ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Page 17 of 204

Introduction to Fire Support 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 1-5 Figure 1-3. Ammunition expenditures and relative effects Law of War AND ETHICAL Considerations 1-16. In addition to the above tactical considerations, the selection of targets, munitions, and techniques of fire must comply with the Law of War (LOW), to include but not limited to, Geneva and Hague Conventions regarding prohibited targets weapons, and tactics. The DOD Law of War Manual provides a thorough discussion of the law of war. Trusted Army professionals are expected to make right decisions (i.e. ethical, effective, and efficient) and take actions consistent with the moral principles of the Army Ethic. Targeting of fires in decisive action requires the judicious use lethal force balanced with restraint, tempered by professional judgment. For a summary of how the principles of the LOW and Army Ethic are applied in warfighting, see ADRP 1. CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS 1-17. The accuracy of calls for fire depends on the actions and capabilities of observers and company or troop fire support teams (FISTs) and the accuracy of fire support plans. Error free self-location and accurate target location by the observer supports first round fire for effect. First round fire for effect on a target of opportunity and immediate and effective suppression of adversary direct fire systems are essential if the supported maneuver unit is to accomplish its mission. Moreover, accurate location of planned targets is imperative to effective execution of a fire support plan. Accurate location of planned targets requires keeping the adversary under observation by an observer, or other target acquisition asset, and reporting continuous target refinement data to the appropriate headquarters. 1-18. Achievement of these goals is primarily situation dependent. Accuracy of indirect fire support assets (for example field artillery, mortars, and naval surface fire support) also depends greatly on the skill