ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Chapter 2 2-6 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 Provide target information for army attack aviation and CAS execution, and naval surface fire support. Must apply the law of war and rules of engagement (ROE) when employing fire support. Radio Telephone Operator The radio telephone operator (RTO) operates and maintains the digital and voice communications equipment of the FIST or a forward observer party. As a member of the FIST or the forward observer party, he must be able to perform the duties of the fire support specialist in the FIST or of the forward observer. He works under the guidance of the fire support sergeant to: Set up, operate, and maintain radios and digital devices. Perform position improvement tasks under the direction of the fire support sergeant. Forward all reports to higher headquarters as per SOP. Joint Fires Observer A joint fires observer is a trained Service member who can request, adjust, and control surface-to- surface fires, provide target information in support of Type 2 and 3 close air support terminal attack control, and perform autonomous terminal guidance operations (JP 3-09.3). The joint fires observer is not an addition to the Army fire support organization, but rather a Soldier who has received the required additional training for initial joint fires observer certification and who has maintained qualification through currency and evaluation requirements. Typically a Soldier who has progressed from being an RTO, and is chosen to serve as a Forward Observer because of the individuals’ knowledge and experience. This is commonly determined by the company or troop fire support sergeant and FSO. For additional information see TC 3-09.8. To facilitate CAS attacks, the joint fires observer is specially trained to provide timely and accurate target information to a qualified JTAC or FAC (A), or directly to supporting CAS aircraft when authorized by the controlling JTAC or FAC (A). Note. Terminal guidance operations are those actions using electronic, mechanical, voice, or visual communications that provide approaching aircraft and/or weapons additional information regarding a specific target location. Also called TGO (JP 3-09) FIRE SUPPORT TEAM OPTIONS There are 3 options that are used to employ the fire support team. Under mission command, the Battalion FSO and maneuver commander will decide which option to employ the FIST depending on the type of operation and degree of mutual trust and cohesion between team members and their supported maneuver commanders. The Battalion FSO is responsible for giving the maneuver commander his professional advice as to which option choose, or a modified version of these three options, depending his level of trust about the capabilities of the individual elements of the FIST. The greater the level of trust the less control is recommended. Option 1 – Battalion Fire Support Team Consolidate FISTs at the battalion level to maximize the battalion commander's ability to influence the battle at a critical time and place. Company or troop commanders may retain access to fire support expertise in the planning process while the FISTs are centralized at the battalion level for execution. Option 2 – Company or Troop FIST FIST assets remain at the company or troop level for fire support planning, coordination, and execution.