Precision Strike Procedures Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Precision Strike Procedures Exam

A Precision Strike Procedures Exam evaluates your understanding of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for delivering accurate and effective strikes against targets. Below is a detailed guide to help you prepare:

Key Topics to Study

1. Definition and Purpose of Precision Strike

Importance of minimizing collateral damage.
Achieving mission objectives with high accuracy and efficiency.
Integration with broader operational goals (e.g., suppression of enemy air defenses, close air support, interdiction).

2. Target Identification and Prioritization

Methods for target identification:
- Visual identification.
- Sensor data (e.g., radar, infrared, electro-optical).
- Intelligence sources (SIGINT, HUMINT, UAV feeds).
Target prioritization based on mission objectives and threat level.
Avoiding friendly fire and mitigating risk to non-combatants.

3. Weapon Systems and Delivery Techniques

Types of precision-guided munitions (PGMs):
- Laser-guided bombs (LGBs).
- GPS/INS-guided munitions (e.g., JDAMs).
- Air-to-surface missiles (e.g., AGM-114 Hellfire, AGM-65 Maverick).
Delivery methods:
- Level bombing, dive bombing, and toss bombing.
- Stand-off versus direct attack techniques.
Factors affecting accuracy: weather, terrain, and enemy countermeasures.

4. Mission Planning

Creating the strike plan:
- Selecting the weapon for the target type.
- Determining delivery profiles (altitude, speed, and angle).
- Risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
Timing and coordination with other assets (e.g., SEAD, AWACS, JTACs).
Escape and evasion planning after the strike.

5. Execution of Precision Strikes

Pre-strike actions:
- Confirming target coordinates.
- Systems checks and aligning guidance systems.
Ingress and target acquisition:
- Navigating to the target area.
- Identifying and designating targets with onboard or external sensors.
Post-strike actions:
- Bomb damage assessment (BDA).
- Reporting results and re-engaging if necessary.

6. Tactics for Precision Engagement

Low-altitude ingress and egress techniques for avoiding detection.
Use of stealth and electronic warfare to penetrate defended airspace.
Deconfliction and communication with other assets in the area.

7. Advanced Systems and Technologies

Use of targeting pods (e.g., Sniper, Litening).
Integration of unmanned systems (e.g., MQ-9 Reaper) in strike operations.
Software and algorithms for real-time targeting and bomb guidance.

8. Rules of Engagement (ROE) and Legal Considerations

Compliance with international laws of armed conflict.
Ensuring proportionality and necessity in targeting.
Mitigation of collateral damage and civilian casualties.

9. Environmental and Operational Challenges

Operating in degraded environments (e.g., GPS jamming, poor weather).
Night and low-visibility operations.
Adapting to unexpected threats or changes in mission parameters.

10. Safety and Emergency Procedures

Aborting a strike if conditions are unsafe or uncertain.
Safe jettisoning of munitions.
Recovering from system failures during the strike process.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
Which of the following is a primary advantage of GPS-guided munitions over laser-guided munitions?
- A. Increased resistance to jamming.
- B. Greater accuracy in poor weather conditions.
- C. Higher payload capacity.
- D. Requires no pre-programmed coordinates.
(Correct Answer: B)
Scenario Question:
You are tasked with striking a high-value target in a densely populated urban area. Describe the steps you would take to minimize collateral damage while ensuring mission success.
Calculation Problem:
If your weapon system has a circular error probable (CEP) of 5 meters, what is the probability that the weapon will strike within a 5-meter radius of the target?
True/False:
A precision strike can be conducted without visual confirmation of the target if the coordinates are verified by multiple sources.

Study Tips

Review Aircraft and Weapon Systems Manuals
- Study the operational capabilities and limitations of the munitions and targeting systems you’ll be using.
Understand Joint Operations Procedures
- Learn about coordination with JTACs, AWACS, and other support assets.
Practice Mission Planning and Execution
- Use simulators or planning tools to rehearse strike missions, focusing on accuracy and timing.
Review Operational Directives and Legal Guidelines
- Familiarize yourself with ROEs, collateral damage estimation (CDE) techniques, and ethical considerations.
Learn from Case Studies
- Study real-world examples of precision strikes to understand what went well and what didn’t.