ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 4 4-14 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Figure 4-2. Immediate close air support request channels (JP 3-09.3) 4-69. The air support operations center is the principal air control agency of the theater air control system responsible for the direction and control of air operations directly supporting the ground combat element (JP 3-09.3). During the execution phase of the joint air tasking order, the joint force air component command or joint force command staff may need to redirect joint air missions to cover immediate requests for high priority close air support. The joint force air component command may also seek additional support from another component to cover the immediate request. However, diverting aircraft from preplanned scheduled close air support missions is a zero-sum process. Preplanned requesters lose the same amount of firepower gained by the immediate requester. CLOSE AIR SUPPORT EXECUTION DURING BCT OPERATIONS 4-70. Close air support is an example where decentralized execution nodes (air support operations center, TACP, and JTACs) are embedded with ground forces to plan and control joint fire support. Execution begins with a target being identified, tracked, and nominated by a unit or agency within the BCT. Close air support requires detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces therefore there are two processes that are continuous and overlapping in the successful attack of the target with close air support. They are coordination and close air support terminal attack control resulting in successful target engagement. 4-71. Through effective coordination, the close air support team can successfully achieve the BCT commander’s desired effects for close air support. Key issues, such as battle tracking; target nomination; airspace coordination, synchronization, weapons release authority, assessment of tactical risk, types of terminal attack control, and which JTAC provides terminal attack control must be clearly understood. 4-72. Once a target is identified, it is nominated to the JTAC to engage with close air support. The BCT or subordinate or supporting unit commander nominates close air support targets based on previously planned