ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Target Location and Identification 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 3-3 3-14. The use of fire support digital systems such as the pocket sized forward entry device with precision fires imagery (PFI) and Forward Observer System (FOS) with Precision Strike Suite Special Operations Forces (also called PSS-SOF) working in conjunction with laser designators and rangefinders that are operating from known locations can greatly reduce target location error. These systems can achieve a < 6m TLE to support the employment of coordinate seeking weapons. Note. Personnel performing target coordinate mensuration must be certified through a National Geospatial Intelligence Agency accredited Service, combatant command, or supporting agency program, in accordance with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 3505.01C.There are two programs under target coordinate mensuration-Target Material Production, and Target Mensuration Only. DIRECTION 3-15. The standard U.S. large-scale military map is 1:50,000; however, many areas have been mapped at a scale of 1:25,000 or 1:24,000). Using medium scale (scales between 1:75,000 and 1:1,000,000, typically 1:250,000 or 1:100,000) or small scale (1:1,000,000 is standard) maps may make terrain map association difficult. In these situations, the use of position locating systems or other navigational aids is essential for observer self-location and the accurate location of targets. See TC 3-25.26 for additional information on maps. TERMS AND RELATIONSHIPS 3-16. The following terms and relationships are provided to assist the observer in preparing to determine direction: Azimuth 3-17. Azimuth is a horizontal angle measured clockwise from a north base line that could be true north, magnetic north, or grid north. (ATP 3-09.50). An azimuth may be measured in degrees or mils between a reference direction and the line to an observed or designated point but, if possible, should be converted to mils (multiply the number of degrees by 17.8 to determine mils) before transmitting a call for fire. If the observer is not able to convert degrees to mils, the observer should state that the direction is given in degrees. 3-18. Measure a grid azimuth from grid north, measure a magnetic azimuth from magnetic north, and measure true azimuth from true north. The azimuth is the most common military method to express direction. When using an azimuth, the point from which the azimuth originates is the center of an imaginary circle. This circle is divided into 6400 mils or 360 degrees. See TC 3-25.26 for additional information. When sending call for fire (CFF) requests, observers will always send grid direction. Units of Measurement 3-19. Measure direction in mils (preferred) or degrees. Mils 3-20. A mil is a unit of measure for angles that is based on the angle subtended by l/6400 of the circumference of a circle (TC 3-09.81). The mil is used because of its accuracy and the mil relation formula, which is based on the assumption that an angle of one mil will subtend an arc of one meter at a distance of 1,000 meters. The graphic representation of mil is a lower case letter “m” with a virgule (/) through it (₥). 3-21. The mil relation formula (see figure 3-1 on page 3-4) has several applications in observed fire procedures. It can be used to determine the width of a lateral shift in meters to the nearest 10 meters from a known point to a new target. Use the mil relation in estimating distances based on known equipment dimensions in meters and measured mils and in determining deviation corrections in adjustment of fire procedures based on the deviation spotting in mils and the observer target distance factor (OT factor).