ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 6-1 Chapter 6 Planning and Integrating Fires for BCT Operations The brigade combat team (BCT) generates the necessary combat power to win battles and engagements. This chapter focuses on planning fire support for BCT operations. Section I begins the chapter with an overview of fire support planning. Sections II and III follow with discussions on fire support planning in a time-constrained environment and fire support planning within the military decisionmaking process (MDMP). Section IV concludes the chapter with a brief discussion on task- organizing BCT field artillery. SECTION I –PLANNING FIRE SUPPORT FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING PRINCIPLES 6-1. Successful fire support planning is the result of the fire support coordinator (FSCOORD), brigade fire support officer (FSO) and fire cell planners, aggressively contributing to the BCT commander's planning and decision-making process. In making this contribution, they employ principles of fire support planning, coordination, and execution as a guide. 6-2. In advising the BCT commander on the application of fire support, the FSCOORD and brigade FSO also review fire support requirements against basic fire support planning principle (explained in greater detail in FM 3-09) that guide fires cell planners in the development of fire support plans: Plan early and continuously. Ensure the continuous flow of targeting information. Consider the use of all capabilities. Use the lowest echelon capable of furnishing effective support. Furnish the type of support requested. Use the most effective fire support means. Avoid unnecessary duplication. Coordinate airspace. Provide adequate support. Provide for rapid coordination. Protect the force. Provide for flexibility. Use fire support coordination measure. COMMANDER’S GUIDANCE 6-3. The purpose of commander’s guidance is to focus staff activities in planning an operation. An operation is 1. a sequence of tactical actions with a common purpose or unifying theme (JP 1). 2. A military action or the carrying out of a strategic, operational, tactical, service, training, or administrative military mission (JP 3-0). COMMANDER’S INTENT AND CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS 6-4. The commander’s intent is a clear and concise expression of the purpose of the operation and the desired military end state that supports mission command, provides focus to the staff, and helps subordinate