ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Appendix B B-2 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 on the portions of the running estimate relevant to their respective duties. For example a briefing by a fires cell targeting officer may be focused on high-payoff targets. The particular fires cell representatives base their presentation on the single running estimate maintained by the fires cell. B-4. The completed fires running estimate contains the information necessary to answer any question the BCT commander poses. Identify any gaps in the fires running estimate as information requirements and submit them to the appropriate agency. The fires running estimate can form the base for the subsequent fires annex to BCT plans and orders. The fires cell maintains the fires running estimate continuously throughout the operations process. B-5. During assessment, the fires running estimate’s focus is on answering priority information requirements, friendly force information requirements, and especially the BCT commander’s critical information requirements related to the fires warfighting function. B-6. During planning, the fires running estimate’s focus is on assessing which course of action is most supportable from the fires perspective. When the commander selects a course of action, the fires running estimate focuses on assessing the status of fires assets and resources for that course of action. B-7. During preparation, the fires running estimate’s focus is on any command decisions that affect the ability of the BCT to execute the upcoming operation. The running estimate continues to track the status of fire support assets and resources. B-8. During execution, the fires running estimate’s focus is on anticipated command decisions. These include but are not limited to decision points and decisions regarding whether or not to execute a branch or sequel. The running estimate identifies any variances, assessing their effect on achieving the commander’s desired effects and end state, and recommending corrective actions to keep the operation within the BCT commander’s intent. Assessment also addresses the supportability of possible sequels and future operations. B-9. The brigade FSO and fires cell planners may present the fires running estimate in a written form or present it orally. During operations and exercises the running estimate is usually presented orally, supported by charts and other decision support tools. During contingency planning the fires running estimate is usually provided in written form. B-10. In maintaining the fires running estimate, the brigade FSO and fire cell planners continuously consider the effect of new information and update assumptions, friendly force status, effects of enemy activity, civil considerations, and conclusions and recommendations. As a minimum a fires running estimate continuously assesses: Friendly force fire support capabilities with respect to ongoing and planned operations. Enemy capabilities as they affect the fires warfighting function for both current operations and future plans. Civil considerations as they affect the fires warfighting function for both current operations and future plans. The operational environment’s effect on current and future operations from the fire support perspective. B-11. The brigade FSO and fires cell planners prepare updated conclusions and recommendations for the BCT commander as the situation or the BCT commander requires. They maintain the fires running estimate between operations, even when not deployed. At a minimum this includes maintaining a continuous awareness of the current status of BCT and subordinate and supporting unit fire support capabilities. The depth and quality of the fires running estimate always depends on the foundation of prior preparation. Effort expended in maintaining the fires running estimate during lulls between operations always pays off when a new task is unexpectedly received. B-12. The fires running estimate provides the basis for action. When the fires running estimate reveals a variance that requires correction, the brigade FSO and fires cell planners act within their authority to correct it. When the decision required is outside their authority, they present the situation to the FSCOORD and S-3, or to the BCT commander. When the fires running estimate reveals information that answers an information requirement, especially a commander’s critical information requirement, fires cell planners