ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Planning and Integrating Fires for BCT Operations 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 6-15 Plan How to Accomplish Each Fire Support Task 6-41. The S-2, S-3, FSCOORD and fires cell planners all work together as they build this part of the fire support plan. They determine what unit or element can best execute the task based on the scheme of maneuver, the capabilities of acquisition assets, and the priorities of the information collection plan. In the case of BCT and field artillery battalion assets, they must also plan the operational requirements for getting them into position to conduct the execution of fires. This interaction also allows the staff to plan, coordinate, and synchronize the information collection plan. This includes development of a proposed organization for combat for BCT fire support assets. Allocate or Request Delivery Assets and Build an Attack Plan 6-42. If the BCT commander has not directed how to attack a particular high-payoff target, the staff builds the plan to achieve the effects the commander has directed and incorporates it into the attack guidance matrix. 6-43. An attack guidance matrix is a matrix, approved by the commander, which addresses which targets will be attacked, how, when, and the desired effects (ATP 3-60). 6-44. The FSCOORD, brigade FSO, fires cell planners and targeting officers, and the targeting working group develop an attack guidance matrix and may develop a targeting synchronization matrix for each course of action to determine when to execute fire support, in conjunction with appropriate aspects of information operations and cyber electromagnetic activities. As the staff discusses and builds the options, they can resolve suppression of enemy air defenses, timing, and other coordination issues. The executive officer leads the staff and the FSCOORD or brigade FSO chairs the targeting working group. Integrate Fire Support Events or Actions with Maneuver Planning 6-45. At the BCT echelon and below, fires most often provide decisive close support or set conditions that permit the maneuver force to move to a position where it can dominate the enemy. The timing of fires with maneuver is essential for success. The FSCOORD and fires cell planners must fully understand the relative timing of maneuver and fires and establish triggers that reflect this timing. At a minimum, they must develop initial triggers they and the staff can refine during course of action analysis (war gaming). 6-46. A target is not really a target unless it has an observer and a trigger. A multitude of targets—a measles sheet—does not add flexibility to a plan, only volume and complexity. A properly planned target (task and purpose) has a trigger linked to a named area of interest. The trigger may or may not be a decision point on the decision support template, but without a trigger, an observer has a low probability of hitting a target at the correct time. Thus, no trigger—no target. Likewise, no observer—no target. Ultimate responsibility for ensuring a target has an observer and a trigger lies with the maneuver commander assigned the target. Observer-trigger planning must be a formal process with the plan included in the fire support execution matrix. It must be cross-walked with the scheme of maneuver to identify the implied tasks (for example, routes for and security of observers, security of observers), all of which must be addressed and rehearsed. Planning redundancy of observers is an implied task critical to success. Another is ensuring observer responsibility is placed at a level (usually the company team) that can be resourced adequately to perform the mission. Close Air Support Planning 6-47. Close air support planning is an integral part of the MDMP and is crucial in developing the overall BCT fire support plan. The BCT commander must identify and articulate the desired effects from close air support, with specifics concerning time, place, and desired end state. The BCT commander, FSCOORD, brigade FSOs, and fires cell planners must ensure that close air support planners (Air Force TACP) understand the BCT commander’s desired effects, schemes of maneuver and fires, control requirements, and criteria for specific rules of engagement. While the joint forces air component commander determines the actual ordnance close air support aircraft will carry, the requesting BCT commander should ensure the joint force air component commander is provided sufficient information outlining the desired effects and also any external or self-initiated tactical restrictions or limitations. The BCT commander must also provide the risk assessment determination, identifying specific guidance for types of terminal attack control. A