ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 1 1-8 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Rocket Artillery and Mortar Warn 1-37. Rocket, artillery, and mortar warn (RAM Warn) techniques provide Soldiers with automated warnings and enhanced alerting capabilities. RAM Warn integrates the BCT organic sensors, commercial off-the-shelf warning systems and communication devices, and the forward area air defense system computer with RAM Warn software. The RAM Warn capability is integrated into the ADAM element architectures to provide warning to forces and assets as determined by the commander. RAM Warn integrates and operates with automated command systems. Without detection capabilities and automated command systems, RAM Warn is inoperable. The RAM Warn system is generally designed to be used in fixed and semi-fixed sites, however there may be situations in a fluid, maneuver where the RAM Warn system may be employed. The mission command automation system includes the forward area air defense workstation that is located with the ADAM element in the fires cell. The forward area air defense workstation provides an overall command capability for the RAM Warn system by integrating software, sensors and the warning systems. The forward area air defense workstation interfaces with the Army mission command network by interfacing with the air and missile defense workstation. 1-38. The fires cell and ADAM personnel share responsibility for the planning, coordinating and synchronizing of RAM Warn operations for the BCT. The field artillery battalion has responsibility for the emplacement of sensors and relays. 1-39. The fires cell plans, coordinates, and synchronizes sensor coverage with the ADAM element and the field artillery battalion. The fires cell must advise the commander and ensure the primary mission of the weapon locating radars is to the counterfire fight. 1-40. The ADAM element plans and coordinates the emplacement of the warning systems and develops and executes the RAM Warn architecture. The ADAM element coordinates with the fires cell for weapon locating radars cover to support the RAM Warn task. The ADAM element emplaces the indoor and outdoor RAM Warn antenna masts and radios at the area which the commander wishes to have warning capability for enemy indirect fire. 1-41. The field artillery battalion coordinates its weapon locating radar coverage with the brigade fires cell, and executes the BCT sensor coverage plan. The field artillery battalion also plans, coordinates, and employs retransmission teams and emplaces sensor and retransmission RAM Warn masts and radios as required. The retransmission teams belong to the field artillery battalion and the primary purpose is to retransmit radio communications from the firing batteries to the battalion fires cell, coordination must be made and the commander advised if RAM Warn retransmission will interfere or affect retransmission of the battalion’s fires communication. For greater detail on RAM Warn organization, capabilities, and employment see ATPs 3-01.60 and 3-09.12. Cannon Field Artillery Battery 1-42. The field artillery batteries vary slightly but typically consist of a battery headquarters, supply section, two firing platoons and their headquarters. Each firing platoon has a fire direction center, three firing sections, and an ammunition section. 1-43. The battery headquarters has personnel and equipment to perform administration, sustainment, and limited defense against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attack. The supply section provides limited sustainment support; each ammunition section has personnel and equipment to provide limited ammunition support (some units may consolidate ammunition sections at battalion level). 1-44. The battery typically has two firing platoons operating independently in separate locations with a platoon fire direction center controlling the howitzers. The platoon fire direction centers are equipped with the AFATDS computer that provides the primary digital interface among command posts, fire direction centers, and howitzers. In a platoon-based unit, the platoon leader and platoon operations center execute mission command. The functions of the platoon operations center include technical and tactical fire direction. The platoon operations center is a fire direction center with added responsibilities. The platoon operations center is not a separate element and does not require a separate vehicle. Additional functions of the platoon operations center are executing orders from higher headquarters, coordinating logistics, and all the other operational functions normally performed by a headquarters based on guidance from the battery