mission and ensure dissemination through the appropriate C2 nodes.
4 August 2009
Figure 1.
4 August 2009
Chapter II
COMMAND AND CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. General
a. Kill boxes are established to support the JFCs CONOPS. The responsibility
for C2 of kill boxes, when delegated from the JFC, rests at the operational level
of command. Information exchange requirements and procedures for kill box
execution should be written into applicable orders during campaign planning to
ensure timely dissemination of kill box status.
b. Prior to planning for kill box employment, the JFC and his component
commanders must coordinate and agree on key theater/joint operations area
(JOA)-wide FSCM and ACM procedures including the use of long range fires,
fixed and rotary wing interdiction, and the location and phasing of current and
future JFLCC and joint force maritime component commander (JFMCC) area of
operations (AO). Component kill box interdiction must also be integrated with the
JFCs theater/JOA-wide air interdiction effort.
c. Effective kill box interdiction operations require all participants to use standard
procedures across the JOA. Although there have been many advances in digital
C2 capabilities, C2 of aircraft operating in kill boxes will be predominantly
controlled by voice communications. Commanders should strive to limit required
coordination/communications with simple procedures that ensure consistency
across the JOA. See table 1.
Table 1. Kill Box Responsibilities Matrix
Blue or Purple Kill Box Location
Establishing Commander
JFC
JFACC (when delegated)
JFLCC. JFMCC, or
3
JFSOCC
Notes: 1
The JFC may be the establishing commander for any FSCM within the operational environment.
The JFC will normally delegate to the JFACC the authority for establishing kill boxes in unassigned areas of the JOA.
3
The JFSOCC is the establishing commander for kill boxes inside a joint special operations area.
JFC joint force commander
AO-Area of Operations
JFACC joint force air component commander
JFSOCC joint force special operations component commander
JFLCC joint force land component commander
JFMCC joint force maritime commander
2
4 August 2009
d. Kill box interdiction is not intended to replace existing procedures for CAS or
preplanned air interdiction against fixed targets. The option for kill box usage
rests with the supported commander during the theater/JOA-wide air interdiction
effort including JFLCC and JFMCC AO.
e. Service and joint procedures for coordination, clearance of fires, and
deconfliction described in documents such as JP 3-09, Joint Fire Support,
OPORDs, and SPINS apply across all components subordinate to the JFC.
2. Joint Force Commander
a. Duties. The JFC develops guidance for kill box employment within the JOA.
Guidance is promulgated through JFC and component orders. The JFC also
directs the use of an area reference system (e.g., GARS).
b. Establishing Authority. The JFC normally delegates the component
commanders as the establishing authority for all kill boxes. A commander
establishing a kill box is responsible for coordinating and notifying all affected
commanders and forces.
(1) The JFC establishes supported and supporting relationships as outlined
in JP-1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States; and JP 3-0, Joint
Operations. These relationships tie directly to kill box establishing authority
through each phase. Commanders and designated supported commanders
with jurisdiction over the operational area where kill boxes are located have
the authority and responsibility to establish kill boxes within their assigned
areas.
(2) Once establishing authority is given to component commanders, the JFC
maintains visibility on all kill boxes within the JOA and adjudicates crosscomponent coordination and establishment issues. In the case where the
JFC retains operational control of certain portions of the JOA, the JFC joint
fires element (JFE) controls the establishment of kill boxes within that
operational area.
c. Coordination and Deconfliction. The JFC designates command relationships
among the components in the operational environment. Within their AO, land
and maritime commanders are designated the supported commander for the
integration and synchronization of maneuver, fires, and interdiction. Accordingly,
land and maritime commanders designate the target priority, effects, and timing
of interdiction operations within their AO. Outside of those AOs, the JFC
normally designates the joint force air component commander (JFACC) as the
supported commander for interdiction within the JOA. A component supporting
another with fires must deconflict and integrate those fires with the supported
component. It is important that aircrews clearly understand the operational
environment they are operating in, who the supported commander is, and the
target priorities in the affected kill box.
d. Airspace Control Authority. The JFC accomplishes airspace control in the
operational area by designating the airspace control authority and defining the
relationship between the airspace control authority and component commanders.
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4 August 2009
operations center (ASOC)/tactical air control party (TACP), air liaison officer
(ALO), air and naval gunfire liaison company (ANGLICO), special operations
liaison element (SOLE), Marine liaison officer (MARLO), and the BCD. If
required, liaisons between the ARFOR and MARFOR will also be exchanged.
