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 1-3 overall situation. The target priorities developed in the decide function are used to expedite the processing of targets. Situations arise when the engagement, upon location and identification, of a target is either impossible (for example out of range) or undesirable (outside of but moving toward an advantageous location for the attack). Critical targets that cannot or are chosen not to be engaged in accordance with attack guidance should be tracked to ensure they are not lost. Tracking suspected targets expedites execution of the attack guidance. Tracking suspected targets keeps them in view while they are validated. Planners and executers must keep in mind that assets used for target tracking may be unavailable for TA. DELIVER 1-8. The deliver function’s main objective is to attack targets in accordance with the attack guidance provided. The tactical solution (the selection of a weapon system or a combination of weapons systems) leads to a technical solution for the selected weapon. The technical solution includes the following: Specific attack unit. Type of ordnance. Time of attack. Coordinating instructions. ASSESS 1-9. Commanders continuously assess the operational environment (OE) and the progress of operations, and compare them to their initial vision and intent. Commanders adjust operations based on their assessment to ensure objectives are met and the military end state is achieved. The commander and his staff assess the results of mission execution. If combat assessment reveals that the commander’s guidance or conditions of operational success have not been met, detect and deliver functions of the targeting process must continue to focus on the targets involved. 1-10. The assessment process is continuous and directly tied to the commander’s decisions throughout planning, preparation, and execution of operations. Staffs assist the commander by monitoring the numerous aspects that can influence the outcome of operations and provide the commander timely information needed for decisions. The commander’s critical information requirements are linked to the assessment process by the commander’s need for timely information and recommendations to make decisions. Planning for the assessment identifies key aspects of the operation that the commander is interested in closely monitoring, and where the commander wants to make decisions. For more detailed information on targeting see ATP 3- 60. THE FIRE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND TARGET ACQUISITION 1-11. A high-payoff target is a target whose loss to the enemy will significantly contribute to the success of the friendly course of action (JP 3-60). A high-payoff target list is a prioritized list of high-payoff targets by phase of the operation (FM 3-09). Targeting is prioritized using the high-payoff target list (HPTL). Success in battle relies heavily on the ability to accurately identify, locate, and attack high-payoff targets (HPTs). This calls for rapid and accurate target development, TA, and post-strike assessment. FS planners and the FSCOORD work closely with intelligence personnel and the field artillery intelligence officer to identify TA requirements and focus on detecting HPTs. As an element of the FS system, Target acquisition is the detection, identification, and location of a target in sufficient detail to permit effective employment of capabilities that create the required effects (JP 3-60). Staffs evaluate target information and route it to the appropriate supporting commands. This includes information from all echelons and from adjacent and supporting elements. 1-12. TA is conducted in accordance with the five principles of the law of war/law of armed conflict to permit the effective employment of weapons. TA can occur at numerous points along the execution timeline and at all levels of command, including the attack and deliver system performing the final attack (JP 3-09).