ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 7-1 Chapter 7 Observer Special Missions This chapter provides guidance on missions requiring special procedures for the observer. FIRES FOR PILOTS 7-1. If possible, the battalion fire support officer (FSO) and the supported unit operations staff officer or intelligence staff officer should give the pilot a detailed preflight briefing. The preflight briefing should cover the following: The tactical situation to include threat locations and antiaircraft weapons, friendly locations and capabilities, front lines, zones of action of support troops, and all coordinating measures. The location of all indirect fire units, known points, targets, search areas, and ordnance available. Flight instructions, time on and off the mission, obstacles, checkpoints, and equipment needed. Communications details such as frequencies, call signs, check in time, and prearranged signals. Any unit standard operating procedure items regarding registrations, immediate suppressions, special munitions, and suppression of enemy air defenses. Fire Support Coordination Measures including: No Fire Zones, No Fire Areas, or No Fire Lines. Latest Rules of Engagement concerning civilians and non-combatants in the area of operations. Pilots need to exercise restraint and use professional judgment if in the event target information at time of execution is not correct. If targets are compromised, the pilot needs to plan for alternative means of mission accomplishment and exercising judicious use of lethal force. 7-2. After verbally briefing the pilot, one technique for the FSO to consider is to provide the pilot with a knee board sized copy of key fire support information as illustrated in table 7-1. Table 7-1. Fire Support information for pilots Call for Fire FM Net Primary: Alternate: Fires Cell Call Sign: FSCM: Friendly Artillery Positions Field Artillery Bn: Bn Mortars: Field Artillery Bn: Bn Mortars: Field Artillery Bn: Bn Mortars: Field Artillery Bn: NSFS: CAS Available Type: Time: Call Sign: Frequency: IP: Abort Code: Laser Code: Legend. CAS—close air support Bn—battalion FM—frequency modulation FSCM—fire support coordination measure IP—Initial Point NSFS—Naval Surface Fire Support