ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Chapter 2 2-10 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 support troops in contact and the maneuver concept of operations, particularly communications and target location equipment. JFO positioning must also be specifically addressed in the observation plan to maximize coverage in synchronization with JTACs and other observation assets. During operations, the JFO must be prepared to execute through inclusion in rehearsals for fire support, combined arms, and joint CAS. During mission preparation, the JFO should be equipped with operation materials common to the fires cell and TACP, such as special instructions (also called SPINS), communications plans, maps, grid reference guides, and the commander’s intent for fires and effects. During execution, the JFO can provide real-time situation updates and target information as well as battle damage assessment of joint fires’ effects. An example of this is on figure 2-1. Figure 2-1 JFO-JTAC Employment Example Personnel authorized to perform JFO duties— Must be a graduate of a primary duty skill identifier and additional skill identifier producing school. Must be designated in writing by the first Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) or higher in the unit chain of command. Must maintain qualification as described in TC 3-09.8 and the JFO Memorandum of Agreement (also called MOA). JFO EXECUTION FUNDAMENTALS The JFO is trained to push information in a standardized format to facilitate joint fires execution; however, the JFO must also be able to respond to time-sensitive requests from JTACs or fires leadership needing to pull specific information. Within an Army fire support team, JFO and FO actions provide the “detect” and initial assessment steps in targeting’s decide, detect, deliver, and assess steps. For joint targeting, a JFO’s actions feed into the “find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess” process used for dynamic targeting and close air support (see JP 3-60). A good technique for a JFO to facilitate joint fires is to accomplish a continual cycle of observing, reporting, coordinating, preparing, executing, and assessing— Observe the JFO’s planned area of responsibility for battlefield updates and potential targets. Report situation to fires cell (in accordance with communications plan), and continually update the situation report as required. Techniques to provide battlefield updates include the memory