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 1-9 guided MLRS target engagements will require detailed airspace planning, coordination, and de- confliction. Unit airspace plans must be developed during MDMP and throughout the targeting and operational process to account for counterfire operations. When commanders have control of airspace, the joint air ground integration center is the execution node for fires and airspace control. For more information on the joint air ground integration center see ATP 3-91.1. 6. Designate and resource the counterfire HQ (role/manning/location). Define the force field artillery (FFA) HQ role verses the counterfire HQ role in the counterfire fight. The corps or division commander can designate the role of the counterfire HQ to a DIVARTY, FAB, or separate FA BN. The DIVARTY can provide the counterfire HQ for the division if task organized with the necessary firing units, sensors, target processing section (TPS), and target acquisition platoon (TAP) to coordinate the counterfire fight. FABs can serve as the FFA HQ or the counterfire HQ for a division or corps. Army National Guard FABs are routinely assigned to support the divisions and corps as the counterfire HQ. 7. Develop a sustainment and protection plan for all TA and attack/delivery systems. The execution of sustainment operations across all class of supply are critical to counterfire operations. CL V sustainment, ammunition haul capability, triggers, required supply rate (referred to as RSR and controlled supply rate referred to as CSR) are crucial to the counterfire fight. WLR sections do not have the capability to provide force protection for themselves and firing units often need protection augmentation. A protection plan must be developed during the MDMP to include engineer support, local force protection to secure movement along main supply and alternate supply routes, short-range air defense, cueing schedules, frequency management, and deception. 8. Communicate at distance using a primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency plans (referred to as PACE plans), digital architecture, AFATDS database management, and liaison officers. When conducting counterfire in LSCO be prepared to operate in a degraded environment. Establish a primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency plan for the analog and digital architectures from sensor to shooter. AFATDS database must be verified and continuously updated to include: FSCMs, firing unit data, sensor data, targeting data, and communications architecture. Establish liaison officers at echelon and in adjacent units for cross boundary fires. (See Appendix A for additional information) 9. Conduct tactical fire direction: Tactical fire direction and firing unit management is key to ensuring responsive fires. During the MDMP and the targeting process develop target selection standards and attack guidance that enables rapid decision making and responsive fires. Plan for a dedicated all weather counterfire shooter using hot and cold status. 10. Maximize WLR home station training. Develop and rehearse the counterfire battle drill from sensor to shooter covering all elements of the primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency plan and all TA resources possible. Develop a weekly digital training sustainment program that is focused and event driven at all echelons. COUNTERFIRE OPERATIONS 1-33. As part of the combined arms battle, counterfire must be effectively planned and integrated into the supported maneuver commander's scheme of maneuver. The commander receives input and recommendations from his FSCOORD, FSO, intelligence and operations officers at echelon, and any other staff officers involved in counterfire operations. INTEGRATING COUNTERFIRE WITH SCHEME OF MANEUVER 1-34. The FSCOORD issues decisions and guidance as necessary to direct counterfire efforts, to ensure effective coordination occurs, and to ensure that counterfire is synchronized with all other aspects of FA supported-unit operations. FA units receive counterfire guidance through the FFA HQ (if designated) or the chain of command. Counterfire responsibilities for the supported maneuver unit staff and FS planners include: Supporting the maneuver commander's critical assets. Developing, disseminating, and managing intelligence and order of battle information on the enemy indirect fire system.