Maritime Warfare

8.1-8.4

DESCRIBE the Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) concept and LIST its guiding principles

concept allows a naval force to conduct simultaneous offensive and defensive operations across various warfare areas (like air, surface, subsurface, information). This concept decentralizes control by assigning different warfare areas to the most qualified units, improving speed and flexibility in decision-making.

The guiding principles of the CWC are:

1. Collaborative Planning – Planning is done jointly by commanders from different warfare areas so the force can coordinate responses to threats.

2. Decentralized Execution – Warfare responsibilities are delegated to subordinate commanders, so decisions can be made quickly and locally.

3. Command by Negation – Warfare commanders can act on their own unless told otherwise by the CWC. Silence from the CWC means consent.

What does “Command by Negation” mean in the CWC structure?

Warfare commanders can act on their own unless told otherwise by the CWC. Silence from the CWC means consent.

List and explain the three guiding principles of the CWC concept.

• Collaborative Planning – Leaders from all warfare areas work together to plan missions and how to handle threats.

• Decentralized Execution – The commander gives responsibilities to the best-qualified units so they can act quickly without waiting for orders.

• Command by Negation – Warfare commanders can act on their own unless told otherwise by the CWC. Silence from the CWC means consent.

What is the goal of the Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) concept?

To fight in different warfare areas at the same time while allowing faster decisions at every level.

DISCUSS the CWC command structure 3 tiers

The CWC command structure has three tiers:

Tier 1 – Principal Warfare Commanders (PWCs)

These commanders operate across the entire force and have long-term responsibility.

Examples:

(AMDC)

(SUWC)

STWC)

(IWC)

Tier 2 – Functional Group Commanders (FGCs):

These are more temporary roles for specific missions.

Screen Commander is example

Tier 3 – Resource Coordinators (RCs):

They manage and assign resources (assets, support) to help warfare commanders.

(AREC), Surface Action Group Coordinator (SAGC)

The Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) is the

The senior officer in charge of all forces in a specific maritime area.

Who is the Composite Warfare Commander (CWC)?

OTC picks to handle some or all fighting and defense tasks for the force.

What are Principal Warfare Commanders (Tier 1)?

Leaders in charge of major warfare areas for long periods. They control big parts of the force.

What are Functional Group Commanders (Tier 2)?

Leaders with short-term jobs for specific missions. They only affect part of the force.

What are Resource Coordinators (Tier 3)?

People who manage tools and assets and give them to warfare commanders as needed.

Discuss the Different Levels of War

• Strategic Level – This level supports national policy and long-term goals. For example, it’s where the President and SECDEF make decisions affecting the entire war.

• Operational Level – This is about planning and executing campaigns and major operations. It’s the bridge between strategy and tactics.

• Tactical Level – This is the level where actual battles, engagements, and maneuvers occur. It involves ships, aircraft, and individual units carrying out assigned tasks.

How does the operational level of war support strategic objectives?

The operational level turns big-picture goals into action plans. It takes the overall mission from national leaders and creates step-by-step military campaigns to reach that goal. It makes sure that all the battles and missions on the tactical level are working together to achieve the bigger plan.

Compare and contrast Principal Warfare Commanders (PWCs) and Functional Group Commanders (FGCs).

Principal Warfare Commanders (PWCs):

• Tier 1 in the CWC structure

• Have long-term authority over major warfare areas (e.g., Air, Surface, Undersea, Strike, Information)

• Their decisions impact the entire force

• Examples: AMDC (W), SUWC (S), USWC (X), STWC (P), IWC (Q)

Functional Group Commanders (FGCs):

• Tier 2 in the CWC structure

• Assigned for specific missions or tasks of limited scope and duration

• Influence only a portion of the force

• Examples: Maritime Interdiction Ops Commander, Screen Commander

Command:

The power and responsibility to use people and tools to get the job done.

Control:

Making sure everything is done the way the commander wants. It helps check progress, fix problems, and keep things on track.

Command Authority (Combatant Command): is the, and do what

The highest level of command. This gives full power to organize and use forces however needed to complete the mission. It automatically includes operational control.

Operational Control (OPCON): does what

Gives the power to organize and use forces for missions.

