The Identification Section

The Identification Section room was the smallest room in the sector. It consisted of only three scopes. These were the Identification Officer (IDO) and two Identification Technicians (IDT).

In addition to the scopes they maintained flight strips on all flight plans operating in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the Canadian Air Defense Identification Zone (CADIZ) if applicable. They also had a plotting table which was a table with aeronautical charts of the ADIZ/CADIZ under plexiglass. This allowed the IDTs to plot the flight plans and correlate the flight plans manually in the event it was necessary due to high computer frame time or any other problems.

They also had telephone communications with Air Movements Information Service (AMIS) and other control facilities. AMIS is a joint function of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Ministry of Transportation (MOT). FAA's counterpart in Canada. AMIS provided flight plan information.

This was the primary method of identification. There were also supplemental methods of identification such as IFF/SIF codes and other classified procedures.

When a track is detected in the ADIZ it is assigned a classification of Pending. When this occurred there was an audible alarm generated by the AN/FSQ-7. An Attention Arrow is also displayed on the SID pointing to the track. Identification now has two minutes to identify (ID) the track. The AN/FSQ-7 also generated the flight plan and correlation box of all flight plans and the AMD symbology on the SID. The flight plan data can also be "pulled up " in the DID. If the track falls into correlation it is classified the classification of the flight plan. If ID is unable to correlate the track it is assigned the classification of Unknown and tactical action is required.

The button which classified the track Hostile was placed in the upper right corner of the wing panel. This was done to prevent the accidental use of this classification. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, the classification of Hostile required coordination between the Senior Director (SD) and the Region Commander. After Hostile authority is received, any track displaying hostile characteristics can be identified Hostile.


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