GeoRef: Global Geographic Reference System Explained

Posted on Oct 18, 2024 in Language

GeoRef: A Global Geographic Reference System

GeoRef, short for Global Geographic Reference System, is a method for expressing location, not a grid if no convenient way exists to express latitude and longitude. It facilitates fast information retrieval and is crucial for various transactions, including inter-alidade, aerial, air, and anti-aircraft warfare operations.

Use Cases

  • Suitable for: Transactions between units, aerial operations, air operations, and anti-aircraft warfare.
  • Not Suitable for: Naval gunfire support, close-range fire support, direct air support, or any application requiring precise positioning (e.g., using Cartesian coordinates or grid systems).

Cartesian Coordinates

The four quadrants of the grid are identified starting from the Northeast (NE) quadrant and proceeding clockwise: Red, White, Blue, and Green. Delay and distance are measured in miles or yards.

Reporting Delay and Distance

  • A: Delay (in degrees from reference point), Reference Point Name, and Distance (in miles).
  • B: All delays are considered specific and true unless stated otherwise.

Range (for distances less than 10,000 yards): Delay + Identifier + Distance

QRS (Quick Reference System)

Designed for rapid information exchange between tactical units, especially in coastal waters.

Suitable for:

  • Operations involving multiple, fast-moving units.
  • High-traffic density zones.
  • Helicopter support operations.
  • Information exchange between naval units and Forward Base Aviation Support (FBAS).
  • FBAS sanitation operations (coastal/ground).

Methods

QRS uses a time-divided format (A4 176 1) with 176 equal squares, numbered and lettered. It uses standard measurements: range (yards), distance (nautical miles), altitude (feet), thickness (inches and meters), temperature (Celsius), and degrees.

Checksum Digit

To avoid confusion from transmission errors, a checksum digit is used for average, rhumb line, and veil, or full time. This digit is added to the numbers and placed after the element. Only the last digit of the sum is used.

Normalized Force Situations

  • QQ: Center opposite convoy (not thick or circular).
  • TT: Current situation origin.
  • XX: Standard situation established by OTC (may match DLRP).
  • YY: Current destination situation.
  • ZZ: Force center.

Reference Points (Entry and Exit)

Reference points mark entry and exit for vessels. These points are used for variable anchorages or obstructions at gate entrances. ‘X’ indicates midpoint. ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) are used. Multiple channels are designated A1, A2, etc. Q notices provide information on dredging and mined zones.

Planned Situation and Capture (PIM)

OTC maintains situational awareness, including aircraft registry and unit status. PIM communication includes location, time, course, speed, and duration.

Operational Organization

Three types of operational unit organization exist under operational control (task):

  1. Mission-based: Organizes forces flexibly to meet operational needs.
  2. Type-based: Manages national and logistical tasks.
  3. Warfare-based (WARF): Manages operations in war areas (AAW, ASuW, ASW).

Subdivisions should be minimal (max 99).

Maritime Force Command Structure

  • Full Command: Covers all aspects of military operation and administration (exists only in national NATO services).
  • Operational Command: Authority to assign missions.
  • Operational Control: Authority to direct assigned forces.
  • Change of Operational Control (CHOP): Date and time of transfer of operational control.
  • Tactical Command: Authority to delegate tasks for specific missions.
  • Officer in Tactical Command (OTC): Senior officer with delegated tactical command.
  • Tactical Control (TACON): Detailed control of movement and maneuvering.
  • Veto Authority: Ability to challenge delegated actions.

Duty

Identifies functions assigned within a force (see ATP1 APP11 VO2 table).

OTC Responsibilities

Full responsibility for mission accomplishment and force defense. These responsibilities cannot be delegated.

Methods of Assigning Missions

  • Maritime Messaging System (MTMS)
  • Rainform
  • Tactical Signals
  • Appropriate Operating Signals
  • Operations/Task Orders (ASW, Naval Air, etc.)
  • Transmissions (phone/text)

MTMS Purpose

Standardized messages for transmitting tactical information, operational instructions, and reports between command levels.

MTMS Message Types

  • OPGEN: General operational issues.
  • OPTASK: Force operations.
  • OPSTAT: Operating states.

A new MTMS message replaces its predecessor, automatically canceling the previous message.

OPGEN Purpose

Enables OTC to issue general instructions and policies, especially for anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

ASW OPTASK

Allows delegated authority to issue ASW instructions and duties to subordinate units.

ASUW Surface

Enables instructions and duties for Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) operations.

OPSTAT UNIT

Provides operational and administrative information and notifications.

RASREQ

Allows vessels to request replenishment.

BQS Supplies

Provides details on provisioning and storage gear.

Message Types and Colors

  • FORM (Green): Task allocation, aircraft departure.
  • BROWN: Deviation information.
  • RED: Immediate enemy contact report.
  • PURPLE: Aircraft launch.
  • BLACK: Enemy activity report.
  • WHITE: Neutral force information.
  • YELLOW: Aircraft availability and airfield status.

Command Abbreviations

  • SC: Screen Commander.
  • SAUCE: Search and Attack Unit Commander.
  • SAGC: Surface Action Group Commander.
  • HAGC: Helicopter Action Group Commander.
  • MBGC: Mine Battle Group Commander.
  • URGC: Underway Replenishment Group Commander.
  • DCGC: Deception Group Commander.