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 5-19 SECTION IV - REHEARSALS 5-68. The brigade FSO and fires cell planners should participate in the BCT commander's rehearsal. Both fire support and maneuver actions should be rehearsed to reinforce understanding of the scheme of maneuver and its associated fire support plan. See FM 6-0 for a detailed discussion of rehearsals. TYPES OF REHEARSALS 5-69. BCT fire support personnel may be involved in several types of rehearsals. The most common types are combined arms rehearsals, fire support rehearsals, and field artillery tactical and technical rehearsals. Multiple rehearsals ensure that maximum integration and synchronization in supporting the scheme of maneuver with fires is achieved. However, when time is limited, the number and scope of rehearsals are reduced. In these cases, rehearsals may focus on fire support tasks or particular aspects of the maneuver plan and the associated fire support plan. Combined fire support and field artillery rehearsals may be conducted. COMBINED ARMS REHEARSALS 5-70. The fire support plan may be rehearsed as part of the BCT’s combined arms rehearsal. Key fire support players include the FSCOORD, brigade FSO, main command post fires cell including the ADAM/BAE, Air Force TACP, BCT staff weather officer, subordinate and supporting unit fires cells, FSOs, and mortar platoon leaders, the Army aviation liaison officer, military intelligence company commander, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) officer, and the engineer coordinator. Assigned and attached combined arms units that comprise or support the BCT will participate when possible. Normally, the BCT S-3 directs the rehearsal using a synchronization matrix or execution checklist; the brigade FSO should use the fire support execution matrix. The rehearsal is normally executed by reciting or performing: Actions to occur. Possible friendly initiatives. Possible reactions to enemy initiatives. Control measures. Significant events relative to time or phases of the operation. 5-71. At a minimum for each phase or time period of the operation, the brigade FSO should verify: Grid locations for high-payoff targets. Trigger points for each target and the target engagement criteria. A primary and an alternate observer for each target. Primary and backup communications links for each observer. Each target has a task (including effect to be achieved) and a purpose, and that targeting priorities are clearly outlined. The method of engagement (at my command, time on target, or when ready). Attack guidance, such as unit(s) to fire, shell and fuze combination, and number of volleys, is specified for each target. The movement plan specifies when and where units will move. FIRE SUPPORT REHEARSALS 5-72. The fire support rehearsal should last no more than 90 minutes and should ensure the synchronization of the fire support effort with the maneuver plan. Fire support rehearsals focus on the execution of fire support tasks, the fire support execution matrix, the effectiveness of FSCMs, and the timing and synchronization of all fire support efforts with each other and with the maneuver operation. Fire support rehearsals serve to refine fire support, ensure understanding by all fire support personnel, and prove the feasibility of executing fire support.