Final answer:
A Hot Crew in U.S. Army air defense artillery units is a ready team that maintains a heightened state of readiness to respond to threats quickly, in accordance with TC 3-01.86.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to TC 3-01.86, a Hot Crew is a term used within U.S. Army air defense artillery units. This concept revolves around a crew that remains with their equipment during an operational period, ready for immediate action. The Hot Crew stays at a heightened state of readiness, ensuring that the weapon system they are responsible for can be brought into action with minimal delay.
In contrast with a cold crew, a Hot Crew has already completed necessary pre-combat checks and inspections, including loading of ammunition if required, and can respond to threats in an expedited manner.