I NTERFERENCE R ESOLUTION

11-83. Corps and division frequency managers are the coordinating authorities for regional and local interference resolution. The impact of each interference incident is unique, and no standard procedure can be established that will guarantee resolution in every case. However, a logical step-by-step approach will reduce time and cost in resolving interference situations. Figure 11-3 is a logical flow diagram for instances when an Army unit is the victim of interference in a tactical operation. Figure 11-4 shows a flow diagram for interference, when the Army unit is the source of the interference.

Figure 11-4. Interference resolution (Army source)

Reporting Procedure

11-84. All EMI incidents must be reported through the proper channels. All reports of suspected hostile interference are submitted via secure means. The report should not be held up due to information not being readily available; use follow-up reports to provide additional information, as it becomes available.

11-85. The equipment operator experiencing the interference incident forwards the initial JSIR report through the chain of command to the unit operations center. An attempt to resolve the EMI problem at the lowest possible level will be conducted before submitting JSIR reports to higher headquarters.

11-86. The Joint Spectrum Management System/Spectrum XXI programs should be used to submit the report electronically. The sender will classify the report by evaluating the security sensitivity of the interference on the affected system, and by considering the classification of the text comments. Table 11-5 is a guide for JSIR security classification.

11-87. The JSIR report will be assigned precedence consistent with the urgency of the reported situation. Use ROUTINE or PRIORITY precedence, unless the organization originating the report believes the incident is hazardous to military operations. For this incident, use IMMEDIATE precedence.

11-88. Each Army unit must submit reports through its chain of command, up to the major, or combatant command, or GCC level, and to the US Army Communications-Electronic Services Office. Information copies of all incident reports should be sent to Joint Spectrum Center for inclusion in the JSIR database.

Table 11-5. JSIR security classification guide

Information Revealing Security Classification

The specific identification of an unfriendly platform or location, by country or coordinates, as the source of interference or EA.

SECRET (S) Specific susceptibility or vulnerability of US electronic

equipment/systems. SECRET (S)

Parametric data of classified US electronic equipment. In accordance with the classification guide of the affected equipment. Suspected interference from unidentified sources while

operating in or near hostile countries. SECRET (S) Interference to US electromagnetic equipment/systems caused

by EA exercises in foreign nations. CONFIDENTIAL Suspected interference from friendly sources. UNCLASSIFIED (U) or

SECRET (S), if specific equipment vulnerability is revealed.

Information referring to JSIR; stating that JSIR analyses are a

function of the Joint Spectrum Center. UNCLASSIFIED (U)

Joint Spectrum Interference Resolution Report Content

11-89. Table 11-6 shows the minimum information requirements for the JSIR. The message subject line should indicate whether the report is initial, follow-up, or final.

Table 11-6. JSIR information requirements

Item

Number Data Input

1 Frequencies affected by the interference.

2 Locations of systems experiencing the interference.

3 The affected system name, nomenclature, manufacturer (with model number), or other system description. If available, include the equipment characteristics of the victim receiver, such as bandwidth, antenna type, and antenna size.

4 The operating mode of the affected system. If applicable, include the following: frequency agile, pulse Doppler, search, and upper and lower sidebands. 5 The characteristics of the interference (noise, pulsed, continuous, intermittent,

frequency, or bandwidth).

6 The description of the interference effects on victim performance (reduced range, false targets, reduced intelligibility, or data errors).

7 Enter the dates and times the interference occurred. Indicate whether the duration of the interference is continuous or intermittent, the approximate repetition rate of the interference, and whether the amplitude of the interference is varying or constant. Indicate if the interference is occurring at a regular or irregular time of day, and if the occurrence of the interference coincides with any ongoing local activity.

8 The location of possible interference sources (coordinates or line of bearing, if known; otherwise, state as unknown).

Table 11-6. JSIR information requirements (continued)

Item

Number Data Input

9 A listing of other units affected by the interference (if known) and their location or distance, and bearing from the reporting site.

10 A clear and concise narrative summary of what is known about the interference, and any local actions that have been taken to resolve the problem. The operator is encouraged to provide any other information, based on observation or estimation that is pertinent in the technical or operational analysis of the incident. Identify whether the information being furnished is based on actual observation/measurement or is being estimated. Avoid the use of Army or program jargon and acronyms.

11 Reference message traffic that is related to the interference problem being reported. Include the message date-time group, originator, action addressees, and subject line. 12 Indicate whether the problem has been identified or resolved.

13 Indicate if JSIR technical assistance is desired or anticipated.

Chapter 12