ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Target Location and Identification 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 3-19 Figure 3-13. Range shift 3-70. Determine the vertical shift. If the difference in elevation between the known point and the target is greater than or equal to 35 meters, the observer includes an UP or DOWN shift (expressed to the nearest 5 meters) in the target location. TARGET LOCATION ERROR 3-71. Accurate target location is critical for precision-guided munitions and these munitions are most effective when using a mensurated target location. Table 3-4 provides recommended TLE’s for weapon and target pairing to create the commander’s desired effect on the target. Accurate target location also benefits area munitions by potentially reducing the number of rounds fired in adjustment. TLE should not be used as a restrictive measure, but as a factor of engagement criteria. Commanders should always weigh mission success against expenditure of munitions. Refer to table 3-4 on page 3-20. 3-72. Given the importance of accurate TLE for the effective employment of precision-guided munitions, if the sensor allows it, observers will report their achieved TLE (based on their sensor type, forward observer system version, and observer-target range) when requesting a precision-guided munition. Transmit this information as part of the call for fire in the target location portion of the call for fire request. If it is not included, the FDC will prompt the observer to provide the achieved TLE for this mission. The following tables and paragraphs explain TLE and current sensor systems associated with each TLE method. The TLE methodology table (see table 3-4 on page 3-20) is intended as a guideline and is not inclusive of all systems available. There are several combinations of ways to use these pieces of equipment but for optimal effects on target an Observer or FIST should use an automated targeting device to acquire the target and transmit the information to the forward observer digital system, then refine the target with the mensuration tool, populate the other parts of the CFF on the forward observer digital system and then digitally send the CFF to the next higher echelon in the fires chain. Figure 3-14 (on page 3-20) lists the TLE categories.