It can be passed down to others. It also includes tactical control.

Tactical Control (TACON): does what

gives you enough control to direct forces during a mission or specific task.

Can be given at any lower level.

Composite Warfare Commander Chart Break Down List 3 tiers and what falls under

OTC

CWC

Tier 1: Warfare Commanders

AMDC:

STWC

IWC:

SCC:

1. ASWC:

2. SUWC:

Tier 2: Functional Group Commanders

BMDC:

SC:

URG:

MIOC:

MIWC:

Tier 3: Resource

ACA:

AREC:

SOCA:

HEC:

LAC:

CRC:

FTC:

CTPM:

Call Signs Primary/Secondary

Commander A

Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) B V

Air and Missile Defense Commander (AMDC) W C

Anti Submarine warfare commander (ASWC) X Y

Information Warfare Commander (IWC) Q E

Sea Combat Commander (SCC) Z

Strike Warfare Commander (STWC) P K

Surface Warfare Commander (SUWC) S T

Ballistic Missile Defense Coordinator (BMDC) U

Maritime Interception Operations Commander (MIOC) J

Mine Warfare Commander (MIWC) G F

Screen Commander (SC) N D

Underway Replenishment (URG CDR) NONE

Air Resource Coordinator (AREC) R R

ACA None

CTPM None

CRC None

FTC None

Helicopter Element coordinator (HEC) L L

LAC None

SOCA None

Operations Order (OPORD)

• A detailed plan from a senior fleet or maritime commander (like NFC or JFMCC).

• It tells lower-level commanders how to carry out coordinated missions.

Operational Tasking (OPTASK)

• Gives specific instructions on different parts of the mission (e.g., air defense, communications).

• Comes in 3 levels:

  1. Navy-wide (broad guidance),

  2. OTC Supplement (tailored by the officer in charge),

  3. Warfare Commander/Functional Coordinator Supplement (specific details for individual warfare areas).

Execution Order (EXORD)

• A "go" order.

• Sent by the operational commander to begin the actual mission or operation.

Daily Intentions Message (DIMS)

• Real-time updates with the latest instructions from command.

• These messages can change tactics or priorities during the operation.

• Sent by the Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) or warfare leaders.

Operations Summary Report (OPREP-5)

• A status update.

• Summarizes important numbers and information about assigned ships, aircraft, or units.

• Helps commanders keep track of what forces are available and ready.

Joint Task Force 3 levels same as CWC

strategic level

Operational Level

Tactical Level

Level	Focus	Leaders	Your Role
Strategic	National policy & goals	President, SECDEF, CJCS	Understand mission context
Operational	Campaign planning	JTFs, Fleets, Component Cmdrs	Execute missions that support strategic goals
Tactical	Battles & engagements	Unit Commanders (COs, OICs)	Carry out tasks on the front line

Joint Force Maritime Component JFMCC is the

commander in charge of all sea-based forces in a joint mission.

make sure Navy/Marine assets are used together effectively and work smoothly with other branches’ forces.

What is the difference between Command and Control?

Command is the authority to lead and use resources to complete a mission.
Control is how commanders direct, monitor, and adjust their forces to carry out that mission as planned.

What are the three levels of command authority?

Combatant Command (COCOM) – Full authority over forces; can assign tasks and missions.

Operational Control (OPCON) – Can organize and use forces for missions but not change their structure.

Tactical Control (TACON) – Short-term authority to direct movements and use of units for specific tasks.

What is a Joint Task Force (JTF), and why is it important?

is a temporary group of units from different military branches created to work together for one mission.

It's important because modern military operations often need the combined skills of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

What does the Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC) do?

is the top Navy commander in a joint mission. They control all maritime forces and help coordinate with other services to meet the overall mission goals.

List and explain five types of operational directives.

• OPORD (Operations Order): Big-picture mission plan from a fleet or joint commander.

• OPTASK (Operational Tasking): Specific instructions for warfare areas or roles.

• EXORD (Execution Order): Tells units to start the mission.

• DIMS (Daily Intentions Message): Updates and new guidance that affect the day’s operations.

