DA Form 3479-11: MOTS Operator Commander’s Task List – The DA Form 3479-11 serves as a critical training and proficiency evaluation tool for U.S. Army Air Traffic Services (ATS) personnel operating the AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System (MOTS). This form helps commanders track, certify, and maintain operator readiness for one of the Army’s most deployable air traffic control assets.
What Is DA Form 3479-11?
DA Form 3479-11, titled Commander’s Task List (ATS) AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System (MOTS) Operator, is an official U.S. Army form published on 10 October 2019 by TRADOC. It prescribes tasks under TC 3-04.15 (Air Traffic Services Facility Operations) and remains active as of 2026.
Commanders and training supervisors use this specialized checklist to document an operator’s mastery of MOTS-specific tasks. It ensures standardized evaluation of skills required for safe and effective air traffic control in tactical, austere, or expeditionary environments. The form is available exclusively in electronic media and fillable PDF format.
Official Download Link: DA Form 3479-11 PDF
Understanding the AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System (MOTS)
The AN/MSQ-135 MOTS is a rapidly deployable, highly mobile air traffic control tower and airfield lighting system designed for quick setup in support of Army aviation operations. It can be transported by C-17 aircraft or CH-47 helicopter and establishes full air traffic services in minimal time.
Key capabilities include:
- Integrated communication, navigation, and surveillance systems
- Airfield lighting support
- Operations in contested or temporary airfields
- Support for day/night visual flight rules (VFR) and limited instrument flight rules (IFR) environments
MOTS operators play a vital role in enabling combat aviation brigades and other units to conduct safe flight operations during deployments, training exercises, and humanitarian missions.
Purpose of the Commander’s Task List (DA Form 3479-11)
This form standardizes training and proficiency tracking for MOTS operators. Commanders use it to:
- Identify individual training gaps
- Document task proficiency and certifications
- Ensure compliance with Army ATS standards
- Maintain operational readiness for deployment
- Support personnel evaluations and career progression
It forms part of a broader suite of DA Form 3479-series documents used across Army Air Traffic Control (ATC) specialties.
Key Sections and Tasks on DA Form 3479-11
While the exact task list is detailed in the official form, typical categories for MOTS operators include:
- System Setup and Tear-Down — Rapid deployment, calibration, and recovery procedures
- Equipment Operation — Operation of tower systems, radios, radars (if equipped), and lighting controls
- Air Traffic Control Procedures — Local control, ground control, coordination, and emergency communications
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting — Basic operator-level maintenance and fault isolation
- Safety and Emergency Procedures — Handling aircraft emergencies, weather deviations, and system failures
- Tactical Operations — Integration with tactical airspace management and joint operations
Supervisors annotate completion dates, evaluator comments, and proficiency levels for each task.
Who Needs DA Form 3479-11?
- MOTS Operators (MOS 15Q Air Traffic Control specialists assigned to tactical towers)
- Facility Chiefs and Training Supervisors
- Commanders of Air Traffic Services units, Aviation Brigades, and Combat Aviation Brigades
- Maintainers supporting MOTS operations
It is particularly relevant for units fielding or deploying the MOTS system.
How to Properly Use and Complete the Form?
- Download the latest fillable version from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil).
- Identify the operator and unit information in the header.
- Evaluate each task through observation, simulation, or live operations.
- Document results with dates, evaluator signatures, and remarks.
- Review and Certify periodically or before deployments.
- File with the individual’s DA Form 3479 training record.
Commanders should integrate this form into the unit’s Air Traffic Control training program as outlined in TC 3-04.15.
Training and Certification Process for MOTS Operators
MOTS operator qualification typically involves:
- Initial qualification training
- Position-specific task training using DA Form 3479-11
- Proficiency evaluations (often documented on DA Form 3479-1)
- Recurring proficiency checks and currency requirements
- Integration with broader ATS facility rating programs
Ongoing training ensures operators remain proficient in both garrison and field environments.
Why DA Form 3479-11 Matters for Army Readiness?
Accurate use of this form directly impacts flight safety, mission effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. In an era of multi-domain operations, well-trained MOTS operators enable rapid airfield activation and flexible air traffic support anywhere Army aviation operates.
Proper documentation also protects commanders by demonstrating due diligence in training oversight.
Download DA Form 3479-11 Today
Direct Link: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/ARN19486_A3479_11_FINAL.pdf
For the most current guidance, refer to:
- TC 3-04.15 Air Traffic Services Facility Operations
- Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil)
- Your unit’s ATS SOPs and training manuals
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official Army doctrine or instructions. Always consult the latest publications and your chain of command.