(1) ARFOR
(a) Duties. The primary function of the ARFOR is to command and
control forces to meet the JFLCCs and JFCs intent. The FC within the
ARFOR is responsible for planning, coordinating, and publishing
procedures in component OPORDs/annexes, as well as employing kill
boxes in the ARFORs AO. This includes establishing kill boxes,
designating target priorities, effects, and timing of fires, and determining
interdiction tasks within the ARFORs AO.
(b) Establishing Commander. The ARFOR commander, designated by
the JFLCC or JFC as the AO commander, is the establishing authority for
kill boxes within that AO.
(c) Control of Assets. The commanders FC and subordinate echelons,
in conjunction with assigned US Air Force (USAF) ASOC elements,
control/deconflict fires and aviation assets within kill boxes.
(2) MARFOR
(a) Duties. The Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) is the USMCs
principal organization for all missions across the full range of military
operations. Within a Marine expeditionary force, the FFCC implements
the MAGTF commanders intent. The FFCC within the MARFOR is
responsible for planning, coordinating, and publishing procedures in
component OPORDs/annexes, as well as employing kill boxes in the
MARFORs operational area. This includes establishing kill boxes;
designating target priorities, effects, and timing of fires; and determining
interdiction tasks within the MARFORs AO.
(b) Establishing Commander. The MARFOR commander, when
designated by the JFLCC or JFC as the AO commander, is the
establishing authority for kill boxes within that AO.
(c) Control of Assets. The commanders FFCC and subordinate
echelons, in conjunction with the Marine air command and control system
(MACCS), controls/deconflicts fires and aviation assets within kill boxes.
4. Joint Force Maritime Component Commander
a. Duties. When the JFC designates a JFMCC AO, the JFMCC is the supported
commander within the AO. As supported commander, the JFMCC is responsible
for planning, coordinating, and publishing procedures in component
OPORDs/annexes and employing kill boxes within the maritime operational area.
4 August 2009
This includes designating target priorities, effects, and timing of fires, and
organizational construct and kill box duties may vary depending on the
military operation.
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10
4 August 2009
Chapter III
PLANNING
1. General
a. The JFC establishes detailed procedures and CONOPS for successful kill box
employment within the JOA by promulgating guidance and priorities.
Additionally, the JFC normally delegates authority to component commanders for
establishing and adjusting kill boxes in consultation with superior, subordinate,
supporting, and affected commanders. Component commanders may further
delegate that authority. The establishing commander is responsible for
coordinating and notifying all affected forces.
b. An area reference system facilitates the structural and procedural
requirements for using kill boxes, but the system is not a mandatory requirement.
c. Kill box procedures will not be ideal for every situation. Mission, enemy,
terrain and weather, troops and support availabletime available/and civil
considerations and requirements for terminal attack control may determine that
other procedures would be more effective.
2. Kill Box Types
a. Blue Kill Box (BKB).
(1) Primary Purpose. The primary purpose of a BKB is to permit air
interdiction in the kill box without further coordination with the establishing
HQ. If the kill box is active, air-to-surface munitions (and their trajectories)
delivered by aircraft not assigned to the BKB must be coordinated. All aircraft
not assigned to an active BKB are restricted from entering unless coordinated
with the KBC or appropriate C2 nodes. The airspace included by a BKB
extends from the surface up to the limit established by the airspace control
authority. Surface-to-surface direct fires are not restricted by the
establishment of a BKB.
Note: Coordination is required with established HQ appropriate fire support
and airspace organization if ordnance is to be delivered from outside the
airspace defined by the kill box.
(2) Permits Rapid Engagement. A BKB minimizes the restrictions on air-to
surface fires while also protecting aircraft. Effects and trajectories of
subsurface-to-surface indirect fires or surface-to-surface indirect fires are not
allowed to pass through the BKB. Land and maritime force commanders
must coordinate with appropriate fire support and airspace organizations to
deliver subsurface/surface-to-surface indirect fires into or through an
established BKB. The primary purpose of permissive FSCMs is to facilitate
the attack of targets. See figure 2.
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11
Figure 2.
12
4 August 2009
Figure 3.
13
box is inherently open, until closed or cancelled. Within an open kill box, the
airspace will be designated as either active or cold.
(a) Active. A kill box that has aircraft operating within the confines of the
kill box (to include unmanned aircraft systems [UASs]).
