(EDIT: link dead, see #4 my post)
Written in 1995 for Harpoon Classic, but page 5-40 discusses about sensor basic,
surface group formation consideration, and some combat maxims that are useful also in Command.
Even authors would not expect that their guide is still read 30 years later
p.5-9 about sensor type and terminology
p.9-22 about surface formation
p.22-31 about land base defence
p.31-35 about strike warfare
p.35-38 about submarine operation
(I simply doubt 39-40 sonar model is still used in Command...)
Some quotes:
The effective and intelligent design and implementation of formations is contingent upon the following elements:
1. Mission Review/Requirements
.01 What is your mission
.02 What are your time constraints
.03 What are your geographic constraints
2. Available Platforms
.01 Mission Essential Unit(s)
.02 Other units which require screening...
.03 AAW/ASMD “Shooters” (Surface to Air Missile Platforms)
--a) Long Shooters
--b) Medium Range Shooters
--c) Short Range Shooters
--d) Point defense/self defense only
.04 ASW Players
--a) Towed Array/CZ Capable
--b) Hull mounted active/passive (Non CZ)
--c) Short Range/Direct Path only/HF Sonar
--d) ASW Helo “Home Plate”
--e) ASW standoff weapons
.05 ASuW Players
--a) ESM ability
--b) Weapons Range
--c) Weapons Loadout
.06 AEW assets
--a) Effective Radar Range
--b) ESM ability
--c) Range/time on station
.07 CAP assets
--a) Weapons Range
--b) Weapons Loadout
--c) Effectiveness
--d) Range/time on station
.08 SuCAP assets
.09 Aerial Tanking Assets
.10 Maritime Patrol Assets
3. Threat Summary
.01 AAW/ASMD Threat
--a) Threat Axis or Axes
--b) Weapons Range
.02 ASW Threat
--a) Path of Intended Motion (PIM)
--b) Minimum Speed of Advance (SOA)
--c) Weapons types/Ranges
.03 ASuW Threat
--a) Threat Axis or Axes
--b) Weapons Range
Some Tactical Maxims:
In designing a formation the following maxims also apply:
1. Don’t give away your location without good reason. (The enemy can’t hurt you if he can’t find you.)
2. Actively attempt to locate and localize the enemy consistent with rule 1. (You can’t hurt the enemy unless you can find him.)
3. Never fight fair. (The sucker punch is the best punch, especially when you’re wearing brass knuckles.)
4. Don’t be predictable.
5. Engage the launch platform, not the weapons fired from the platform. (Shoot the Archer, not the Arrow...)
Trolling for submarines is boring business! The key here is to detect the bad guys as far away from the main body as possible, and then prosecute the contact with ASW helicopters or fixed wing aircraft. Try to avoid prosecuting submarines with surface ships, such prosecutions are dangerous and thus should only be used as a last ditch or urgent attack.
d) Fourth, never, repeat, never place your AEW aircraft along the primary threat axis of the base you are trying to protect. Offset your AEW from the threat axis by 30 to 45 degrees, and place them as far down range along the threat axis as practical (try not to put the AEW patrol within the OPFOR’s radar coverage) up to about 200 miles.
Nothing can ruin your day like having OPFOR striker escorts take out your eyes on their way in.
