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 6-51 SELECT A METHOD TO RECORD AND DISPLAY RESULTS 6-187. The FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers use fire support execution matrices for each course of action as scripts for the war game. The fire support unit(s) and related activities are synchronized with each other and with the BCT concepts of operations for the different courses of action. Again, FM 6-0 suggests methods of recording and displaying the results. To the extent possible, the FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers also include planned fire support counteraction to anticipated enemy reactions as determined by the S-3 and tactical standard operating procedures. For example, for close air support these could include: Events logs. Timetables. Reaction times. WAR-GAME THE BATTLE AND ASSESS THE RESULTS 6-188. During preparation for war gaming, the FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers give the S-2 likely enemy fire support actions and reactions to friendly fires. They also continue to provide input to the S-2 for high-payoff target development and selection. 6-189. The BCT staff analyzes the course of action by war-gaming, conducting a risk assessment, and comparing the war gaming results. The FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers participate in the action-reaction-counteraction process. For example, the electronic attack action may be jamming; the enemy reaction may be changing frequencies; the electronic attack counteraction may be jamming the new frequency. 6-190. The FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers use the fire support matrices and work sheets to insert fire support tasks into the war game at the time planned. A complete fire support input work sheet allows them to state the organization performing the task and its location. Fire support personnel remain flexible throughout the process and are prepared to modify input to the war game as it develops. The FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers also prepare to modify the fire support task(s) to counter possible enemy actions discovered during the war game. Fire support personnel also note any branches and sequels identified during the war game and develop associated schemes of fires as time permits. 6-191. The FSCOORD, brigade FSO, fires cell planners, and targeting officers and the other BCT staff must work together to analyze the courses of action. During the consideration of factors affecting each course of action, these personnel war-game each course against probable enemy actions to see how the battle will progress. 6-192. The FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers visualize the battle in depth to determine how fires can support the BCT concept of operations, provide advice to the commander on the fires assets available and recommend the most effective use of these assets. They and the BCT staff war-game each action up to and including mission accomplishment to determine the risks involved and the probable success of each course of action. Their previous assessment of the courses of action may cause them to recommend against the courses of action that prove to be impractical. The FSCOORD, fires cell planners, and targeting officers: Attack emerging targets with the most effective system. Determine the tasks and requirements for all fire support resources. Consider proper distribution of assets for close support of maneuver elements, for counterfire, for interdiction, and for suppression of enemy air defenses. Visualize fire support unit movements required to follow the battle flow. Consider fire support sustainment needs and their impact on the battle. Consider the use of fire support coordination measures. 6-193. The BCT other staff, FSCOORD, brigade FSO, and targeting working group continuously evaluate the integration of fires into the BCT commander's emerging concept of operations throughout war gaming. They begin to formulate a list of advantages and disadvantages of each course of action from a fires point