ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Target Location and Identification 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 3-21 TARGET COORDINATE MENSURATION 3-74. Use target coordinate mensuration to reduce TLE significantly. Correlating the expected target location through the use of National Geospatial Agency (NGA) validated TCM tools, processes, and imagery produces a precise aimpoint that can be used to engage the target. 3-75. During the target coordinate mensuration process, the derived target location is identified on a tactical image such as full motion video or another image source. The Target Mensuration Only (TMO) operator then identifies the target location on Digital Point Precision Data Base (DPPDB) imagery and derives the true target location. In cases where PFI is used, the PFI is generated from DPPDB using an NGA validated PFI generator. An imagery chip is created and saved to a removable memory card and installed into a PFI viewer Most PFI’s have restrictions on their use with certain systems. See the NGA validation statement for the PFI restrictions associated with the applicable TCM tools. 3-76. Imagery used during TCM is classified; ensure source imagery classification is maintained when generating PFI’s and coordinated. TCM tools allow users to derive highly accurate target locations NGA validated imagery. If the observer has TCM tools, has created the required PFIs for the area of operations and is TMO certified, the observer can perform TMO. During dynamic situations such as hostile act or hostile intent, non-certified observers may use the best means available to derive a coordinate. If a TCM tool is used by a non-certified TMO operator this is not considered TCM. Certain handheld observer devices also provide the ability to send digital call for fire missions with mensurated target coordinates also displaying the TLE associated with the derived coordinate. 3-77. If the observer cannot conduct TMO, the observer will requests target coordinate mensuration with the request for fires and provide additional target location information. Typically, the fires cell at the battalion command post has the capability to conduct TMO, and usually has access to better working conditions, and more imagery data. This allows the fires cell to conduct TMO for a much wider area (so long as the imagery data is available) than the observer. Once the fires cell has conducted TMO on the target, they can submit it as a fire request or add it to a planned target list for future engagement. Cue a More Accurate Sensor 3-78. There may be another observer in the target area that possesses a more accurate sensor and can provide a better TLE. The FDC can request that another sensor or observer with more accurate TLE locate the target. Process this request through the fires cell. The FSO could then task another observer with a more accurate sensor to move to a position to observe the target. Additionally, there may be aircraft or UAS assets equipped with sensor systems in the target area that can generate accurate coordinates. The FSO working with the JTAC may employ these systems mission, enemy, terrain, and weather, troops, and support available, time available, and civil considerations permitting. Triangulation 3-79. Triangulation is another possible means to provide reduced target location error, although it is time consuming and therefore is limited to situations not requiring immediate responsiveness. Perform triangulation using one or more sensors. The more sensors used, the greater the accuracy. When more than one observer or sensor is available, multiple sensors locate the target and provide target coordinates to the FDC. The FDC then resolves these multiple sets of coordinates to determine a more accurate target location. If only one sensor or observer is available, then they must obtain target data from a minimum of two different locations at least 100 meters apart. The farther the observer moves between readings, and the more locations from which readings are taken, the more accurate the resulting target location will be. TECHNIQUES FOR LASING BUILDINGS 3-80. Ground observers must use special procedures in lasing buildings to determine an accurate target location. Ground observers are generally only capable of lasing the sides of the building, yet the actual desired impact location for a munition may be in the center of the building’s roof because of the munitions’ steep terminal trajectory and top attack characteristics.