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 4-9 Target type. Desired effects; for example, disrupt, delay, or destroy. Time on target expressed as a specific time, a not-later-than time, or an inclusive time period. Air request number. 4-45. Certain types of targets may be dynamic in nature; or certain attack considerations may affect how, when, and where the target is attacked. In these instances, mission-type requests are acceptable, but not optimal. A request for effects on a target remains the best way for a supported commander to obtain desired results. The requesting commander should provide sufficient information outlining the desired effects and any external or self-initiated tactical restrictions or limitations. This allows close air support to best support the commander’s intent while simultaneously giving the air support as much flexibility as possible. Ground commanders should be aware that immediate close air support requests might have to be filled by aircraft loaded with less-than-optimum munitions. AIR RECONNAISSANCE SUPPORT FOR BCT OPERATIONS 4-46. Air reconnaissance is available for use by Army intelligence and targeting agencies. Air reconnaissance is ideal for target detection and surveillance and for information collection in areas that Army assets cannot adequately range or cover. AIR RECONNAISSANCE CAPABILITIES 4-47. The Air Force employs a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft systems, overhead national assets, and other sensor platforms to collect a wide variety of intelligence data including photo imagery and electronic reconnaissance. Any type of aircraft can accomplish weather and visual reconnaissance. Unmanned aircraft systems provide medium to high altitude, heavy payload, multi-mission and surrogate satellite support across all mission areas with flight duration in excess of 24 hours. Unmanned aircraft systems are capable of employing the widest variety of sensors and payloads in support of joint forces, including the BCT. 4-48. Reconnaissance aircraft will use electro-optic, infrared, electronic, and synthetic aperture radar imagery sensors to collect data on enemy targets. Unmanned aircraft systems are capable of providing near real-time data from sensors data-linked via line of sight or satellite to ground control stations. REQUESTING AIR RECONNAISSANCE FOR BCT OPERATIONS 4-49. A request for information is any specific time-sensitive ad hoc requirement for intelligence information or products to support an ongoing crisis or operation not necessarily related to standing requirements or scheduled intelligence production (JP 2-0). A request for information can be initiated to respond to operational requirements and will be validated in accordance with the combatant command’s procedures. 4-50. Once validated, an information requirement becomes a collection requirement. The BCT S-2 coordinates with the S-3 to determine if organic assets are capable of satisfying the requirement. If organic assets are not available to satisfy the request, then the request is forwarded to a higher echelon for consideration. The BCT S-2 who requires air reconnaissance also coordinates with the BCT Air Force air liaison officer. Before forwarding a request for air reconnaissance up the chain, the S-2 should consider whether the information can be obtained by using Army assets or if the information required is already available in the Air Force or joint intelligence database. Essentially there are two types of aerial reconnaissance collection requests: pre-planned and ad hoc. Planned Collection Requests 4-51. Planned collection requests are those required by the BCT and its subordinate and supporting units for planning and conducting future operations or to meet existing standing requirements for indications and warnings and operations security. Coupled with continuous assessment, planned information collection enables the seamless transition from pre-planned missions to dynamic tasking and cross-cueing of