ATP-3-09-24 The Field Artillery Brigade Download
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Chapter 3 3-12 ATP 3-09.24 30 March 2022 3-60. Positive clearance of fires is normally facilitated through prior planning, rehearsals, and careful placement of FSCMs. However, the clearance of targets of opportunity often presents challenges. Fires on targets of opportunity must be delivered on short notice without undue delay and without jeopardizing friendly force security. For positive clearance of fires, the following should be obtained: Best available method of target location. Positive identification of targets as enemy. Eyes on target, if at all possible. Clearances from appropriate external HQ. AIRSPACE CONTROL 3-61. Airspace control are capabilities and procedures used to increase operational effectiveness by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace (JP 3-52). Airspace control increases operational effectiveness by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace while minimizing restraints on airspace users. Airspace control includes coordinating, integrating, and regulating airspace to increase operational effectiveness. See JP 3-52 for more discussion on airspace control. 3-62. The FAB does not control an AO. As such, in order to conduct operations throughout the corps AO, the FAB must work through their Army chain of command to have airspace control coordination done with the airspace control authority’s various airspace control elements. The FAB coordinates airspace use with the divisions and brigades whose AO they will transit, when operating with the division assigned airspace. Airspace integration becomes more complex when operating outside division assigned airspace. When the FAB’s strike munitions flight path extends outside division assigned airspace, thus into the airspace volume normally controlled by an Airborne Warning and Control System or control and reporting center, approval for the use of that airspace must first be obtained from the airspace control authority’s designated airspace control element for that volume. The FAB’s rockets and missiles normally operate above the coordinating altitude of the division’s assigned airspace, and these types of missions are normally the preponderance of the missions which the FAB will conduct. To accomplish the FAB’s mission, it is critical that the FAB understand their higher HQ established methods for obtaining the necessary airspace clearance for each strike. 3-63. The ADAM/BAE is the staff organization responsible for acquiring the common operational picture and integrating FAB airspace requirements with the appropriate airspace control agency. Other staff elements needed to plan and execute airspace management for the FAB commander include the intelligence and targeting cell, FSE, and the target processing section (all located in the FAB main CP). Further information on airspace control can be found in FM 3-52 and ATP 3-52.2. SUPPRESSION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSES 3-64. Suppression of enemy air defenses is activity that neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means (JP 3-01). The effective employment of air assets gives the supported commander a powerful source of fires. Army aviation and the air platforms of other services, particularly the Air Force, enable the supported commander to quickly influence operations and to add depth to the battlefield. REQUIREMENT FOR SUPPRESSION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSES 3-65. Enemy forces have the capability to field effective integrated air defense networks. These networks, consisting of weapon systems, radars, and control nodes, present a formidable all-altitude protection umbrella. 3-66. The most effective enemy air defense systems will be on the high-intensity battlefield. Enemy air defense capabilities in mid- and low-intensity environments also pose a significant threat to U.S. air assets. Friendly air assets must be able to survive to contribute their full combat potential. SEAD is a critical function that must be accomplished quickly and efficiently.