ATP-3-09-12 Field Artillery Counterfire and Weapons Locating Radar Operations Download
Page 33 of 150
26 October 2021 ATP 3-09.12 3-1 Chapter 3 Field Artillery Counterfire/Weapons Locating Radar Sections and Personnel This chapter introduces WLR sections and the personnel necessary to perform WLR and FA counterfire operations. Counterfire operations are an integral part of the commander’s overall concept of operations. 3-1. FA WLRs are assigned to the TAP of the FAB, DIVARTY, and all FA BNs organic to BCTs. These assets are a crucial element in the commander's counterfire fight. The WLR is the commander's primary means for collecting real time information on the location of the enemy indirect fires systems. The WLR is used to produce point of origin (POO), and point of impact (POI) to support counterfire and provide targeting intelligence. BCTs will have two organic AN/TPQ-53s and four organic AN/TPQ-50s, while DIVARTYs and FABs will each have two organic AN/TPQ-53s and two organic AN/TPQ-50s. Incorporating these WLRs into the information collection plan using reinforcing and GSR echeloned employment, enhances the overall coverage capability of the force. This redundant capability allows for one system to provide coverage while another system moves, conducts maintenance or repair activities. AN/TPQ-53s are not intended to work independently, but as a system of systems providing a tactical capability to the force. 3-2. The TPS of the FAB and DIVARTY, and the COS of the FA BNs, are responsible for managing the commander's counterfire fight through the integration and synchronization of WLRs. These two sections focus on priority intelligence requirements and answer the commander's critical information requirements concerning the enemy indirect weapons systems. The information gathered is to be disseminated timely and accurately to the unit commander, staff, and echelons above and below. FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE AND DIVISION ARTILLERY TARGET ACQUISITION PLATOONS 3-3. The FAB and DIVARTY support the corps and division commander's scheme of maneuver by coordinating, integrating, synchronizing, and employing fires to achieve the commander's objectives. The FAB and DIVARTY TAPs provide continuous WLR support in support of the commander's counterfire operations and gather information on enemy indirect fires systems. In addition, the FAB and DIVARTY WLRs can provide coverage for the BCTs organic WLRs when moving, performing maintenance, or repair. The FAB and DIVARTY TAPs are identical in structure and are comprised of a platoon HQ, WLR sections, and TPS. Duties of the TAP include: Provide WLR support to detect, locate, classify, report, and communicate the POO, POI, radar cross section, and velocity of indirect fire systems for the counterfire fight. Provide GS WLR coverage for units operating within the area of search. Provide WLR maintenance support. Confirm the actual burst or impact location of friendly fires. Survey support if not provided by other available assets to: Ensure common survey for the supported command. Establish declination stations. Target processing support to: Recommend and coordinate sectors of search within the supported HQ AO and adjust coverage of WLRs as the situation develops. Develop and recommend WLR zones.