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 5-43 5-196. The BCT main command post fires cell reviews the terrain management requirements and ensures that the BCT S-3 is aware of them and that they are properly coordinated and synchronized as part of the overall division and corps terrain management plans. The BCT main command post fires cell is in the best position to monitor the current locations of all friendly units while simultaneously understanding field artillery requirements. Based on METT-TC and guidance from the BCT commander, FSCOORD and fires cell planners in coordination with subordinate, supported and supporting maneuver and fire support, prioritizes the movement and positioning of field artillery to support BCT operations. During the MDMP, the BCT main command post fires cell facilitates the exchange of terrain management information between the BCT and the field artillery battalion staffs and the subordinate and supporting unit fires cells. This includes rapid resolution of any critical terrain management issues that could impact the BCT plan. This problem identification and resolution is one of the key terrain management functions of the BCT fires cell. 5-197. Usually, the BCT main command post fires cell and cannon field artillery battalion S-3 identify and coordinate general position areas for BCT-controlled field artillery assets. They identify and authorize the direct liaison necessary between R FAB units and BCT subordinate and supporting unit fires cells to coordinate terrain management. The FAB battalions will then conduct direct coordination with the appropriate subordinate or supporting unit to obtain the specific locations or routes needed for the field artillery battalions, radars and other field artillery assets under BCT control. The BCT and FAB fires cells assist corps and division fires cells and FAB battalions with detailed terrain management. However, for major BCT force movements, or when space in the area of operations is constrained, the BCT main command post fires cell and the organic cannon field artillery battalion S-3 will usually conduct more detailed terrain management, identifying specific positions, routes, and times for positioning and movement activities. SURVEY 5-198. Field artillery survey sections (found in the target acquisition platoons of FABs and BCT cannon field artillery battalions) provides common grid using the improved position and azimuth determining system-global positioning system or, in the case of the U.S. Marine Corps, differential global positioning system equipment. Survey operations must be started as soon as the requirement for survey has been identified. The goal is to establish survey control before occupation by the firing or target acquisition elements. When survey control is not immediately available, efforts should be directed toward establishing common directional control in the position area by any hasty survey means available. 5-199. Establishment of common grid and map datum is a critical command responsibility. Survey planning begins with understanding the BCT commander's intent and concept of the operation and the BCT FSCOORD and brigade FSO's guidance for survey. During planning, full consideration must be given to the BCT commander's concept for the operation, priorities, tactical situation, survey control available, desired accuracy, number of installations, and the mission variables of METT-TC. This information can be translated into survey requirements for the target acquisition sensors and the designated attack systems, which must be on a common grid by the time required. Aggressive survey planning that answers who, what, where, when, why, and how is essential to ensure mission success. See FM 6-2 for more on field artillery survey. ARTILLERY METEOROLOGY 5-200. Command Profiler Block III or Computer Meteorological Data-Profiler (AN/GMK-2) is the next evolutionary block of the Profiler system and is designed to reduce the logistical footprint to a laptop configuration located in the command post. Command Profiler is a weather measurement system developed to provide meteorological data to support artillery and target acquisition units. The system receives Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System initialization data via a Global Broadcast Service satellite link. Command Profiler provides meteorological data messages covering up to 500 kilometers. The Command Profiler is currently being fielded one per each BCT cannon field artillery battalion and one per FAB.