ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 5 5-24 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 FIELD ARTILLERY DIGITAL REHEARSALS 5-96. At the completion of the voice rehearsal, conduct a digital rehearsal of the fire support plan from sensor-to-shooter. Observers responsible for target execution execute their targets digitally. Conduct Level III full-scale digital dress rehearsals in conjunction with combined arms, fire support, or field artillery tactical rehearsals or are conducted separately. The rehearsals involve the use, in real-time, of fire support platforms over actual or similar terrain. These rehearsals are generally conducted in a deliberate or hasty defense or for a limited offense. Level III rehearsals are time and resource-intensive and, although the most desirable, are rarely feasible. When conducted, some of the more significant benefits of a Level III rehearsal include: Database verification for fire support digital systems. Validation of the supporting communications architecture. Mobile digital platforms that are spread over a geographic area present unique challenges difficult to replicate with static platforms in an assembly area. Verification of the maneuver terrain management plan and time-space relationships between field artillery targets and field artillery movement plans. The intent is to ensure units are in place to mass during critical periods. Rehearsal of triggers on the ground, both for movement and for the initiation of fires by primary and backup sensors or observers. 5-97. Level II digital rehearsals are conducted separately from combined arms or field artillery tactical rehearsals. Level II rehearsals are conducted from actual fighting position areas, where electronic movement of units and icons on the AFATDS situation screen would adversely affect the current mission. This may be a partial digital rehearsal in that only actual targets within range of friendly assets can be rehearsed and processed between AFATDS operational facilities. Targets outside the range of friendly assets cannot be processed in the AFATDS, even for rehearsal purposes. For these targets, their information should be verified by voice (for example target number, grid, trigger, attack guidance, firing units). 5-98. Level I full digital rehearsals are conducted separately from combined arms or field artillery tactical rehearsals in a manner similar to that of a normal command post exercise from an assembly area. The database can be rehearsed completely by electronically moving units and icons on the AFATDS situation screen. Movement of the icons on the screen gives rehearsal participants an electronic visualization of how the operation is expected to unfold and how the fire support plan will be integrated. However, before conducting this type of rehearsal, units must be certain that the rehearsal will not interfere with actual missions. INTEGRATED DIGITAL AND TACTICAL FIRE SUPPORT AND FIELD ARTILLERY REHEARSALS 5-99. The AFATDS offers a unique ability to merge digital and fire support and field artillery tactical rehearsals. Individual preferences should be reflected in unit standard operating procedures emphasizing particular strengths and weaknesses. 5-100. The rehearsal net must allow all participants to monitor the rehearsal. Regardless of the net, the BCT main command post fires cell should be the net control station and run the rehearsals. To provide the conceptual framework, the rehearsal should begin with the brigade fire support officer or other fires cell representative providing a brief description of the BCT commander’s concept of the operation and supporting scheme of fires; followed by a phase-by-phase overview of the operation. Topics to be addressed for each phase of the operation include: Friendly or enemy action that initiates each phase (BCT fires cell representative). Threat situation (field artillery battalion S-2). For both Level I and III rehearsals the S-2 moves enemy icons on the AFATDS current situation screen and sends status either to selected units or to a distribution list that includes all AFATDS operational facilities. Concept of operations (BCT fires cell representative). The commander’s intent for fires during that phase (BCT fires cell representative). Fire support tasks for that phase.