ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Employing Fire Support 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 2-7 Option 3 – Platoon Forward Observer: IBCT, ABCT, SBCT Most platoons in the maneuver companies or troops receive a forward observer. IBCT-In an Infantry brigade combat team the FO teams in the rifle companies are split and assigned individually to the rifle platoons. The RTO assumes duties as an FO in the absence of one and can act independently for the platoon assigned when required. The FIST is decentralized from the company and its enlisted members are designated as FOs. The FSNCO and two Fire Support Specialists from the FIST headquarters (HQ) remain in the FIST headquarters platoon performing FIST HQ operations. The FSO remains at the company headquarters to provide fire support to the commander. The FIST in the weapons company can designate individuals from the FIST as platoon FOs, however due to TOE allocations they will be extremely limited in employing this option fully and will be able to only man 3 platoons in the company with an FO, leaving the FSO solely to perform duties in the FIST HQ. Cavalry Squadron – FO teams in the dismounted cavalry troop are assigned to the 2 dismounted platoons within the troop. The FIST remains centralized to the troop and performs FIST HQ operations. The FSO remains at the troop headquarters to provide fire support to the commander. ABCT-In an Armored brigade combat team, the Combined Arms Battalion’s (also called CAB’s) the FO teams in the rifle companies are split and assigned individually to the 3 platoons. The RTO assumes duties as an FO in the absence of one and can act independently for the platoon assigned when required. The FIST is decentralized from the company and its enlisted members are designated as FOs. The FSNCO and two Fire Support Specialists from the FIST headquarters (HQ) remain in the FIST headquarters platoon performing FIST HQ operations. The FSO remains at the company headquarters to provide fire support to the commander. The FIST in the Armor companies can designate individuals from the FIST as platoon FOs, however due to TOE allocations they will be extremely limited in employing this option fully and will be able to only man 3 platoons in the company with an FO, leaving the FSO solely to perform duties in the FIST HQ. Cavalry Squadron – The FIST in the troops can designate individuals from the FIST as platoon FOs, however due to TOE allocations they will be extremely limited in employing this option fully and will be able to only man 3 platoons in the troop with an FO. The FSO will remain at the troop headquarters to provide fire support to the commander. SBCT-In a Striker brigade combat team (SBCT) the Infantry Battalion FO teams in the rifle companies are split and assigned individually to the three platoons. The RTO assumes duties as an FO in the absence of one and can act independently for the platoon when required. The FIST is decentralized from the company and its enlisted members are designated as FOs. The FSNCO and two Fire Support Specialists from the FIST headquarters (HQ) remain in the headquarters platoon performing FIST HQ operations. The FSO remains at the company headquarters to provide fire support to the commander. Cavalry Squadron – The FIST in the troops can designate individuals from the FIST as platoon FOs. The FO’s are the primary observers in the troop. They are normally collocated with the platoon leaders. The FIST remains centralized to the troop and performs FIST HQ operations. Forward observers provide target refinement; execute planned fires, and request fires for their supported platoons. The FSO will remain at the troop headquarters to provide fire support to their commander. Weapons Troop - The FIST in the troop can designate individuals from the FIST as platoon FOs, however due to TOE allocations they will be extremely limited in employing this option fully and will be able to only man 3 platoons in the Troop with an FO. The FSO will remain at the troop headquarters to provide fire support to the commander.