(b) Cold. A kill box that does not have aircraft operating within the
confines of the kill box (to include UASs).
(2) Closed. Term used to describe a kill box or portion(s) of a kill box where
fires or effects of fires are not allowed without further coordination. A closed
kill box does not restrict the airspace associated with the kill box, unless
specified by an air controlling agency.
4. Planning Considerations
a. Kill boxes can be used in conjunction with other existing FSCMs. Kill boxes
can be established anywhere in the JOA where expeditious target engagement is
required, to include rear areas. A kill box should also be considered in areas
where a traditional FSCM (e.g., the FSCL) is not defined or has not been
established.
b. Kill boxes are not required for all air interdiction missions. They are only used
to reduce coordination requirements between forces and facilitate the attack of
targets. Kill boxes are particularly useful in the following situations:
(1) Facilitating interdiction of mobile targets.
(2) Facilitating engagement of targets in areas where target locations are
imprecise or unknown.
(3) Focusing joint fires in areas not requiring detailed integration of fires and
maneuver, such as shaping fires.
(4) Facilitating engagement of targets in areas short of the FSCL, including
planned joint integrated prioritized target list (JIPTL) air interdiction targets.
(5) Facilitating engagement of planned interdiction targets when FSCL
moves (i.e., the FSCL move causes the targets to be short of the measure).
(6) Facilitating a battle hand-off from a ground commander to an air
commander. In this situation, the ground commander recognizes a threat or
threats in the AO that ground forces are unable to prosecute and hands the
targets to the air component for prosecution.
(7) Facilitating SCAR missions in identified target areas of interest (TAIs).
(8) Facilitating engagement of time sensitive targets.
(9) Facilitating execution for the suppression of enemy air defenses.
14
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OPORDs/SPINS/etc.
4 August 2009
15
16
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Figure 4.
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17
Figure 5.
18
4 August 2009
Kill Box Type: (and requested floor for purple kill box):
_______________________________________________________
(Identify whether it is blue or purple)
Establishing Commander:
_______________________________________________________
(Identify the establishing commander)
Establishing Commanders Targeting Guidance:
_______________________________________________________
Priorities: (List the targets)
Effects: (Identify the desired effects)
Restrictions:
Remarks:
_______________________________________________________
(Give any additional information: e.g., NFA, no strike, etc.)
Figure 6.
(a) JFACC. Kill box development begins when the approved JIPTL
arrives in the MAAP cell. Inside the cell, air planners/component liaisons
match JIPTL targets to available assets and required kill boxes become
geographically apparent. Kill box locations developed to support the
JIPTL prosecution are then passed to combat plans airspace planners to
determine conflicts. Any conflicts are worked out between the identified
organizations.
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20
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Figure 7.
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21
Chapter IV
EXECUTION
1. Execution of Operations Within Kill Boxes
a. The kill box is designed to rapidly facilitate planned and immediate air
interdiction. Operations typically associated with kill boxes include SCAR and
dynamic targeting. Electronic attack may also be employed within a kill box to
facilitate fires and provide synergy of prosecution for a given target.
b. Execution begins when a component commander establishes a kill box.
c. Planned kill boxes are indentified during component planning and targeting,
and after coordination/deconfliction with other affected components/agencies the
establishing commander will disseminate/publish the kill box in applicable orders
and the ACO per the JFCs concept for fires and the ACP.
d. Immediate kill boxes are established by the current operations sections within
each command and are disseminated via appropriate means (voice and digital)
to ensure visibility across the joint force. If the establishing commander needs to
establish a kill box that cannot be promulgated through normal orders, a liaison
element such as a BCD or a C2 node such as the DASC/ASOC must inform the
JAOC that a kill box was established and its effective time. The JAOC will
promulgate the new FSCM to all C2 nodes.
2. Kill Box Entry/Exit
a. Entry into kill boxes in a JFLCCs AO will normally be controlled by a C2 node
associated with the senior FC (e.g., DASC/ASOC); conversely, entry into a
JFACC established kill box will normally be controlled by the JAOC or
subordinate tactical air control system (TACS) element. A kill box status is either
open (active/cold) or closed.
b. Planned missions into a kill box should expect minimal C2 communications/
coordination assuming no ATO or targeting priority changes. As time and
conditions permit, amplifying information may be passed. Immediate tasking
may include some or all of the information in figure 8, C2 Agency Briefing. In
either case, at a minimum, C2 will pass kill box assignment, status, targeting
priorities, and working frequency.
