ATP-3-09-12 Field Artillery Counterfire and Weapons Locating Radar Operations Download
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Chapter 1 1-16 ATP 3-09.12 26 October 2021 Coordinate with the air defense airspace management (ADAM) element/ and the (brigade aviation element if at brigade level) on creation of ACMs to allow for timely air clearance to engage targets within CFFZs. Plan CFZs (based on the supported commanders guidance) along the axis of advance and areas that include: Essential friendly force positions. Gap crossings. Breaching forces. Choke points or other vulnerable areas. CFZs require a sensor and a shooter synchronized for detection and delivery during the critical event. COUNTERFIRE/TARGETING IN SUPPORT OF DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS 1-53. The primary role of WLRs in the defense is to provide target location data and information to allow for the targeting of enemy FS systems prior to the decisive point. Counterfire in the defense uses WLR acquisitions to provide friendly assets the ability to destroy, disrupt, or delay the enemy and deny the enemy the ability to mass fires. TA planners must also consider transitions to offensive tasks such as counterattacks. Positioning, task organization, and on-order missions should facilitate transitions. 1-54. The first consideration is to identify the potential position areas for artillery that the enemy will utilize to mass fires in support of breaching forces, gap crossings, choke points or other vulnerable areas in the friendly defensive plan. CFZs are established over critical areas where the enemy will achieve success if fires are massed. The triggers for CFZ activation, cueing, and synchronized shooter are based upon enemy offensive maneuver actions. Also in consideration is the use of the WLR's zone capabilities to provide coverage for critical units or installations using CFZs. The supported commander should indicate the assets that are deemed essential to ensure mission accomplishment. If the commander does not identify these assets, the FSCOORD or FSO must query the commander for the necessary guidance. Once the guidance is obtained, the information is passed to the FSE for implementation. 1-55. CFFZs are planned on suspected or known enemy indirect fire systems in confirmed Position Areas for Artillery. The intent is to suppress, neutralize, or destroy enemy indirect fire systems before they start their preparatory fires. CFFZs are planned based on IPB and target indicators. CFFZs are used to monitor suspect areas from which enemy indirect fires may jeopardize the mission. 1-56. Counterfire personnel conduct analysis of WLR targets acquired from ATIZs, request additional delivery capabilities, and develop understanding of how the enemy utilizes FS with maneuver. 1-57. An ATIZ may be established in areas where friendly forces are not sure about enemy indirect fires and need to develop the situation. They can also be used in areas of suspected enemy indirect fires that the commander wishes to monitor closely but are out of friendly indirect fire range. Weapons Locating Radars in Support of Defensive Tasks 1-58. The primary role of WLRs in the defense are to provide target intelligence and information to allow for counterfire mission processing. The FSCOORD must also consider transitions to offensive tasks such as counterattacks. Position, task organization, and on-order missions should facilitate transitions. Considerations for WLR during defense include: Employ WLRs to provide observation of NAIs, TAIs, and critical assets. Integrate WLR placement and acquisition data into fire planning. Assist the support command FSE in the development of an observation plan. Ensure that responsibility for related FS tasks are identified and coordinated. Include priority intelligence requirements. Rehearse the observation plan to ensure that all targets are adequately observed, that triggers are effectively coordinated, and that backup plans are adequate. Employ WLRs in support of higher echelon shaping operations. Link UAS to rapidly respond to acquired enemy indirect fires units.