• OPREP-5: A report that summarizes what assets are ready or in use.

Why is “Command by Negation” important in naval warfare?

It speeds up decision-making. Commanders can act without waiting for approval — as long as higher-ups don’t say “stop.” It keeps the operation moving and allows quick reactions in combat.

DEFINE and DESCRIBE the primary and secondary missions of the Combat Information Center (CIC)

Primary Mission: GOOD PEOPLE DANCE EVERY DAY

Gather, Process, Display, Evaluate, Disseminate

Keep the CO and key leaders aware of the current tactical situation.

Secondary Missions:

CIC supports other ship operations such as

Helping the Bridge with navigation

Managing radio silence (EMCON)

Tactical maneuvering

Responding to man overboard

Four General Conditions of Readiness

Condition	When Used	What It Looks Like
IV – Peacetime Cruising	Normal ops	Minimal watches, light security, normal training/work
III – Wartime Cruising	Tension is high	Some weapons ready, more watchstanders, able to respond quickly
II – Modified GQ	Specific threat or mission	Enhanced readiness in one warfare area (like ASW, Strike)
I – General Quarters (GQ)	Full combat mode	All stations manned (weapons, engineering, damage control) – max readiness

Watch Stations in CIC – Duties and Responsibilities

Tactical Action Officer (TAO)

• CO’s representative for fighting the ship

• Controls weapons, gives permission to fire in defense

• Advises OOD on tactical maneuvers

CIC Watch Officer (CICWO)

• Supervises CIC operations

• Makes sure info boards are correct, comms are manned

• Gives navigation and tactical input to the OOD

Combat Systems Coordinator (CSC)

• Connects technical equipment with tactical mission

• Assists TAO, manages combat systems readiness

LIST and DESCRIBE duties of CIC Watch Team members

Know a few from each team and describe them

Core CIC Roles

• TAO – Fights the ship; CO’s rep for weapons and tactics

• CICWO – Runs CIC, keeps boards and comms updated

• CSC – Links tech systems to tactics; assists TAO

  Air Watch Team

• IDS – IDs aircraft (friend/foe)

• DBM – Updates air contact data

• TIC – Shares data over Link-11/16

  Surface Watch Team

  • SUW – Tracks ships

  • GFCSS – Operates guns

  • GLO – Coordinates gunfire with bridge

    Anti-Submarine Team

    • ASWE – Tracks submarines

    • SONAR SUP – Runs sonar team

    • DRT Plotter – Plots contacts on map

      Strike Team (Tomahawk)

      EM – Plans missile routes

      MM – Loads and launches missiles

      DBM – Inputs missile paths

      • Navigation Team

        • Piloting Officer – Plots ship’s position

        • Shipping Officer – Tracks nearby ships

        • Nav Plotter – Marks position on map

        • Radar Op – Gives radar ranges

• Tactical Action Officer (TAO) does what

• Represents the CO for combat decisions

• Can fire weapons in self-defense (needs CO approval to attack first)

• Tells the OOD how to maneuver safely during combat

• Makes sure weapons, sensors, and CIC all work properly together

CIC Watch Officer (CICWO) does what

• Leads the CIC team and keeps everything running smoothly

• Makes sure logs, boards, and comms are up to date

• Reports to the TAO on combat systems

• Advises the OOD on safe navigation and threats

Combat Systems Coordinator (CSC) does what

“Connects tech with tactics”

• Translates tech problems into what they mean for the fight

• Keeps combat systems and RADAR working

• Helps TAO manage equipment issues

Combat Systems Maintenance Teams and their Duties

CSOOW — “Leads combat system repairs”

Runs the combat systems maintenance team

Talks with engineering and damage control during issues

Area Watch Supervisors — “Fix specific systems”

• Maintain and operate systems like AEGIS, sonar, guns, electronics

Communications Watch Officer — “Manages radio team”

In charge of radio communications

CIC Air Watch Standers

IDS: ids aircrafts as friend or foe

DBM: Updates air contact data

TIC: Shares data over link11/16

Name EW Watch Team and their jobs

EW Supervisor — Leads the EW team

Leads EW team, manages its operations and analyses enemy signal.

