ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Coordinating Fire Support 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 5-3 Update and purge targeting files. Maintain interoperability with collection assets. TARGETING, THE TARGETING WORKING GROUP, AND THE TARGETING BOARD Role of the BCT Main Command Post Fires cell in Targeting 5-4. The fires cell is the centerpiece of the brigade targeting architecture, focused on the attack of target sets using lethal, nonlethal, or a combination of attack systems. Targeting collaboratively plans, coordinates, and synchronizes available fire support resources including electronic attack, with information operations in an integrated fashion with the other warfighting functions to support BCT operations. The cell plans, synchronizes, coordinates, and integrates fires matched to a wide range of targets and target systems. Along with the brigade S-3 and S-2, the fires cell plans, coordinates and synchronizes the acquisition of high-payoff targets and the use of the lethal and nonlethal effects of fires with the scheme of maneuver. The fires cell recommends targeting guidance to the commander. It identifies relevant high-value sets, and from these develops high-payoff targets and selects the most effective means for attack. The brigade’s targeting working group and targeting board (see ATP 3-60) bring together representatives of all staff sections concerned with targeting; synchronizing contributions of the entire staff. For example cyber- electromagnetic activities are synchronized with Army indirect fires and joint fires through targeting. Targeting decisions developed in BCT targeting working group sessions supporting the OPLAN or OPORD are approved by the BCT commander or targeting board, and incorporated into targeting guidance in the AFATDS. The brigade legal section provides legal review of plans, targeting and orders. The fires cell also coordinates target acquisition, target dissemination and target engagement functions for the commander. Note: Although unit tables of organization and equipment may identify separate fires elements within the fires cell for lethal and nonlethal effects, that partition does not limit personnel serving in the respective element to only lethal or nonlethal concerns or tasks. Targeting selects and prioritizes all targets and recommends the appropriate response (lethal, nonlethal or a combination thereof) to engage a target. Operations may combine offensive, defensive, and stability tasks; though simultaneity is not absolute. The higher the echelon, the greater the possibility of simultaneous offense, defense, and stability tasks; subordinate BCTs perform some combination of offensive, defensive and stability tasks but perhaps not all three simultaneously (see ADRP 3-0). The preponderance of lethal or nonlethal engagement means employed will likely vary based on circumstances. Personnel in both lethal and nonlethal elements must be prepared to plan, coordinate, and possibly execute both lethal and nonlethal engagements. Targeting Working Group and Targeting Board 5-5. The BCT’s targeting working group and the targeting board are critical to facilitating the targeting process and integrating targeting with BCT operations. The working group and the board have the purpose to focus and synchronize the BCT’s combat power and resources toward finding, attacking, and assessing current high-payoff targets. 5-6. The BCT’s targeting working group is a grouping of predetermined staff representatives concerned with targeting (see ATP 3-60). The targeting working group meets to provide analysis, coordinate and synchronize targeting and to provide recommendations to the targeting board. The brigade FSO leads the targeting working group in the absence of the FSCOORD. 5-7. The BCT’s targeting board is a temporary grouping of selected staff representatives with delegated decision authority to provide targeting decision recommendations for command approval. When the process or activity synchronized requires command approval, a board is the appropriate forum. The brigade executive officer or S-3 typically leads the targeting board. The BCT FSCOORD or brigade FSO assists the executive officer or S-3 with the targeting board.