ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 5 5-26 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 CLEARANCE OF FIRES 5-109. The FSCOORD and fires cell planners coordinate all fire support impacting in the BCT area of operations. They ensure that fire support meets established troop safety criteria, is fully integrated with maneuver, and is compatible with adjacent unit operations. 5-110. The first step in clearance of fires is the application of maneuver control measures. See ADRP 1- 02, ADRP 3-90, and FM 3-90-1. 5-111. The next step is proper use of FSCMs (see FM 3-09). FSCMs are either permissive or restrictive. The primary purpose of a permissive FSCM is to facilitate the attack of targets. The establishment of a restrictive FSCM imposes certain requirements for specific coordination before the engagement of those targets affected by the measure. The primary purpose of a restrictive FSCM is to safeguard friendly forces. Permissive FSCMs (for example the fire support coordination line and coordinated fire line) should be established far enough out to permit necessary friendly maneuver during offensive operations and established closer to friendly forces during defensive operations. Permissive FSCMs should be established to maximize the portion of the area of operations in which targets can be engaged with minimal clearance. Restrictive FSCMs, such as NFAs, should be established to protect forces, facilities, and civilians— restrictive measures should not remain in effect for the entire operation without being checked and updated. They should be established with an effective date-time group and a projected cancellation date-time group. NFAs should be kept as small as possible to avoid creating safe havens for enemy forces. During the MDMP (see chapter 6), specific criteria should be developed to trigger the changing of FSCMs. Note: A coordinated fire line only applies to surface-to-surface fires; all close air support missions will have to be cleared. 5-112. The BCT commander, with advice from the FSCOORD and brigade FSO, establishes all FSCMs within the BCT’s area of operations. The FSCOORD and brigade FSO base their recommendations on the most effective way to control and coordinate fire support assets in conjunction with the BCT commander’s guidance, location of friendly forces, concept of the operation, and anticipated enemy actions. FSCM locations are disseminated by automation systems, message or overlay through both maneuver and fire support channels to higher headquarters and to adjacent, subordinate and supporting units and staff, including all fire support units and staff. Knowledge of the various FSCMs (described in FM 3-09) is necessary for the effective use of fire support. 5-113. All FSCMs are developed to complement the BCT commander’s concept of operations. The size of subordinate units’ areas of operation is a key consideration in the placement of FSCMs, which in turn influences the allocation of target acquisition and fire support assets. The BCT commander establishes a change to an FSCM through the BCT S-3 and the operations cell at the recommendation of the FSCOORD and brigade FSO. The operations cell informs the BCT fires cell of the change and the effective date-time group. Conditions that dictate the change of a FSCM should be coordinated with the BCT’s Air Force TACP and the ADAM/BAE. As conditions are met, the new FSCM’s effective time can be projected and announced. Following direction to execute the change, the operations cell should confirm with the fires cell that the BCT’s Air Force TACP and the ADAM/BAE have informed the appropriate control nodes. This action ensures that affected sorties are aware of new FSCM locations. 5-114. Once established, FSCMs are disseminated, stored and displayed on automation systems. Paper maps, manual firing charts, and overlays must be updated with the FSCMs. Graphic portrayal includes, at a minimum, the visual code, the abbreviation for the measure, the establishing headquarters, and the effective date-time group. Often, the date-time group is shown as a from-to time. Usually, FSCMs are labeled at each end of a line or within the graphic, space permitting. Details on FSCMs and their use are described in FM 3-09, ADRP 1-02, and JP 3-09. 5-115. Make a determination as to which fires will be considered pre-cleared. In some very specific instances, fires can be cleared during the planning phase of the operations process, for example: