ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 4 4-4 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 artillery battalion can: acquire and locate enemy assets to facilitate counterfire; acquire and transmit targetable data to support the attack of high-payoff targets and targets of opportunity; and provide target designation, surveillance and battle damage assessment. This arrangement allows the BCT reconnaissance elements to concentrate on collecting combat information while fire support staffs support them with target acquisition, fires, and battle damage assessment. Acting together, the BCT information collection and target acquisition staff, and cannon field artillery battalion delivery units constitute a highly capable reconnaissance-strike capability. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Special Operations Command unmanned aircraft systems that may be available to the BCT are described in FM 3-04.155. See also ATP 3-04.64. CAVALRY SQUADRON 4-16. Each cavalry troop and maneuver company fire support team (FIST) has the capability to laser- designate targets for precision-guided munitions. The FIST also supports troop operations by aiding in the employment of supporting mortars and close air support. The cavalry squadron may also have operational control (OPCON) of some of the BCT elements that also have the capability to employ precision-guided munitions. Supporting fires allocated to cavalry squadron operations will be specified in fire support tasks. The BCT commander can direct the cavalry squadron to employ part or all of its assets in the counterfire fight if a significant enemy indirect fire threat exists. 4-17. The target location accuracy in an initial contact report may not be sufficient to generate an immediate fire mission or other tactical response. The brigade FSO must be aware of this and ensure that fires cell planners and targeting personnel work closely with the cavalry squadron fires cell personnel to see that minimum target selection standards are met or cross-cue other sensors to gain an accurate target location. SENSOR INPUTS 4-18. Direct sensor input to the cannon field artillery battalion may be necessary to support counterfire, counterreconnaissance, or close combat in order to fully exploit the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) digital architecture to provide timely and responsive fire support. The BCT main command post fires cell must constantly monitor the execution of current operations and consider the full range of both lethal and nonlethal attack options to meet the commander’s guidance to create desired effects. The brigade FSO, fires cell planners and the targeting working group and targeting board assist in determining how to best create the BCT commander’s desired effects. FIRE SUPPORT SUSTAINMENT 4-19. Sustainment of fire support is one of the four basic fire support tasks described in Joint Publication (JP) 3-09. In the BCT, fire support sustainment is focused on the BCT’s field artillery battalion. 4-20. The brigade support battalion (BSB) organic to the BCT performs selected consolidated functions. The BSBs generally have an organic distribution, maintenance, and medical company and a number of forward support companies. The forward support companies are assigned to the BSB and can be in direct support DS or under the OPCON or tactical control of the brigade’s maneuver battalions and cavalry squadron as well as the BCT’s cannon field artillery battalion. 4-21. BCTs have a significant organic capability to sustain their own operations. This capability serves to ensure freedom of action, extend operational reach, and prolong endurance. Although BSB capabilities and structure differ somewhat depending upon the type of BCT (armored, infantry, or Stryker), core capabilities include maintenance, medical, supply, and distribution. Logisticians maximize throughput distribution to increase the level of support to the Soldier. The BSB commander, as the senior logistics commander and single logistics operator for the BCT, is responsible for all sustainment support of the BCT. The BSB support operations officer is the principle staff officer who coordinates, synchronizes and executes the brigade support plan. The BCT S-4, in coordination with the BCT S-1, develops the support plan and communicates mission requirements to the support operations officer. The support operations officer coordinates external support from the sustainment brigade.