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 4-11 CLOSE AIR SUPPORT FOR BCT OPERATIONS 4-54. Close air support is air action by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces that require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces (JP 3-0). Based on threats and the availability of other means of fire support or supporting arms, synchronizing CAS in time, space, and purpose with supported ground forces may be the most detailed and continuous integration task performed by commanders and staffs. KEY CLOSE AIR SUPPORT PERSONNEL AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES 4-55. All participants in CAS are responsible for effective and safe planning and execution. Each participant must make every effort to identify friendly units, enemy forces, and civilians prior to targeting, clearing fires, and weapons release. Air Force Air Liaison Officer 4-56. The BCT commander establishes the priority, timing, and desired effects to be provided by close air support within the area of operations. The Air Force air liaison officer advises the BCT commander on the capabilities and limitations of airpower, and assists the BCT commander, S-3, S-2, FSCOORD, and brigade FSO in planning, requesting, and coordinating close air support. The Air Force air liaison officer leads the BCT’s TACP (described in chapter 1); its members provide the primary terminal attack control (see the discussion in chapters 1 and 5) for close air support. Joint Terminal Attack Controller 4-57. Joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) provide recommendations to the BCT and subordinate commanders on the use of close air support and its integration with ground maneuver. The JTAC also validates targets of opportunity, submits immediate requests for close air support, controls close air support with the supported commander’s approval, and performs battle damage assessment. Currently, most JTACs are enlisted airmen. The JTAC must: Know the enemy situation, selected targets, and location of friendly units. Know the supported unit’s plans, position, and desired effects. Validate targets of opportunity. Advise the commander on proper employment of air assets. Submit immediate requests for close air support. Control close air support with the supported commander’s approval. Perform battle damage assessment. Joint Fires Observer 4-58. JTACs cannot be in a position to see every target on the battlefield. Trained joint fires observers (see the discussion in chapters 1 and 5), in conjunction with JTACs, assist maneuver commanders with the timely planning, synchronization and responsive execution of all joint fires. See also FM 3-09 and ATP 3- 09.30. Forward Air Controller and Forward Air Controller (Airborne) 4-59. A forward air controller is an officer (aviator/pilot) member of the tactical air control party who, from a forward ground or airborne position, controls aircraft in close air support of ground troops (JP 3- 09.3). A forward air controller (airborne) is a specifically trained and qualified aviation officer, normally an airborne extension of the tactical air control party, who exercises control from the air of aircraft engaged in close air support of ground troops (JP 3-09.3). Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne) 4-60. A tactical air coordinator (airborne) is an officer who coordinates, from an aircraft, the actions of other aircraft engaged in air support of ground or sea forces (JP 3-09.3). The JSTARS performs tactical air