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24
C2 Agency Briefing
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26
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4. Target Engagement
a. The KBC will relay specific kill box/target information to strike aircraft using
figure 10, the kill box attack briefing. The deconfliction portion of the attack brief,
including general attack flow from KBC to striker aircraft, is directive. Strike
aircraft must comply with deconfliction instructions or coordinate otherwise.
b. The targeting portion of the attack brief from the KBC to strike aircraft is not
directive. Under the ATO/SPINS/interdiction ROE, strikers are responsible for
meeting their own PID, CDE, and target engagement requirements. If a strike
aircraft enters a kill box with a previously assigned target, the KBC is only
responsible for providing airspace deconfliction.
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c. Strike aircraft may be assigned to a kill box with aircrew conducting SCAR.
Reference FM 3-60.2; MCRP 3-23C; NTTP 3-03.4.3; and AFTTP 3-2.72 MultiService Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Strike Coordination and
Reconnaissance, for specific SCAR procedures.
d. When checking out of a kill box, departing KBCs/SCARCs will execute a
positive handoff to the appropriate flight, if applicable, and notify C2. If no flights
are available, the KBC/SCARC will execute a positive handoff with C2.
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Appendix A
IMMEDIATE KILL BOX DECISION FLOW CHARTS
The four flow charts listed in this appendix are intended for use by staff agencies
to expedite the establishment of immediate kill boxes. Each diagram provides an
overview of the decisions and coordination required to establish immediate kill
boxes. Not shown, but understood, is that the steps in the charts occur within
dynamic targeting of the joint targeting process. The need for a kill box is based
on facilitating targeting decisions made during that process (e.g., what target,
what effects, when to strike, what strike asset, clearance and deconfliction
issues). Prior to use, the flow charts should be adjusted to reflect current theater
conditions.
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Figure 11.
30
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(1) The combat operations airspace cell will build the kill box within the
airspace deconfliction tool to determine if conflicts exist.
(a) If there are no conflicts, the kill box is approved and established.
(b) If conflicts exist the airspace cell will work with the requesters for both
the kill box and the ACM that the kill box conflicts with to determine a
workaround.
c. Is the kill box within an unassigned area of the JOA? If No:
(1) The JAOC will begin coordination with the BCD, MARLO, NALE, SOLE or
establishing HQ directly on kill box establishment requirements.
(a) If the establishing HQ denies the request, the kill box is not
established.
d. If the establishing HQ approves the kill box request, the BCD, MARLO, NALE,
or SOLE will coordinate with the combat operations airspace cell to determine if
conflicts exist within the airspace deconfliction tool. Notably, some
FSCMs/ACMs are not recognized by C2 systems such as TBMCS and AFATDS.
For further information, consult FM 3-60.2; MCRP 3-23C; NTTP 3-03.4.3; and
AFTTP 3-2.72, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Strike
Coordination and Reconnaissance, appendix C, ACM and Fires System
Coordination.
If there are no conflicts with the ATO/fires, the BCD, MARLO,
NALE, or SOLE will disseminate kill box establishment information
to the fires elements of subordinate and supporting forces along
with higher HQ (e.g., JFE). The combat operations division will
notify affected C2 nodes of the kill box information and
establishment.
If conflicts exist, the airspace cell will work with the requesters for
both the kill box and the ACM to resolve conflicts to determine a
workaround. Once deconfliction has taken place the kill box is
established and information is disseminated.
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Figure 12.
32
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(3) Can the ALO/TACP ensure that the kill box establishment will not
adversely affect air operations in support of the maneuver force or JFLCC
operations?
(a) If yes, the kill box recommendation goes forward.
(b) If no, the ALO LNO must provide a risk assessment to the
commander along with his/her recommendations.
(4) Weighing all the information and recommendations, the maneuver
(2) If no, the JFLCC operational fires directorate (OFD)/FC must establish
additional FSCMs to protect those forces.
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Figure 13.
34
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Figure 14.
36
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Appendix B
KILL BOX COORDINATION VIGNETTES
The following vignettes demonstrate how the kill box process can be implemented
across components. The examples explore different possibilities and illustrate key
concepts in kill box coordination. However, they are not intended to be all-inclusive.
