ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Introduction to Fire Support 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 1-13 target number is comprised of six characters, comprising two letters followed by four number positions such as AB1234. See ATP 3-60 for more information on target numbering. 1-45. The two letter group indicates the originator of the target number and the echelon holding the target data. 1-46. Other than the letter Z, there are no permanently assigned first letters. The senior headquarters for an operation will establish and publish, in orders, the assigned first letter. Coordinate to prevent using identical letters in areas close to adjacent boundaries. Use any letter during training. Units typically establish a target numbering system within their standard operating procedure. The target number prefix “Z” is reserved for technical use by automatic data processing systems among nations. If a target number is not assigned prior to the transfer of target information from one nation to another, the automation system will use a target number beginning with the prefix “Z”. The second letter “E”, for example “ZE”, is allocated for use by U.S. forces in automatic data processing systems in those instances where a “Z” prefix target is generated. 1-47. Target numbers serve as an index to all other information regarding a particular target, such as location, description, and size. Within a major force, a common target numbering system is used. Assigning target numbers in blocks to specific users facilitates tracing a target back to its originating source. For example, the force headquarters may assign the second letter (A through Z) down to brigade level. 1-48. See table 1-2 for an example of standard blocks of numbers within a brigade.