ATP-3-09-24 The Field Artillery Brigade Download
Page 12 of 93
Chapter 1 1-4 ATP 3-09.24 30 March 2022 M – Maximum feasible centralized control. The optimum degree of centralized control varies with each operational and tactical situation. A high degree of centralized control is preferred in a defensive situation. Since the enemy has the initiative, it is difficult to accurately predict where and when the enemy will attack. The commander cannot afford to dissipate fires capabilities on secondary priorities before determining the enemy's main effort. A lesser degree of centralized control is essential in an offensive situation, because the supported force has the initiative and unforeseen opportunities require responsive fires to exploit. N – Never place artillery in reserve. Commanders should not place artillery in reserve but may direct a change to their support relationship ensuring artillery is provided to the main effort. These changes in support relationships can be identified by an on-order mission. 1-13. In addition to never leaving FA in reserve and the FS execution principles of AWIFM-N, FA commanders and FS personnel also consider mission, ammunition, and positioning when planning for FA system employment. Considerations are: Mission. Appropriate FA unit command support relationships assigned based on the commander's intent and the overall situation. Ammunition. Allocate ammunition to provide more support for the main effort. Ensure adequate ammunition for future operations through positioning, ammunition restrictions, or CSR parameters during execution and planning. Positioning. Continually re-position FA units, ammunition, target acquisition (TA) resources, command posts (CPs), and assets to best support the plan as it is being executed. Assign direction of fire to mass fires in the appropriate AO. PRINCIPLES OF FIRE SUPPPORT PLANNING, COORDINATION, AND EXECUTION 1-14. The key to effective FS is the maneuver commander's ability to bring assets to bear on the enemy in an integrated and coordinated manner that is synchronized with the scheme of maneuver. How well this occurs depends on how well FSCOORDs and staff understand and operate the FS coordination and execution processes. Execution is the act of putting a plan into action by applying combat power to accomplish the mission and adjusting operations based on changes in the situation (ADP 5-0). The principles of FS planning, coordination, and execution are listed below, and will be further described in chapter 3. A principle is a comprehensive and fundamental rule or an assumption of central importance that guides how an organization approaches and thinks about the conduct of operations (ADP 1-01). 1-15. The principles of FS planning and coordination listed below facilitate integration into the Army's operations process: Plan early and continuously. Ensure the continuous flow of target information. Consider the use of all capabilities. Use the lowest echelon capable of furnishing effective support. Furnish the support requested. Use the most effective FS means. Avoid unnecessary duplication. Consider airspace coordination. Provide adequate support. Provide for rapid coordination. Provide for flexibility. Use fire support coordination measures (FSCMs).