ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Chapter 2 2-4 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The fire support personnel should be cross trained in each other’s duties and responsibilities. The joint fire support officer and joint fire support sergeant must especially understand each other’s jobs; the joint fires observers and senior joint fire support specialists prepare themselves to perform the joint fire support sergeant’s or even the FSO’s duties; and the junior fire support personnel learn each other’s duties and any FSO or joint fires observer leader tasks possible. Some tasks are team tasks, with responsibilities assigned based on various scenarios and standing operating procedure (SOP) battle drills. As an example, an M7 Bradley fire support vehicle equipped FIST will designate primary operators for the M242, 25-mm gun and M240C coaxial machinegun, and for the eye safe laser range finder and integrated sight unit (to acquire targets) based on a particular situation or battle drill. However all personnel in the FIST must be able to operate and maintain the equipment. In some instances, this may require formal training, qualification, or certification. The FSO and joint fire support sergeant must understand all of the training requirements related to the operation of the entire FIST and actively manage and track cross training within the FIST. The following paragraphs highlight the major duties and responsibilities of the fire support personnel when under the operational control of or attached to a company or troop. Company or Troop Fire Support Officer The FSO works for the company or troop commander during combat operations to accomplish all fire support tasks. However, the FSO still remains assigned to the FA Battalion and under the functional supervision of the BN FSO. The company or troop commander refines the guidance for fires in the commander's intent and concept of operations. A clearly defined concept of operations enables the commander to articulate precisely the intent of indirect fires to affect the adversary during the different phases of the operation. This allows the joint fire support officer to develop a fire support plan that supports accomplishment of the company's mission. In order to develop an effective fire support plan, the FSO must understand the fires planning process and address all the essential elements of a fire support plan. To help ensure all considerations are addressed, the FSO uses the memory aid FA-PARCA, which means:  F-Fire support tasks, described in terms of a clear task, purpose, and effect.  A-Allocation of assets or targets to subordinate units.  P-Positioning guidance for fire support assets and observers.  A-Attack guidance.  R-Restrictions.  C-Coordinating instructions.  A-Assessment (measure of performance, measure of effectiveness). While the maneuver commander is responsible for integrating fire support and maneuver, the FSO must understand the scheme of maneuver as well as the company or troop commander does. The FSO devises the fire support plan based on the commander's guidance and submits the plan to the commander for approval. FSO responsibilities include the following:  Plan, coordinate, and execute fire support.  Make recommendations to integrate all fire support assets into the maneuver commander’s scheme of maneuver.  Integrate the fire support plan with the company troop operation order and operation plan and address fire support tasks during rehearsals.  Keep key personnel informed of pertinent information (by spot reports and situation reports).  Train the FIST and joint fires observers in applicable fire support matters.  Initiate calls for fire on targets of opportunity and execute planned targets IAW the fire support plan.  Prepare and disseminate the fire support plan and or execution matrix to key personnel.