ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Chapter 4 4-8 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 Coordinated Illumination 4-55. Coordinated illumination informs the FDC that the observer is going to attack targets with fires under the illumination. The idea is to have the HE rounds impact during the period of best illumination. 4-56. The observer can accomplish this by using normal AT MY COMMAND procedures, directing an interval, in seconds, between illumination and HE projectiles, or by identifying the period of best illumination and allowing the FDC to compute when to fire the HE. The command ILLUMINATION MARK is used to tell the FDC when the illumination round is providing the best visibility on the target. Continuous Illumination 4-57. In this method of control, the unit fires illumination projectiles at specified time intervals to provide uninterrupted lighting on the target or specified area. The observer may specify the time interval (in seconds). If the observer does not provide a time interval, the FDC determines the interval by the burning time of the illumination ammunition in use. If any other interval is required, indicate the desired interval in seconds. Cease Loading 4-58. Use the command CEASE LOADING during the firing of two or more rounds to indicate the suspension of loading rounds into the gun(s). The gun sections may fire any rounds that have already been loaded. Check Fire 4-59. Use CHECK FIRING to cause an immediate halt in firing. Use this command only when necessary to “immediately” stop firing (for example, for safety reasons) as it may result in cannons being out of action until any rammed or loaded rounds can be fired or cleared from the tubes. Continuous Fire 4-60. In field artillery, mortars, and naval surface fire support, continuous fire means loading and firing as rapidly as possible, consistent with accuracy, within the prescribed rate of fire for the equipment. Firing will continue until suspended by the command CEASE LOADING or CHECK FIRING. Repeat 4-61. REPEAT can be given during adjustment or fire for effect missions. During Adjustment, REPEAT means firing another round(s) with the last data and adjust for any change in ammunition if necessary. Do not send the command REPEAT in the initial call for fire. 4-62. During fire for effect, REPEAT means fire the same number of rounds using the same method of fire for effect as last fired. If the unit is firing four rounds in effect, requesting REPEAT will result in an additional four volleys. The observer may request changes in the number of guns, the previous corrections, the interval, or the ammunition. For example, RIGHT 200 REPEAT. Request Splash 4-63. Send SPLASH at the observer's request. The FDC announces SPLASH to the observer 5 seconds prior to round impact. The FDC must send SPLASH to aerial observers and during high angle fire missions Do Not Load 4-64. DO NOT LOAD allows the section to prepare ammunition and lay on the target without loading a projectile. When the command, CANCEL DO NOT LOAD is given the section automatically loads and fires the weapon (except for an at my command mission). Duration 4-65. The observer normally uses DURATION for suppression and smoke missions. DURATION will tell the FDC the total time to engage a target.