ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 5 5-44 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 5-201. Command Profiler interfaces with the AFATDS via local area network connection and is operated by the AFATDS operator. Once fielding is complete, the Command Profiler will replace the meteorological sections. 5-202. In those units that still have meteorological sections, it is the responsibility of the cannon field artillery battalion commander (coordinating with the meteorology section leader and the S-3) brigade FSO, and fires cell planners to position the meteorology sections to best measure the atmosphere for support of all firing units involved. In the BCT, meteorology sections are assigned to the target acquisition platoon of the cannon field artillery battalion. 5-203. Planning for employment of the meteorology section begins with the BCT commander's intent, the BCT FSCOORD and brigade FSO's guidance for meteorology, and the battlefield weather conditions. During the planning, full consideration must be given to the: BCT commander's concept. Mission priorities (type of meteorological data required). Tactical situation and security. Prevailing winds (determine meteorology section location). Location of units supported. Location of other meteorology sections. Communications facilities. LASER MANAGEMENT 5-204. The BCT FSCOORD and fires cell planners must ensure that fire support personnel understand the legal and safety issues involved in the use of laser equipment. Protocol IV to the Geneva Conventional Weapons Convention provides guidance on the use of lasers (it specifically prohibits the use of lasers specifically designed to cause permanent blindness). Soldiers must be well trained to safely operate and employ laser target designators and laser-guided weapons. Improperly employed laser target designators and laser-guided weapons can result in fratricide. 5-205. Laser-guided munitions also involve the use of laser codes that laser target designators require to work with laser-guided weapons. Some munitions and equipment are incapable of using all available codes. Additionally, certain codes (low code, high pulse repetition frequency, or faster pulse rate) are preferred for laser systems requiring precision guidance. 5-206. Laser-guided bomb codes are set on the bombs before takeoff and cannot be changed in the air. Codes must be briefed to air crews, forward air controllers, field artillery units, the BCT and subordinate and supporting unit fires cells or ground observers in situations where communications cannot be established or authorized during execution of the mission. Coordination is necessary to ensure the various fires cells and observers are not using codes that conflict or interfere with each other. Additional information on laser-guided munitions can be found in JP 3-09.3.