JAEX 6.0 Package Basics
To start with, there will be more targets to attack than assets available. Work down your priority list and ensure adequate concentration while maintaining a balance on the types of targets or target systems. Within each package and between all the different packages, consider the synergy generated by combining different platforms with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. And last, but not least, persistence pays. A target struck once may not be totally destroyed or may be rebuilt. If it was important to degrade or destroy a certain target set, it may be worth re-attack to keep it down.
There are numerous considerations when building ATO packages; there is no right answer, but there are certainly wrong ones. The following mission examples and rules of thumb should get you headed in the right direction.
Zone vs. Package. Within JAEX there are four enemy zones and two friendly zones. You have the ability to add zone support packages for each zone. In the enemy zones, these packages may contain zone sweep, zone SEAD, and support assets (see below for descriptions of each). Alternatively, you may build individual packages against each of the targets in the target list. These packages may contain escort and SEAD assets, in addition to the main assets. In the friendly zones, the packages contain DCA and support sorties.
Strike Missions. The basic element in a strike package is obviously the aircraft carrying the ordinance to target. (You probably wont forget to put them in the package). But how many of them will reach the target, and how will they be harassed during their target run? If there is a credible air-to-air threat, you should provide some sort of fighter escort to destroy or drive off the enemy DCA. Dual role fighter attack assets (F-15E, F-16, F-18) can defend themselves and their package against the enemy DCA threats. One notable exception to this is our stealth assets. They prefer to be on their own (i.e., not packaged with or in the same vicinity as non-stealth platforms.) An effective means of employing them is simultaneous attacks on other targets, geographically separated from the non-stealth strike packages. This distracts and decoys the enemy air defense system, reducing the odds of a chance encounter. Single-ship missions (except tankers, AWACS, and stealth) are not a sound application of the tenets of air and space power.
Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Missions. If there is a chance of encountering Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) threats, you should assign SEAD assets (either jamming platforms or High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) shooters). SEAD assets should be either assigned in a zone support package or to individual strike package and are necessary as long as there is a SAM threat. Zone SEAD missions would require OCA/Sweep to defend against enemy fighter aircraft. Another option for targeting SAMs or radars is the use of targeted SEAD. Targeted SEAD makes use of HARM missiles to target the enemy radars and SAMs and is one of the available actions when building packages. For the exercise, when directly targeting SAMs or Radars, use the Targeted SEAD option.
Defensive Counterair (DCA) Missions. A four-ship of DCA can target almost any threat they encounter. This allows for protection of the combat support assets and CAS missions in the respective zone. DCA packages smaller than four aircraft may allow some enemy aircraft to get through undetected. Since they are over or close to friendly territory, ground-based radar facilities are normally adequate to assist them, thus they are a lower priority to get AWACS support. DCA missions are also able to stay clear of enemy SAM threats, so SEAD is not required in DCA packages.
Offensive Counterair (OCA) (Sweep/Escort) Missions. On a pure OCA sweep mission, the fighters have a general route they plan on flying, but retain the flexibility to adjust as required to defend the entire zone. They can avoid known SAM threats in their search for enemy aircraft (so they are a low priority for SEAD support). They may require AAR if they plan a deep penetration into hostile territory and may also need AWACS support if they get too far from friendly ground radars. Normally a four-ship of OCA sweep aircraft in each zone should be able to counter the enemy forces encountered in the respective zone. Overlapping zone sweep and package escort is not normally required. You must weigh the acceptable level of risk with the efficient use of assets of using zone sweep to cover large numbers of packages within a particular zone versus package escort for dedicated air-to-air coverage against limited numbers of packages within a given zone. Typically, for strike escort missions a two ship of OCA assets will be sufficient to protect the strike package. However, some missions may face threats that are more significant and four-ships may be more appropriate.
Close Air Support (CAS) Missions. Much like DCA they are assigned over or close to friendly territory (typically assigned directly to friendly ground units), ground-based radar facilities are normally adequate to assist them, and thus they are a lower priority to get AWACS support. CAS missions are also able to stay clear of enemy SAM threats, so SEAD is not required in CAS packages. CAS assets will normally employ as two ships, however due to the dynamic nature of CAS it is recommend to use all of your CAS assets each ATO day.
Command and Control (C2), Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Missions. If the target is far from our friendly bases, AAR assets will be required. The size of the package, distance from friendly ground radar sites, and complexity of the mission may dictate assigning a C2 asset to the mission. Additionally, ISR coverage of each hostile zone is necessary to ensure you receive accurate intel reports. For this scenario you can assume that C2, AAR and ISR are required. These assets will remain in friendly territory during this operation however they will be assigned to cover specific hostile zones.
Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). In the unlikely event friendly aircraft are shot down over enemy territory, CSAR aircraft must be ready to respond to rescue the crews. To accomplish this, at least one CSAR aircraft should be added to each of the friendly zone support packages. These aircraft will be on alert and ready to respond should they be needed.
Scheduling. The ATO runs sequentially, not simultaneously. Zone support and CAS packages run for the duration of the ATO day. Other packages flow sequentially based on the order the packages are built, unless reordered. You can reorder the ATO using the SCHEDULE button at any time before selecting the EXECUTE button. After that, there is no going back. Consider which targets should be struck first to enable follow-on strikes.
If you prioritize your targets, build synergistic packages, and maintain flexibility, you will win the war in short order. Assuming you read everything youre ready to build your ATO!
<
