ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Chapter 4 4-12 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 (7) Line 7―Mark Type and Terminal Guidance. The type of mark the JTAC, FAC (A), or JFO will use (for example, smoke, laser, or infrared [IR]). If using a laser, the JTAC, FAC (A), or JFO will also pass the call sign of the platform or individual that will provide terminal guidance for the weapon and laser code. (8) Line 8―Friendlies. Cardinal and sub-cardinal heading from the target (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW) and distance of closest friendlies from the target in meters (for example “South 300”). (9) Line 9―Egress. These are the instructions the aircrews use to exit the target area. (10) Remarks and Restrictions. Supplies additional information important to the conduct of the attack. 4-80. JTAC to JFO Integration. JTACs and FAC (A) s can use JFO’s to develop and correlate targeting data, mark targets, and provide terminal guidance operations. JFOs may pass the observer lineup, the CAS situation update and observer target brief directly to the JTAC or may require the CAS aircraft to relay the situation update to the JTAC (see figure 4-3 on page 4-13). In certain circumstances, the ground commander might require air support when a JTAC or FAC (A) is not available, but detailed integration with friendly forces and maneuver is still required. The commander must consider the increased risk of fratricide when using personnel who are not JTAC or FAC (A) qualified. 4-81. The information the JFO reports will paint a picture of the battlefield for the fires cell and maneuver commander. SALT or SALUTE reports should include targets, potential targets, and areas of interest identified in the observation plan as well as collateral damage concerns. Potential collateral damage concerns should be passed to the fires cell with cardinal sub-cardinal direction and distance in meters from targets and should include a description of the composition of the collateral damage concern (for example, a one story wooden trailer with a tin roof being used as a school, civilians in the open, or a concrete religious site). This information is critical for the commander to accurately assess the situation and associated risks to determine the proper course of action. JFO reporting information also forms the basis for the fires cell and TACP to create immediate CAS requests so it must include all relevant data from DD Form 1972 Joint Tactical Air Strike Request Section I (see ATP 3-09.32). Once the joint fires assets are coordinated, the JFO must be able to format the targeting data properly to facilitate fires and desired effects. JFOs must also be aware of their own targeting capabilities and limitations such as target location error, range and line of sight to the target, obstructions and obscurations, equipment capabilities, and equipment operation proficiency among others. When fires impact but fail to produce proper effects, the JFO must provide adjustments and corrections to ensure the maneuver commander’s desired effects are created. The JFO must assess the effects of those fires on the intended target and other effects on the battlefield, such as resultant enemy and noncombatant activity or collateral damage.