ADP-3-19 FIRES Warfighting Function Download

Chapter 2 2-2 ADP 3-19 31 July 2019 all-weather capability, coupled with extended range and quick response time, make it a formidable system against dynamic targets. Due to the range and altitude of the ATACMS and Guided multiple launch rocket system, target engagements require detailed airspace coordination and integration. For more discussion on MLRS/High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and ATACMS, see ATP 3-09.60.  Cannon Artillery. Cannon artillery is usually the most available fire support system within the AO, capable of performing counterfire, interdiction, and suppression of enemy air defenses. Cannon artillery provides near immediate response times, 24-hour availability, and 360-degree coverage. Cannon artillery offers both area fires and precision fires (such as the Excalibur and precision guidance kit). For more on cannon artillery, see ATP 3-09.23, ATP 3-09.50, and ATP 3-09.70.  Mortars. Army maneuver formations have organic mortar platoons and sections. The primary role of mortars is to provide immediate, responsive, indirect fires in support of maneuver companies or battalions. The mobility of mortar systems makes them well suited for close support of maneuver. Mortars can also be used for final protective fire, obscuration, and illumination. U.S. mortar munitions include a 120-millimeter precision munition; some multinational mortar units also have precision-guided munitions of different calibers. The maneuver commander decides how and when mortars, as a key fire support asset, will be integrated into operations. For more on mortars, see TC 3-22.90. 2-4. FA cannon, rocket, and missile systems organic, assigned, attached, or operational control to the FA battalions of brigade combat teams, division artillery, and field artillery brigades provide continuously available fires under all weather conditions and in all types of terrain. FA can shift and mass fires rapidly from dispersed locations and displace rapidly to new position areas. FA units are positioned to provide continuous fires. 2-5. Army surface-to-surface fires are applied to deliver effects in concert with all other fires capabilities. Fires are integrated through the targeting process, fire support planning, unit airspace plan (UAP), and military decision making process (MDMP). Surface-to-surface fires are integrated with other airspace users to facilitate massing of effects. 2-6. The integration of surface fires is a critical factor in the success of operations. The commander is responsible for the integration of fires within the AO. The fire support coordinator, chief of fires, and fire support officer advise the commander on the allocation and use of available indirect fires and fire support resources. The chief of fires is the senior fires staff officer at echelons above corps who advises the commander on the best use of available fires resources and provides input to the necessary orders. 2-7. Commanders integrate fire support into the concept of operations during planning. FA commanders assisted by fire support personnel and organizations at all echelons integrate Army, joint, interagency and multinational fires capabilities during the operational process for use at the designated place and time. Fires are critical to accomplishing offensive and defensive tasks. However, nonlethal effects are also important contributors to decisive action, regardless of which element dominates. Accomplishing the mission by creating an appropriate mix of effects remains an important consideration for every commander. 2-8. Naval surface fire support provides fire support by naval surface gun, missile, and EW systems in support of a unit or units tasked with achieving the commander’s objectives. Naval assets can provide support in a unique manner and should be considered as one source of fire support along with other components and weapon systems. AIR-TO-SURFACE FIRES 2-9. Army and joint forces employ various types of air-to-surface capabilities, to include fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). These systems provide lethal and nonlethal effects, standoff weapons, and target acquisition capabilities that can be employed to detect and create integrated effects against adversary targets.  Fixed-Wing Aircraft. Fixed-wing aircraft provide flexibility, range, speed, lethality, precision, and the ability to mass fires at a desired time and place. The capacity of aircraft to deliver precision guided munitions can limit collateral damage, as well as strike otherwise inaccessible targets. Aircraft also provide surveillance and combat assessment.