ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Chapter 3 3-24 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 Identification. The determination of the friendly, hostile, unknown, or neutral character of a detected, potential target by its physical traits (size, shape, functional characteristics). Classification. The categorization of a potential target by relative level of danger it represents. Confirmation. The rapid verification of a target in terms of the initial identification and classification. Soldiers confirm identification as a threat before engaging. When engagement is considered, Soldiers answer the following questions: Can I engage the target based on ROE? What are the second and third order effects if I engage the target? Which target should I engage first (if there are multiple targets)? What is the best weapon system to use? (use the attack guidance matrix) Is the target planned or a target of opportunity? Is the target on the High Payoff Target List? POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF A TARGET 3-92. Positive identification is reasonable certainty that the entity or object is a valid military target and the correct target. The entity or target must demonstrate a hostile act, intent, or be on the approved list of targets. Failure to gain positive identification (also called PID) on the target can result in fratricide or unnecessary collateral damage. Additionally, failure to positively identify factors such as civilians and noncombatants on the battlefield will negatively impact mission results and create unintended 2 nd and 3 rd order effects for the maneuver commander and other U.S. Army units. Example The observer sees a vehicle traveling down a road. Visibility is poor but can identify the vehicle is a tank. Situational understanding indicates no friendly tanks are in the area. If the observer was told to engage any military vehicles traveling on the road, the observer can engage the tank according to the ROE. If the guidance is to engage only those vehicles positively identified as adversary, the observer would be required to verify the tank was an adversary vehicle prior to engaging. Example The observer is part of a team observing a building believed to contain a high-payoff target. The guidance for the mission included a requirement to positively identify the target prior to attacking. The observer identifies the suspect target, verifies the target is dressed as described by an informant, and visually confirms the targets facial features match those of the high-payoff target. Additionally, ongoing intercepts indicate the target is currently using a cell phone, which the observer can visually verify. The observer can engage this target with reasonable certainty that this is the high-payoff target.