ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Augmenting Fire Support 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 4-7 SECTION III – ARMY AVIATION AIR-GROUND OPERATIONS 4-34. Combat aviation brigade attack and reconnaissance helicopter elements and armed unmanned aircraft systems may assist the BCT by conducting attacks where enemy forces may be either in contact or out of contact with friendly ground forces in support of BCT operations. See Appendix A for additional joint or Army attack systems and their capabilities. MISSION PLANNING 4-35. Although integrated air and ground missions are conducted with or under the control of the BCT and its subordinate and supporting units, direct coordination between Army aviation aircrews and FISTs, FSOs, forward observers and others at the company level is usually required. The minimum information requirements the Army aviation team must be provided by the supported unit to ensure accurate and timely support include: The situation including friendly forces’ location, enemy situation highlighting the known enemy air defense threat in the supported unit’s area of operations, mission request procedures, and tentative engagement area coordinates. BCT and its subordinate and supporting unit graphics update using the maneuver control system, or aviation mission planning system, or by radio communications update of critical items such as limit of advance, fire control measures (including FSCMs), and maneuver graphics. Fire support coordination information including the location, call sign and radio frequencies of the BCT’s field artillery battalion, other supporting artillery, and maneuver battalion mortars. Ingress and egress routes into the area of operations including passage points and air routes to the holding area or landing zone. Call signs and frequencies of the unit(s) in contact down to the company level so air-ground coordination can be done on command frequencies and to better enable situational understanding for all elements involved. Global positioning system and single-channel ground and airborne radio system time coordination: care must be taken to ensure that all units are operating on the same time. 4-36. The air mission commander and ground unit key leaders must consider the risk to friendly forces before weapon selection and engagement. For risk estimate distances for armed helicopter weapons, see ATP 3-09.32. ENGAGEMENT 4-37. During engagement, open communications and continuous coordination with friendly ground elements are required to ensure the BCT commander’s desired effects are achieved. Coordination of both direct and indirect fires produces the most efficient results in the least amount of time with the least risk. This coordination includes both aviation assets (fixed- and rotary-wing) and cyber electromagnetic means that may be employed. TARGET IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING 4-38. Positive target identification and location are essential for achieving the desired effects on the target and in reducing the risk of fratricide. Techniques that can be effective during air-ground operations with Army aircraft include: Reference point technique—uses a known point or an easily recognizable terrain feature. Grid technique—uses grid coordinates to define the point. Operational area and terrain technique—uses terrain and graphics available to both air and ground units. Phase line technique—uses graphics available to both air and ground units.