ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Call For Fire 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 4-7 METHOD OF FIRE AND CONTROL 4-46. The method of fire and control element indicates the desired manner of attacking the target, whether the observer wants to control the time or delivery of fire, and whether the target can be observed. Methods of control at my command (AMC) and time on target (TOT) are especially useful in massing fires. The AMC and TOT missions achieve surprise and maximize the effects of the initial volley on a target. When used by the observer, these methods of control can reduce the sporadic engagement of the target, or “popcorn effect,” which can be the result of rounds fired when ready. Method of Fire 4-47. In area fire, the observer normally conducts adjustment with one howitzer or with the center gun of a mortar platoon or section. If the observer determines that more than one gun is necessary for adjustment, the observer can request 2 GUNS IN ADJUST or PLATOON, BATTERY RIGHT (LEFT). (Adjusting at extreme distances may be easier with two guns firing.) The normal interval fired by a platoon or battery right (left) is 5 seconds. If the observer wants some other interval, it must be specified. Method of Control 4-48. Method of Control consists of fire when ready, at my command, cannot observe, time on target, time to target, coordinated illumination, continuous illumination, cease loading, check fire, continuous fire, repeat, do not load, and duration. This section below describes these methods further into detail. Fire When Ready 4-49. This method is standard without request. At My Command 4-50. If the observer wishes to control the time of delivery of fire, the observer includes AT MY COMMAND in the method of control. When the pieces are ready to fire, the FDC announces PLATOON (or BATTERY, or BATTALION) IS READY, OVER. (Call signs are used.) The observer announces FIRE when ready for the pieces to fire. This only applies to adjusting rounds and the first volley of a fire for effect. AT MY COMMAND remains in effect throughout the mission until the observer announces CANCEL AT MY COMMAND, OVER. 4-51. The observer can further specify at my command with additional instructions. BY ROUND AT MY COMMAND controls every round in adjustment and every volley in the fire for effect phase. Cannot Observe 4-52. CANNOT OBSERVE indicates the observer cannot see the target (because of vegetation, terrain, weather, intensity of the conflict, or smoke). Time on Target 4-53. The observer may tell the FDC when the rounds are to impact by requesting TIME ON TARGET, 0859, OVER. The observer must ensure that both the FDC and their time are synchronized prior to the mission. Time to Target 4-54. The observer may tell the FDC when the rounds are to impact by requesting TIME TO TARGET (so many) MINUTES AND SECONDS, OVER, STANDBY, HACK, OVER. Time to target is the time the observer can expect rounds to hit the target. Express time to target in minutes and seconds after delivery of the "hack" statement.