ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-4 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 2-17. The technical methods detailed in the collateral damage estimation methodology enable a reasonable determination of collateral damage inherent in weapons employment. The collateral damage estimation methodology thereby addresses the law of war requirement for reasonable precautions to minimize effects of combat on the civilian or noncombatant population. The supporting technical data, mitigation techniques, and logic of the methodology recognize the intelligence limitations of what can reasonably be known about a given target, its surroundings, and collateral structure composition; the fidelity of available weapon’s empirical data; and the operational realities and uncertainties of ordnance delivery in a combat environment. Collateral damage estimation methodology is fully detailed in CJCSI 3160.01A. TARGET LOCATION ERROR 2-18. Target location error is the difference between the coordinates generated for a target and the actual location of the target. Target location error is expressed primarily in terms of circular and vertical errors or infrequently, as spherical error (JP 3-09.3): Circular error is the error of the coordinates in the horizontal ground plane; vertical error the error of the coordinates in the vertical plane (elevation). Spherical error is the error of the coordinates in 3-dimensional spherical spaces (the combined error of the circular and vertical errors). 2-19. Target coordinates and associated target location error need to be of sufficient accuracy to enable the desired effects to be created on the target. Determining the size and disposition of the target on the ground is also necessary so that accurate firing data can be computed. Determining the appropriate time and type of attack requires that the target size (radius or other dimensions) and the direction and speed of movement are considered. 2-20. The level of precision and accuracy required for the target coordinate and target location error will be tactical situation dependent. Where there is not a risk of fratricide or collateral damage, time to engage should not be sacrificed if the current coordinates, target location error, weapon systems and munitions will create the desired effects on target. Global positioning system-aided munitions (such as guided MLRS) can be delivered at night or through weather on a set of coordinates but their effectiveness depends on a small target location error. Urban operations usually also require a very accurate target location with low target location error. 2-21. The observer must locate targets using the most accurate means available. Precision munitions offer both an increased probability of achieving first-round effects on a target and increase the probability that collateral damage can be minimized. Because precision munitions are inherently more accurate, target location error must be minimized to create the desired effects on the target. The method of target location is normally a grid location, as both polar and shift from known point imply a large target location error. Grid locations are transmitted using the military grid reference system with the 100,000-meter grid square designators and a ten-digit or better grid using a target mensuration system. Target elevation should be in meters mean sea level or height above ellipsoid using the most current datum available. The observer must specify the datum used, so that the fire direction center can make any necessary conversions. 2-22. There are six categories of target location error (see table 2-1) ranging from 0 to greater than 305 meters used to facilitate the communication of targeting accuracy. The categories are used to classify the accuracy of any coordinate generating system. These categories range from best (Category I), to worst (Category VI). See JP 3-09.3 for specific details.