EW Operator— Runs electronic sensors

Runs electronic signal, uses SLQ 32. Gives threat info to air and surface teams.

SESS — Top-secret intel center, analyzes information more in depth using intel.

Air Watch Team for CIC list 3 and describe

IDS: Ids aircrafts friend or foe

DBM: Updates air contact data

TIC: Shares data over link 11/16

Surface Watch Team for CIC list 3 and describe

SUW: Tracks ships

GFCSS: operates guns

GLO: coordinates with fire tell them when to fire weapon

Anti-Submarine Watch Team for CIC list 3 and describe

ASWE: tracks submarines

SONAR SUP: runs sonar team

DRT platter: Plots contact on the map

STRIKE Watch Team for CIC name 3 and describe

EM – Plans missile routes

MM – Loads and launches missiles

DBM – Inputs missile paths

CIC Navigation Watch Team list 3 and describe

• Piloting Officer – Plots ship’s position

• Shipping Officer – Tracks nearby ships

• Nav Plotter – Marks position on map

• Radar Op – Gives radar ranges

Types of Naval Logs (there are 7)

CIC Watch Log

keeps track of who is on watch, when they change,

upcoming major events, and recommendations.

RADAR Contact Log

records what the radar picks up

when object picked up, date, bearing, type of contact and such

RADAR Navigation Log,

tracks the ship’s position and how environmental forces like wind or current are affecting its path.

Dead Reckoning Trace (DRT) Log

create a visual plot of everything around the ship, both on the surface and underwater.

Access or Visitor Log

keeps track of anyone who comes into or leaves the CIC

Publication Custody Log

monitors which important references, documents, or manuals have been checked out of CIC and confirms they were returned.

Radiotelephone Log

records all voice radio communications sent to or from the ship

CIC Watch Log

keeps track of who is on watch, when they change, any tactical updates, upcoming major events, and recommendations. It’s basically the daily logbook of everything going on in the Combat Information Center.

RADAR Contact Log

records what the radar picks up — including the time, direction (bearing), distance (range), what the contact is, and how close it will come to the ship (Closest Point of Approach or CPA). It helps maintain awareness of any ships, aircraft, or potential threats nearby.

RADAR Navigation Log

also called the Fix Log, tracks the ship’s position and how environmental forces like wind or current are affecting its path. It includes suggested courses and speeds to help keep the ship on track.

Dead Reckoning Trace (DRT) Log

is used to create a visual plot of everything around the ship, both on the surface and underwater. It’s also used during specific events like man overboard, aircraft in the water

Access or Visitor Log

keeps track of anyone who comes into or leaves the CIC who is not part of the on-watch team. It’s used for accountability and security.

Publication Custody Log

monitors which important references, documents, or manuals have been checked out of CIC and confirms they were returned.

Radiotelephone Log

records all voice radio communications sent to or from the ship

Multi-Channel (MC) Announcing System

1MC General: General information to the crew

21MC Captain’s Command: Urgent information to key stations

29MC SONAR Information: Sonar contact information

59MC Anti-Ship Missile Defense: Warning system threat disclosures

Sound-Powered Telephone Circuits is a and what are 4 types

is a communication system used on Navy ships that doesn't need electricity to operate.

JA: Orders from captain

JC: Used by the weapons team to talk about firing guns or missiles and finding targets

JL : used to report visual sightings

1JV Used to give orders for

steering the ship

handling lines

anchors, and docking the ship.

Integrated Voice Communication System (IVCS): is a

Internal voice network connecting ship stations

Relieving the Watch in CIC

Tactical Picture and What the Ship Is Doing
Check the surface picture to see what ships are around us (RMP)
Check the air picture to see what aircraft are around us (RAP)
See if Link-11 and Link-16 (data-sharing systems) are working
Look at GCCS-M to see current contact and mission info
Understand the current mission and any instructions
Make sure logs are filled out and correct

Navigation and Ship’s Movement
Find out where the ship is right now
Look at the planned route (PIM)
Check the ship’s path so far
See if there are any hazards nearby
Check the schedule for the day
Know who’s standing watch and where
Make sure the comms plan is being followed

Naval GUIDANCE SYSTEMS tip there are 7

Active

Semi-Active

Passive

Command Guidance

Self-Contained Guidance

TERCOM

DSMAC

Active Terminal Homing how does it work and what are some examples

The weapon finds the target by using its own radar.