1. JFLCC Nominated Blue Kill Box Inside the JFLCCs AO
a. During the military decision making process, a division FC subordinate to the
JFLCC has identified an enemy armored force well beyond the forward line of
own troops (FLOT) and beyond the expected movement of friendly forces for the
next 48 hours. In order to shape the operational environment, the division
FSCOORD and ALO identify a TAI, submit an ASR, and plan a blue kill box to
facilitate attack of this target. The northeast quadrant of the cell is not required
(based on terrain geography, friendly graphics, or other reasons). Establishment
of the blue kill box will allow air assets to attack this enemy formation without
further coordination. It is noted that a previously established NFA (over a
protected bridge) is located in the southeast (SE) quadrant of the kill box. The
kill box will not adversely affect ADA coverage for the land component. In
addition to the ASR, the FC will submit the following kill box request to the
JFLCC.
b. Kill Box Request.
Target Set/ASR #/TGT #: ____________________
Effective Times:
Established at 240600ZAug04
Cancelled 260600ZAug04 or on-order
Kill Box Type: BLUE
Establishing Commander: JFLCC
Establishing Commanders Targeting Guidance:
Priorities: Tanks, ADA, and armored vehicles.
Effects: Destroy/neutralize when found.
Restrictions: Do not destroy bridges or road networks. No
scatterable munitions near bridges, roads, or road intersections.
Remarks: No friendlies are within the proposed kill box. NFAs have
been established around restricted and no-strike targets.
c. The ARFOR FC conducts initial coordination with the BCD.
(1) For a planned kill box, the ARFOR sends a kill box FSCM to the BCD
Global Command and Control System-Army (GCCS-A) and AFATDS and an
ACM request to the BCD tactical airspace integration system (TAIS). The
FSCM is incorporated into the common operational picture (COP) via COP
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40
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42
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43
entering or passing through the airspace portion of the purple kill box without
further coordination. Cross-boundary surface-to-surface fires from the JFMCC
into the purple kill box are also authorized. (The creation of the kill box does not
automatically remove the restrictions of the boundaryin this case; the restrictive
boundary within the kill box has been specifically coordinated.)
f. The BCD informs the MAAP team, who processes an ACM request to the
combat plans airspace cell to determine potential conflicts. Once conflicts are
resolved, the kill box is built into the ACO and the ATO is published.
g. The JFLCC FC informs subordinate elements so that all field artillery, air
defense, and army aviation units are aware of the kill box.
h. Air defense assets identify the kill box as a weapons hold area (weapons
control status Hold).
i. The AC2 cell and TACS identifies the kill box for restricted operations that will
prevent aviation assets from entering the airspace.
j. A best practice is for the division/corps G-3 to create a phase line at some
distance from the kill box to alert the fires cell/G3 of any unanticipated arrival of
friendly troops, triggering the cancellation of the kill box before the planned end
time, if required.
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Effective Times:
Established at 180600ZAug08
Cancelled 190600ZAug08 or on-order
Kill Box Type: PURPLE
Recommended floor is 12,000 ft MSL.
Establishing Commander: JFLCC
Establishing Commanders Targeting Guidance:
Priorities: Tanks, armored vehicles, and C2 nodes.
Effects: Destroy/neutralize when found.
Restrictions: Do not destroy bridges or road networks. No
scatterable munitions near population centers, bridges, roads,
or road intersections.
Remarks: Friendly forces are within the proposed kill box. NFAs have
been established around these forces along with numerous restricted
and no-strike targets.
c. The ARFOR FC conducts initial coordination with the BCD. The ARFOR
sends a kill box FSCM to the BCD GCCS-A and AFATDS and an ACM request
to the BCD TAIS. The FSCM is incorporated into the COP via COP
synchronization. The BCD TAIS sends the ACM request to TBMCS/WebAD.
Combat plans airspace C2 section incorporates the kill box ACM request into the
ABP for the appropriate ACO period. BCD coordinates with the MAAP team, to
assign appropriate air resources and build missions to accomplish the desired
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effects in the ARFOR kill box. The ATO is published with missions directed to
the kill box and the ACO contains the kill box as an airspace measure.
d. JFLCC establishes the kill box. Planned kill boxes are requested and
approved within the standard air tasking cycle in B2C2WGs.
e. A purple blue kill box is established by the JFLCC FC in AFATDS for cell
134LV, with a floor of 12,000 ft MSL to the standard kill box height as identified in
the SPINS (e.g., 25,000 ft MSL). This restricts surface-to-surface indirect fires
from entering or passing through the upper portion (12,000 25,000 ft) of the kill
box. The established NFAs have priority over the kill box.
f. The JFLCC FC informs subordinate elements so that all field artillery, air
defense, and army aviation units are aware of the kill box.
g. Air defense assets identify the kill box as a weapons Hold area.
h. The AC2 cell identifies the kill box as a ROA that will prevent Army aviation
assets from entering the airspace.
