ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 D-1 Appendix D Fire Support at Battalion and Below The battalion and company FSOs are responsible for training their teams in all aspects of their duties and for coordinating fires cell and fire support team (FIST) activities during operations. The FSO ensures that the teams are fully equipped with all materials and equipment listed in the local standard operating procedures, load plan, and modified tables of organization and equipment. These lists normally include such items as digital automation systems, laser codes, binoculars, compasses, maps, overlays, fire plans, coordinate scales, grease pencils, field manuals and ATPs, radios, and combat gear. This appendix provides supplemental information for conducting fire support planning and execution at battalion and company levels. Section I discusses fire support considerations at battalion and company levels. Section II provides additional thoughts on targets and targeting. SECTION I – BATTALION AND COMPANY FIRE SUPPORT D-1. The fire support officer must be with the commander when the commander develops the maneuver plan. The fire support officer coordinates, synchronizes, and executes fire support in the plan. The fire support officer identifies observer (including joint fires observer) requirements that can be articulated into a functional maneuver commander’s observation plan and then integrated into the maneuver rehearsal. D-2. The battalion fire support platoon and fires cells are found in the headquarters battery of each brigade combat team (BCT) field artillery battalion and normally include FISTs with joint fires observers. The number and composition of fires cells and FISTs vary based upon the type of unit supported. The fires cells and FISTs have a habitual support relationship with a specific maneuver battalion. Ideally, each FIST has a habitual relationship with a specific company. BATTALION FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING D-3. Fire support officers at battalion and company level use the fire support planning questions identified in chapter 6 and supplemented later in this chapter to determine the commander's intent. The answers to these questions help the FSO prepare fire support plans and briefings. D-4. The fire support officer assists the commander in estimating the situation and in wargaming to develop the commander’s concept of the operation. The battalion FSO does not wait for the maneuver commander to complete the scheme of maneuver. Rather, the FSO aggressively inputs fire planning as the scheme of maneuver is being developed to help achieve synchronization. The FSO does this by mentally employing all fire support assets along a proposed course of action in concert with the maneuver commander's other resources. While the commander fights his way through each action in the wargaming process to determine factors critical to success, the FSO mentally considers the factors identified in chapter 6, paying particular attention to: Consider proper distribution of assets for close support of maneuver elements. Visualize indirect fire unit movements required to follow the battle. Position mortars (if authorized) to support the scheme of maneuver. Consider sustainment (especially ammunition) and its impact on the battle. FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING QUESTIONS D-5. There are certain questions that should be answered to ensure that fire support is coordinated with maneuver. Some of the questions will be answered by the commander. However, most of the information