It sends out radar waves, waits for them to bounce off the target, then follows the echo.

Examples Weapons:
Harpoon missile (ship or air),
SM-6 missile (ship),
AMRAAM (air-to-air missile).

Semi-Active Terminal Homing

The ship or aircraft shines radar on the target (like a flashlight), and the missile follows the reflected radar signal to hit it.

The missile doesn’t find the target by itself — it needs help from the ship or plane the whole time.

Examples Weapons:
ESSM,
Sparrow,
SM-2.

Passive Terminal Homing

Missile locks on to target’s own emissions (heat, RF, noise)

Example Weapons:

RAM,

HARM,

Sidewinder

Command Guidance

Ship gives real-time updates during flight

Example of Weapons:

SM-2,

SM-6

Self-Contained Guidance

Uses GPS or INS (internal map) to find target

Example of Weapons:

TLAM, SLAM-ER, JDAM, JSOW

TERCOM

Terrain matching guidance using altimeters and maps

Example Weapons:

R/UGM-109 TLAM

Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC)

A camera and computer compare live and stored images to hit a target

Example Weapons:

R/UGM-109 TLAM

Launch Platforms for missiles

Air, Ship, Underwater

Basic Mission:

G: Surface Attack

A: air launched

R: ship launches

I: Intercept in the Air/Space

U: Underwater Attack

Vehicle Type for Missiles 3rd letter

M: Guided Missile/Drone

What does "RIM" in RIM-116 mean?

R = Ship-launched, I = Intercepts in air, M = Guided missile.

What does "AGM" in AGM-88 mean?

A = Air-launched, G = Surface attack, M = Guided missile.

Designations of Naval Weapons what are those 3 letters

First Letter = Launch Platform
Middle Letter = Mission Type
Last Letter = Vehicle Type

Crew Served Weapons (CSW)

MK-38 25mm Gun

All USN vessels except LCS and DDG 1000

.50 CAL Machine Gun

All USN vessels except DDG 1000

M240 Machine Gun

All USN vessels except DDG 1000

GAU-17 Machine Gun

 A/UH-1 and MH-60S/R Helicopters

Missile Components

• Warhead Section

  • Primary destructive instrument within the missile, commonly a high explosive

• Propulsion Section

  • Rocket engine or jet engine that interacts with a fueling source to allow for flight

• Control Section

  • Monitors the stage of flight to determine missile maneuvers and maintains stability

• Guidance Section

  • Houses sensor components necessary to transmit, pick up, or interact with infrared (IR), radio frequencies (RF), or laser data 

Types of Naval Guidance Systems

• Inertial Navigation – Uses internal sensors to track movement without external signals.

• Radar Homing – Seeks radar reflections from the target (active, semi-active, or passive).

• Infrared (IR) Homing – Detects heat signatures (used in some missiles).

• Electro-Optical/Imaging IR – Visual or thermal imaging for precision targeting.

• GPS/INS (Global Positioning + Inertial) – Used for long-range cruise missiles (e.g., TLAM).

• Wire-Guided or Fiber-Optic – Common in torpedoes for real-time targeting updates.

• Acoustic Homing – Underwater guidance using sound waves (e.g., MK-48 ADCAP torpedo).

Ships of the U.S. Navy (Main Types)

• CVN – Aircraft Carrier (nuclear-powered).

• CG – Guided Missile Cruiser.

• DDG – Guided Missile Destroyer.

• FFG – Guided Missile Frigate (future Constellation class).

• LCS – Littoral Combat Ship.

• LCC – Amphibious Command Ship.

• LHA / LHD – Amphibious Assault Ships.

• LPD – Amphibious Transport Dock.

• LSD – Landing Ship Dock.

• SSN – Attack Submarine.

• SSBN – Ballistic Missile Submarine.

• SSGN – Guided Missile Submarine.

• MCM – Mine Countermeasure Ship.

