ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Fire Support at Battalion and Below 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 D-5 FISTs. Higher headquarters fires cells. D-12. Once the quick fire plan has been developed, approved, and distributed, the FSO monitors the progress of the operation. The FSO must be prepared to change the original plan as necessary. FIRE SUPPORT PLAN REHEARSAL D-13. Rehearsal is a key element to the success of that plan. Rehearsals improve comprehension of the plan and are discussed in detail in chapter 5. Participants who are unclear on specific portions of the plan gain answers through repetition afforded by wargaming the operation. In addition to wargaming possible enemy courses of action, the rehearsal should address other possibilities: The use of primary and alternate communications nets. Alternate attack systems to be used in the engagement of specific targets. Positioning of munitions, observers, and weapon systems. D-14. The FSEM is ideal for use in the rehearsal, since the rehearsal is normally conducted by performing or reciting the following: Actions to occur. Possible friendly initiatives. Possible reactions to enemy initiatives. Control measures. Significant events that are to occur in relation to time or phases of an operation. D-15. There are many ways to conduct rehearsals. When time is limited, there is no time to rehearse everything. Streamline the rehearsal plan and focus the rehearsal on critical events. Some rehearsal methods include: Rehearsal on suitable or actual terrain. Model rehearsal Map rehearsal Sand table exercise. Radio rehearsal or communications exercise. D-16. In addition to the fire support plan and maneuver rehearsals, FSOs and FOs also may be key participants in rehearsals of other plans: FA support plan. Information collection plan. Communications plan. Special situations. BATTALION FIRE SUPPORT COORDINATION AND EXECUTION D-17. The battalion FSO's duties in coordinating and executing fire support include: Establish and maintain communication with key personnel, FSOs and fires cells, and units as required. Prepare and disseminate fire support documents. Monitor status of available fire support assets. Receive and act on priorities for fire support requested by the maneuver commander. Rehearse the fire support plan with all participants. Participate in other maneuver and field artillery rehearsals as required. Establish and operate the fires cell in accordance with guidance and SOPs of the supported force commander and the force fires commander. Receive and allocate field artillery, mortar, close air support, naval gun fire, aviation, target acquisition, and survey assets as required.