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48
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REFERENCES
Joint Publications
JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States, 02 May 2007.
12 April 2001.
JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint Operations, 22 March 2007.
JP 3-0, Joint Operations, 17 Sept 2006.
JP 3-02, Amphibious Operations, 10 August 2009.
JP 3-09, Joint Fire Support, 13 November 2006.
JP 3-09.3, Close Air Support, 08 July 2009.
JP 3-60, Joint Targeting, 13 April 2007.
JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, 26 Dec 2006.
Multi-Service
FM 3-60.1, MCRP 3-16D, NTTP 3-60.1, AFTTP3-2.3, Multi-Service Tactics,
Techniques, and Procedures for Targeting Time-Sensitive Targets, 20 Apr 2004.
FM 1-02.1 (FM 3-54.10), MCRP 3-25B, NTTP 6-02.1, AFTTP3-2.5, Multi-Service
Brevity Codes, 30 Oct 2007.
FM 3-60.2, MCRP 3-23C, NTTP 3-03.4.3, AFTTP3-2.72, Multi-Service Tactics,
Techniques, and Procedures for Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance,
26 Nov 2008.
Army
FM 1-02, Operational Terms and Graphics, 21 September 2004.
Marine Corps
MCWP 3-16, Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element
28 November 2001
MAWTS-1, Forward Air Controller (Airborne) [FAC(A)] Handbook, 1 January 2004
Navy
NWP 3-56 (Rev A), Composite Warfare Commanders Manual, August 2001
Air Force
AFOTTP 2-3.2, Air and Space Operations Center, 13 December 2004
Other
USCENTCOM USCENTAF, Kill Box Interdiction/Close Air Support CONOPS
(KI/CAS CONOPS), SECRET Rel GBR and AUS
USPACOM ROK US Combined Forces Command Publication 3-1,
Joint Fires Korea
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GLOSSARY
PART I ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
A
AC2
ACA
ACS
ACM
ACO
ACP
ADA
ADC
AFATDS
AFI
AFTTP
ALO
ALSA
ANGLICO
AO
approx.
ARFOR
ASOC
ASR
ATO
AWACS
B2C2WG
BCD
BCL
BKB
C2
CAS
CDE
CO
CONOPS
COP
CWC
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D-F
DASC
DTG
ESG
FAC(A)
FC
FFCC
FLOT
FM
FROG
FSCL
FSCM
FSCOORD
ft
G-3
GARS
GCCS-A
GOPLAT
HQ
IAW
IDN
IPOE
ISR
headquarters
in accordance with
initial distribution number
intelligence preparation of the operational environment
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
J
JACE
JADOCS
JFACC
JAOC
JFC
JFE
JFLCC
JFMCC
JFSOCC
JIPTL
JOA
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JOC
JP
JSOA
JSOTF
KB
KBC
km
LeMay Center
LNO
kill box
kill box coordinator
kilometer
Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and
Education
liaison officer
M
MAAP
MACCS
MAGTF
MARFOR
MARLO
MCC
MCCDC
MCRP
MILSTRIP
min
MSL
MTTP
NALE
NASUP
NFA
NSFS
NTTP
NW
NWDC
NWP
OFD
OPORD
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P
PID
PKB
positive identification
purple kill box
R
RCT
ROA
ROE
S-3
SADL
SCAR
SCARC
SE
SOCCE
SOF
SOLE
SPINS
SW
TACP
TACS
TAI
TAIS
TBMCS
TGT
TOS
TOT
TRADOC
UAS
US
USAF
USMC
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air defense artillery Weapons and equipment for actively combating air targets
from the ground. Also called ADA. (JP 1-02)
air liaison officer The senior tactical air control party member attached to a
ground unit who functions as the primary advisor to the ground
commander on air power. An air liaison officer is usually an
aeronautically rated officer. Also called ALO. (JP 1-02)
airspace coordinating measures Measures employed to facilitate the efficient
use of airspace to accomplish missions and simultaneously provide
safeguards for friendly forces. Also called ACMs. (JP 3-52)
airspace control order An order implementing the airspace control plan that
provides the details of the approved requests for airspace coordinating
measures. It is published either as part of the air tasking order or as a
separate document. Also called ACO. (JP 1-02)
airspace coordination area A three-dimensional block of airspace in a target
area, established by the appropriate ground commander, in which
friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. The
airspace coordination area may be formal or informal. Also called
ACA. (JP 1-02)
air support operations center The principal air control agency of the theater air
control system responsible for the direction and control of air
operations directly supporting the ground combat element. It
processes and coordinates requests for immediate air support and
coordinates air missions requiring integration with other supporting
arms and ground forces. It normally collocates with the Army tactical
headquarters senior fire support coordination center within the ground
combat element. Also called ASOC. (JP 1-02)
air tasking order A method used to task and disseminate to components,
subordinate units, and command and control agencies projected
sorties, capabilities and/or forces to targets and specific missions.
