ATP-3-09-12 Field Artillery Counterfire and Weapons Locating Radar Operations Download
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Introduction to Field Artillery Counterfire and Targeting 26 October 2021 ATP 3-09.12 1-15 1-46. Counterfire and WLR planners must ensure a smooth transition from one phase to the next by providing continuous WLR coverage across the AO. This is done by synchronizing sufficient detection and delivery assets to effectively reduce the enemy's ability to mass at the decisive point of the operation. Requirements for WLR positioning and movement are identified during the MDMP and tied to specific events. This allows continuous coverage by facilitating mutually supporting coverage between WLRs. The FA commanders monitor this process closely to ensure that the use of terrain, movements, and radar zones are properly coordinated. 1-47. A method for providing continuous WLR coverage is to stagger WLRs and adjust coverage while advancing forward. This is done by moving one or more WLRs forward while another WLR covers the moving radars sector of search. This can be enhanced by the FAB or DIVARTY WLRs assisting the BCT WLRs by providing coverage while they move. Triggers for initiating this movement can be based on phase lines, events, or time determined during the planning process. The movement of WLRs must be synchronized with the scheme of maneuver. 1-48. The first consideration for WLR zones in the offense is the mission and contingency operations. Establishing CFFZs facilitates immediate counterfire to suppress, neutralize, or destroy enemy artillery that may disrupt the scheme of maneuver. A critical friendly zone (CFZ) may be planned along the axis of advance and over critical friendly forces determined by the supported commander. Special consideration should be given to gap crossings, breaching forces, choke points, or other vulnerable areas. In order for CFZs to be effective, they should have a dedicated sensor and shooter synchronized with the critical timeline to provide suppression of enemy FS systems at critical points of the operation. 1-49. Control of WLRs will generally be more decentralized to facilitate command, control, movement, and cueing. The FSCOORD at all levels designates cueing agents. This is necessary to streamline the counterfire effort when committed maneuver forces may be particularly vulnerable to enemy indirect fire. Weapons Locating Radars in Support of Offensive Operations 1-50. The effective assignment of WLRs enables responsive fires during offensive tasks. Quick-fire nets allow the observers to communicate with specific FA or mortar fire units. These kinds of communication arrangements enhance responsiveness. Communication planning should also include communications networks for the clearance of fires. 1-51. During the execution of offensive tasks, WLRs acquire information on NAIs/TAIs that when analyzed may confirm or deny priority intelligence requirements, and decisively determine enemy FS plans, and attempt to locate enemy indirect fire systems. Particular attention must be given to planning TA that enables future operations. The TA planners provide focus on the identification of enemy indirect fire assets. Detailed planning should provide synchronized detection and delivery against enemy FS systems. The FS planners must identify and coordinate the use of the terrain for the WLR. FS planners recommend to the counterfire/targeting officer and counterfire noncommissioned officer (NCO) at echelon the development of WLR zones for the commander. 1-52. Requirements for WLR positioning and movement are identified early in the operations process and tied to specific events. The designated counterfire HQ monitors this process closely to ensure that the use of terrain, movements, and WLR zones are properly coordinated. Considerations for TA during the offense include: Coordinate WLR employment across the supported command's AO to enables effective targeting of enemy FS systems. Position WLRs to support the observation and collection plans considering: Enemy FS capabilities and scheme of maneuver. Range. Security. Maximum flexibility. Plan for frequent repositioning of WLRs. Use CFFZs to provide prioritization within the AFATDS over on call missions to effectively engage HPTs.