ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Target Location and Identification 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 3-23 3-85. This point serves as the starting point for the “talk-on” and should be easily identifiable from the air and from the observer location. Selection of this common reference point is dependent on aircraft and ground party sensor capabilities.  If precision targeting systems are unavailable, then the starting point would be a feature of the target’s surroundings, which based on perspective, is identifiable to both the JFO and CAS aircrew. From this feature a gradually more detailed description would begin, ultimately resulting in proper correlation to the intended target.  Should precision targeting tools be available, the JFO and JTAC team with the CAS aircrew may be able to generate relatively accurate and precise target coordinates with elevation due to improvements in portable tactical targeting systems and CAS aircraft sensor suites. Leveraging these, the JTAC and JFO may elect to conduct a narrowly focused initial “talk-on” technique. The terminal controller can use the coordinate and elevation from the JFO as an “anchor point” from which the CAS aircrew and JFO-JTAC team will look around the target area in order to positively acquire the CAS target(s). 3-86. Next, establish a unit of measure that can be seen on the map or aircrew targeting sensor, as well as on the ground from both the JFO and CAS aircrew perspective. The unit of measure is a distance “yardstick” used to move the aircrew’s eyes though the target area. Once established, a rule of thumb is to not use less than one quarter of that unit of measure or more than 4 units of measure during a “talk-on”, if possible. 3-87. In conjunction with the unit of measure, cardinal and sub-cardinal directions are used to move the aircrew’s eyes from the starting point to smaller reference points and finally onto the intended target. The art of moving the aircrew’s eyes from one point to another on the battlefield should be deliberate and simple, and it can be significantly aided by modern sensors and targeting systems. 3-88. Target verification is the process of ensuring that CAS aircrews are “tally” (which means that the pilot has confirmed eyes on the target from the aircraft) the intended target during the “talk-on”. For CAS types 2 and 3 controls, it is conducted with the aircrew talking to the JTAC thru the JFO. NOTE: Target verification can be very time intensive since it entails a three-way communication. During the target verification process, time can be saved when the JFO can communicate directly with the aircrew, while the JTAC monitors transmissions. This TTP emergency CAS requires the JFO to have communications equipment compatible with the aircraft, and it works especially well with FAC (A) qualified aircrew, but should not be limited to them exclusively. COMBAT IDENTIFICATION OF A TARGET 3-89. Combat identification is the process of attaining an accurate characterization of detected objects in the operational environment sufficient to support an engagement decision (JP 3-09). (See ADRP 3-37 for more information.) The combat identification process has the following three key purposes:  Identify and classify targets in the operational environment.  Allow for the timely processing of engagement decisions on targets.  The mitigation of fratricide and collateral damage. 3-90. The combat identification process is a series of progressive and interdependent steps (or actions): target search, detection, location, and identification that lead to the decision process to engage or not engage. Soldiers conduct combat identification by applying situational awareness and target identification capabilities and by adhering to OPORDs with all appendices and annexes, and approved ROE that directly support the Soldier’s engagement decision. 3-91. Combat identification standardizes the approach in deciding the appropriate level of force against all types of targets. It consists of:  Detection. The discovery of any phenomena (personnel, equipment, objects) that are potential targets. Soldiers can use detection from various means (visual observation, radar detection, electronic signals measurement).  Location. The determination (by direction, reference point, or grid) of where a potential target is located (ground or air).