Normally provides specific instructions to include call signs, targets,
controlling agencies, etc., as well as general instructions. Also called
ATO. (JP 1-02)
amphibious objective area A geographical area (delineated for command and
control purposes in the order initiating the amphibious operation) within
which is located the objective(s) to be secured by the amphibious
force. This area must be of sufficient size to ensure accomplishment
of the amphibious force's mission and must provide sufficient area for
conducting necessary sea, air, and land operations. Also called AOA.
(JP 1-02)
area air defense commander Within a unified command, subordinate unified
command, or joint task force, the commander will assign overall
responsibility for air defense to a single commander. Normally, this will
be the component commander with the preponderance of air defense
capability and the command, control, and communications capability to
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56
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58
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joint operations area An area of land, sea, and airspace, defined by a geographic
combatant commander or subordinate unified commander, in which a
joint force commander (normally a joint task force commander)
conducts military operations to accomplish a specific mission. Also
called JOA. (JP 3-0)
joint special operations area An area of land, sea, and airspace assigned by a
joint force commander to the commander of a joint special operations
force to conduct special operations activities. It may be limited in size
to accommodate a discrete direct action mission or may be extensive
enough to allow a continuing broad range of unconventional warfare
operations. Also called JSOA. (JP 3-0)
joint special operations task force A joint task force composed of special
operations units from more than one Service, formed to carry out a
specific special operation or prosecute special operations in support of
a theater campaign or other operations. The joint special operations
task force may have conventional non-special operations units
assigned or attached to support the conduct of specific missions. Also
called JSOTF. (JP 1-02)
kill box A three-dimensional area used to facilitate the integration of joint fires.
(JP 3-09)
littoral The littoral comprises two segments of battlespace: 1. Seaward: the area
from the open ocean to the shore, which must be controlled to support
operations ashore. 2. Landward: the area inland from the shore that
can be supported and defended directly from the sea. (JP 3-32)
Marine expeditionary brigade A Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) that is
constructed around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine
aircraft group, and a combat logistic regiment. The Marine
expeditionary brigade (MEB), commanded by a general officer, is taskorganized to meet the requirements of a specific situation. It can
function as part of a joint task force, as the lead echelon of the Marine
expeditionary force (MEF), or alone. It varies in size and composition
and is larger than a Marine expeditionary unit but smaller than a MEF.
The MEB is capable of conducting missions across the full range of
military operations. In a joint or multinational environment, it may also
contain other Service or multinational forces assigned or attached to
the MAGTF. Also called MEB. (MCRP 5-12C)
Marine expeditionary force The largest Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF)
and the Marine Corps principal warfighting organization, particularly for
larger crises or contingencies. It is task-organized around a
permanent command element and normally contains one or more
Marine divisions, Marine aircraft wings, and Marine logistic groups.
The Marine expeditionary force is capable of missions across the
range of military operations, including amphibious assault and
sustained operations ashore in any environment. It can operate from a
sea base, a land base, or both. In a joint or multinational environment,
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FM 3-09.34
MCRP 3-25H
NTTP 3-09.2.1
AFTTP 3-2.59
4 August 2009
By Order of the Secretary of the Army
GEORGE W. CASEY JR.
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff
Official:
JOYCE E. MORROW
Administrative Assistant to
the Secretary of the Army
0922501
DISTRIBUTION:
Active Army, Army National Guard, and United States Army Reserve: Not to be
distributed; electronic media only.
By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force
STEPHEN J. MILLER
Major General, USAF
Commander
Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education
ACCESSIBILITY:
RELEASABILITY:
PIN: 085781-000