• T-AO, T-AOE, T-AKE – Logistics/Support ships.

• USV – Unmanned Surface Vessel.

CSG (Carrier Strike Group) consists of 6 different ones

• 1) CVN – Aircraft Carrier.

• (1) Carrier Air Wing (CVW).

• (1) CG – Guided Missile Cruiser.

• (3+) DDG – Guided Missile Destroyers.

• (1) Submarine (likely).

• (1) Logistics ship (likely).

ESG (Expeditionary Strike Group) consists of 8 ships list them

• (1) LHD or LHA – Amphibious Assault Ship.

• (1) LPD – Amphibious Transport Dock.

• (1) LSD – Landing Ship Dock.

• (1) Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

• (1) CG + (2) DDGs.

• (1) Submarine (likely).

• (1) Logistics ship (likely).

Auxiliary (T-AO, T-AOE, T-AKE): Mission

• Resupply ships with fuel, ammo, food.

Mine Warfare (MCM): Mission

• Find and neutralize mines.

Submarines: Mission

• SSN: Hunt subs/ships (ASW/SUW).

• SSBN: Nuclear deterrence (Trident II SLBMs).

• SSGN: Land attack (Tomahawk) + SOF support.

Amphibious Ships (LHA, LHD, LPD, LSD): Mission

• Transport Marines, vehicles, and aircraft for landing operations.

Surface Combatants (CG, DDG, FFG): Mission

• Main mission: Air and Missile Defense (AMD/AW).

• Other missions: Strike Warfare (STW) (Tomahawks), Surface Warfare (SUW), ASW, BMD, EW.

Carriers (CVN): Mission

• Strike Warfare (STW) – power projection with aircraft.

Littoral Ships (LCS): Mission

• Flexible modules for SUW, ASW, and Mine Warfare (MIW).

IDENTIFY the Sensors enabling ships to conduct their missions

SPY-1

SPY-6

SPS-49

SLQ 32

Name UAF

Fire Scout – A helicopter-style UAV used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

VTOL UAV – Used for ISR and targeting.

what is mission specific platfrom

AVENGER Class MCM (Mine Countermeasure Ship): find, sweep, and neutralize mines.

what aircrafts are on a CVN

• Super Hornet

• Lightning II

• Growler

• Hawkeye

• Seahawk S

• Seahawk R

• Greyhound or Osprey

Future Platforms

SLM

LAW

FFG

LCS mission

SUW (Surface Warfare):

Fight small ships and boats close to shore.

ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare):

Hunt submarines.

MIW (Mine Warfare):

Detect and neutralize mines.

Amphibious Landing Craft and Vehicles there are 4

• LCU: Heavy cargo/vehicle landing craft.

• LCAC: High-speed hovercraft for over-the-horizon landings.

• ACV: Marine combat vehicle (ship-to-shore).

• CRRC: Small inflatable raiding craft.

Basic Aircraft Mission Letters 1st letter

Mission-Design-Series Format

• Primary task of the aircraft most important

• A: Attack

• C: Cargo/Transport

• E: Electronic Installations

• F: Fighter

• P: Maritime Patrol

F/A-18 E: A stands for attack its main mission

• F = Fighter (e.g., F-35 – a fighter).

• A = Attack (e.g., A-10 – an attack plane).

• P = Patrol (e.g., P-8 Poseidon).

• S = Anti-Submarine (e.g., S-3 Viking).

• T = Trainer (e.g., T-6 Texan).

Letter designation for NOT Normal Aircrafts

H: Helicopter

Q: Drone

V: Vertical short take off (V STOL)

Modified Aircraft Mission Letters 2nd letter

same as first letters for most part

• K: Tanker

• M: Multi-Mission

F/A-18E Super Hornet: Fighter (1st letter) Attack (2nd Letter) 18E Modification

what’s the mission of CVW

Air defense

STW

SUW

Which vessels CVW aircrafts embarked on

CVN

STATE the missions of Aviation Combat Element (ACE) based aircraft

and which vessels the aviation assets are embarked on

is part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Its mission is to provide air support to Marines on the ground.

Embarked on: Amphibious ships (LHD, LHA, LPD, LSD).