ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Chapter 2 2-8 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 FORWARD OBSERVER CONTROL OPTIONS The Fist team, like all Army organizations, operate under mission command (ADRP 6-0). The philosophy of mission command is built on the principles of building mutual trust and cohesion, creating shared understanding of the commander’s intent, provided through mission orders, and the exercise of disciplined initiative after assessing accepting prudent risk. The exercise of Mission Command applies internally to fires organizations and fires leaders, and externally requires mutual trust and shared understanding of both the situation and supported maneuver commander’s intent. Selection of the option for how to employ the FIST team is decision not be taken lightly. The FSO must consider the degree of mutual trust they have with each member of the team. The greater the FSO assessment of their shared understanding and trust, the less control and greater decentralization of decision making delegated to FOs. To build that trust prior to deployment in training is essential, but it can be established and strengthened during operations as well. The FSO must ensure that the Forward Observers clearly understand the rules of engagement, are trained in the moral principles of the Army Ethic, understand targeting plans, are familiar with the entire fore support plan, and that they have identified contingencies, and the FOs are continuously reviewing targets in the AO real time, relaying back any target changes. FOs must know what actions to take if target changes jeopardize friendly forces, civilians or non-combatants. In all options, the Fire Support Officer retains responsibility for the actions of their Forward Observers, each of whom is accountable for their own decisions. Option 1 – Decentralized The forward observer may call for fire from fire support assets available to support the operation. This option gives the most responsive fires; however, it allows the FIST the least amount of control. Allowing the forward observer to determine which asset should engage each target requires a highly trained observer and FSO. This option gives the observer the most autonomy. This method is best employed by FO teams that have the highest degree of experience and training. If an FO team is inexperienced there may be a greater risk of fratricide. More importantly, if an FO team is inexperienced, ill-trained, ill-informed, and/or lacks discipline then the probability for creating negative unintended consequences will be greater, especially when factors such as civilians and non-combatants. Friendly forces, and non-essential targets may interfere with the fire support execution and judgement of FO team. Option 2 – Designated The forward observer is assigned a particular fire support asset from which the FO may request fire support. The forward observer transmits calls for fire on the assigned unit's net. If the forward observer thinks a target requires a different fire support asset, the FO must request permission from the FIST to change assets. Permission is granted on a mission by mission basis. Under this option, fire support is highly responsive if the asset is suitable to the type of target. Option 3 – Centralized The forward observer must contact the FIST for each call for fire. The FIST refers the observer or relays the request to an appropriate fire support asset. This option is least responsive for the observer, but it offers the highest degree of control to the FIST. Use this option for inexperienced FO teams or when non fire support personnel are observers for their platoon. This option is the most labor intensive for the FSO and FIST. FSOs and commanders should take into account other mission requirements of the FIST before employing this option. Additionally, if relaying a call for fire, this option introduces a greater possibility of transcription errors in voice communication. FORWARD OBSERVER TAILORING Since the level of trust in the character, competence, commitment, and the tactical situation vary for each observer, the company or troop FSO may assign each observer under the FSO’s control an appropriate option. For example, the 1st Platoon forward observer may be decentralized, the 2nd Platoon forward observer may be designated, and the 3rd Platoon forward observer may be centralized.