What is the purpose of Army regulation AR 5-12?
Army regulation AR 5-12, known as the "Army Use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum," provides guidance and procedures for the effective and efficient management of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) within the Army.
Who does Army regulation AR 5-12 apply to?
Army regulation AR 5-12 applies to all Army commands, installations, units, personnel, and operations that utilize or impact the EMS.
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
The electromagnetic spectrum refers to the range of all possible electromagnetic radiation frequencies, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays.
Why is managing the electromagnetic spectrum important for the Army?
Managing the electromagnetic spectrum is crucial for the Army as it ensures uninterrupted communication, effective operation of electronic systems, and denies adversaries the exploitation of the spectrum for their advantage.
What responsibilities does this regulation place on Army units?
Army regulation AR 5-12 mandates that units properly plan, coordinate, and execute EMS-dependent operations. Units must also comply with spectrum management policies, procedures, and related doctrine.
How does Army regulation AR 5-12 address spectrum interference?
Army regulation AR 5-12 establishes procedures for identifying and resolving spectrum interference incidents, ensuring effective coordination, cooperative solutions, and maintaining uninterrupted operations.
How does the Army allocate spectrum resources?
The Army allocates spectrum resources through spectrum management processes, utilizing techniques such as frequency assignment, frequency deconfliction, and spectrum efficiency measures to maximize utilization while minimizing interference.
What is the role of commanders in spectrum management?
Commanders are responsible for understanding and enforcing spectrum management at their echelon. They must ensure proper coordination, support planning efforts, and approve frequency assignments to ensure operational effectiveness.
How can Army personnel obtain spectrum support?
Army personnel can obtain spectrum support through the U.S. Army Spectrum Management Office (ASMO), which provides assistance with spectrum planning, frequency assignment, and resolving EMS-related issues.