Distinguish between passive defense and active defense in TACS terminology.

• A. Passive defense emphasizes detection and warning; active defense involves triggering interceptors and weapons.
• B. Passive defense includes firing weapons.
• C. Active defense avoids transmissions.
• D. They are the same.

Answer: (A)

Passively defending means reducing vulnerability without directly engaging the threat. In TACS terms, this centers on detection and warning, plus measures that improve survivability like hardening, redundancy, concealment, dispersion, and protection planning. Early warning sensors and surveillance systems give you the critical notice needed to take protective actions before or during an attack, without firing at the enemy.

Active defense, on the other hand, is about taking action to defeat the threat once it has been detected. This involves triggering weapons systems—such as interceptors or guns—and coordinating engagements to destroy or neutralize incoming aircraft or missiles. It relies on real-time sensor data and communications to guide those weapons to their targets.

So, emphasizing detection and warning for passive defense and triggering interceptors and weapons for active defense is the correct distinction. Firing weapons is not passive defense, and avoiding transmissions isn’t a defining feature of active defense. They are not the same.