ATP-3-09-24 The Field Artillery Brigade Download
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Chapter 4 4-6 ATP 3-09.24 30 March 2022 Management of the overall WLRs positioning and movement plan. THE FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE IN SUPPORT OF OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS 4-33. An offensive operation is an operation to defeat and destroy enemy forces and seize terrain, resources, and population centers (ADP 3-0). The corps conducts offensive operations in conjunction with operational considerations. Offensive operations seek to destroy the enemy. They are characterized by retention of the initiative, therefore, permitting the commander to impose the commander's will on the enemy at the time and place of the commander's choosing. Whereas the conduct of an offensive operation is traditionally associated with a favorable combat power ratio and a deteriorating enemy situation, these are not necessarily preconditions for offensive action. Mobility, surprise, and aggressive execution are the most effective means of success in the offense. Increased risk is involved with bold, hard-hitting tactics; however, greater gains often require greater risks. The initiative is gained and retained by a numerically inferior force capable of bold and aggressive action. Accordingly, a numerical superiority is not necessarily a precondition for offensive operations; rather, commanders continuously seek opportunities to seize the initiative through offensive action, even when the force as a whole is on the defensive. For more information on the types of offensive operations see ADP 3-90. 4-34. Fires in support of the offensive operation involve attacking targets throughout the AO with massed or precision indirect fires, air support, and EW assets to prevent enemy reinforcements, disengagement, or resupply. Fires in support of offensive operations are responsive and timely to support maneuver and help the higher or supported command achieve and sustain the initiative. Displacing firing units to maintain coverage of advancing maneuver formations. For more information on providing FS is support of offensive operations see FM 3-09. The general considerations of the FAB in offensive operations are to: Conduct intense and concentrated preparatory fires before and during the initial attack stages. Conduct suppressive fires to isolate the objective of the decisive operation or main effort and to help fix enemy forces during shaping operations and supporting attacks. Provide continuous suppression to allow attacking formations to close with the enemy. Conduct SEAD. Supplement subordinate unit counterfire to diminish or stop an enemy's ability to effectively employ artillery and rockets. Execute long range fires in concert with other corps assets. Execute fires in support of shaping operations against uncommitted enemy C2 nodes, fires and air defense networks, and surveillance, reconnaissance, and TA assets. Provide redundant communications networks to ensure uninterrupted fires. Attack bridges and other mobility corridors with strike and to limit enemy mobility options. Execute strike: Against uncommitted enemy forces. To attack enemy operational reserves and second echelon forces within corps AO. To delay, disrupt, and attrit counter attacking enemy forces. In support of other division, corps, or JTF shaping operations. To slow and disorganize repositioning and withdrawing enemy forces. In order to prevent the establishment of an organized defense through destruction of enemy C2 facilities and nodes. Counterfire in support of offensive operations to: Neutralize enemy fires systems prior to the approach of the attacking maneuver formations. Prevent enemy fires systems from slowing the FAB supported command's pursuit and allowing time for the enemy to establish a defense. 4-35. FAB fires in support of the four types of offensive operations movement to contact, attack, exploitation, and pursuit include: Specific considerations to support a movement to contact include: Be prepared to rapidly change priorities of fire and establish FSCMs.