ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Chapter 2 2-2 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 Table 2-2. FO Team Title Rank Quantity Forward Observer Sergeant 1 Radio Telephone Operator Private to Specialist 1 MISSION The mission of the FIST is to integrate fires for the supported commander. To accomplish this mission, the FIST is responsible for the tasks discussed in the following paragraphs. Fire Support Planning Fire support planning is integrated through targeting and the running estimate. Fire support planning includes developing integrated fire plans (target lists, no fire lists, fire support execution matrix, scheme of fires, and overlays) and determining joint fires observer control options that support the commander's scheme of maneuver. To adequately plan and execute the Fire Support Plan, Trusted Army professionals must be leaders of character, competence and commitment. Targeting of fires in decisive action requires the judicious use of lethal force balanced with restraint, tempered by professional judgement. Trusted Army professionals are expected to make right decision (i.e. ethical, effective, and efficient) and take actions consistent with the moral principles of the Army Ethic.” Fire Support Coordination Fire support coordination is the planning and executing of fires so that targets are adequately covered by a suitable weapon or group of weapons (JP 3-09). The FIST must maintain situational understanding at all times and monitor voice requests for fire support within the maneuver element to prevent fratricide, civilian and non-combatant casualties, and ensure that collateral damage is achieved only to the level to achieve mission success, as the result of friendly fire support. The FIST must advise the commander on any fire FSCMs in effect. Target Location and Calls for Indirect Fire The FIST is responsible for providing an accurate target location and initiating calls for fire or executing planned targets from the fire support plan. See Chapter 4 for further discussion of calls for fire. Battlefield Information Reporting The observers are the eyes of the field artillery and a major source of information for the fire support community. They forward information to higher headquarters in the form of artillery target intelligence or spot reports. Observers also relay information during each call for fire, including the target description and end of mission surveillance. Observers also relay information such as friendly forces, civilians, and noncombatants in the targeting area to mitigate and prevent the risk of unintended effects and consequences. Observe Close Air Support The FIST can observe CAS. CAS can be conducted at any place and time friendly forces are in close proximity to enemy forces. The word “close” does not imply a specific distance; rather, it is situational. The requirement for detailed integration because of proximity, fires, or movement is the determining factor. At times, CAS may be the best means to exploit tactical opportunities in the offense or defense. CAS provides fires to destroy, disrupt, suppress, fix, harass, neutralize, or delay enemy forces. JP 3-09.3. Terminal Attack Control (TAC) is the authority to control the maneuver of and grant weapons release clearance to attacking aircraft. A certified and qualified joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) or forward air controller (airborne) (FAC-[A]) will be recognized across the Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform TAC. There are three types of control (Types 1, 2, and 3):