ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download

Fire Support for Tactical Tasks During Brigade Combat Team Operations 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 2-5 Table 2-1. Target location error categories (JP 3-09.3) TLE Categories (reference circular error on the ground) CAT I CE 0-20 ft. 0-6 m CAT II CE 21-50 ft. 7-15 m CAT III CE 51-100 ft. 16-30 m CAT IV CE 101-300 ft. 31-91 m CAT V CE 301-1000 ft. 92-305 m CAT VI CE >1000 ft. (>305m) or Large Elliptical Error Circular, vertical, spherical error predictions. CE 90 VE 90 SE 90 CE 90 VE 90 SE 90 CE 90 VE 90 SE 90 CE 90 VE 90 SE 90 CE 90 VE 90 SE 90 CE 90 VE 90 SE 90 CAT – category CE – circular error ft. – feet m – meters SE – spherical error TLE – target location error VE – vertical error 2-23. The effectiveness of precision-guided munitions depends on a host of situation variables. Digital point positioning database errors, global positioning system jamming, slant range, altitude, beam divergence of a laser spot, target movement and aim point on the target all have significant effects on the accuracy of the coordinate generated. For example, portable tactical imagery targeting software and hardware are capable of Category I target location coordinates, but a joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) may not be able to produce a Category I solution for a vehicle parked in a field that is not adequately depicted in the automation system. Likewise a fixed-wing aircraft with a targeting pod may be capable of Category II coordinates, but not be able to generate a Category II solution for a target or aim point that is not sensor significant such as a bunker, trench line, or emplacement with overhead cover and concealment. Moreover, observers, fire cells, and fire support weapons system operators must make sure they are all using the same coordinate datum plane (typically World Geodetic System 1984, see the discussion on common grid in Chapter 5). 2-24. Mensuration is the process of measurement of a feature or location on the earth to determine an absolute latitude, longitude, and elevation (JP 3-60). Point mensuration has always been an important part of targeting, since the points measured represent the desired points of impact for the munitions employed. As the accuracy of weapons delivery has improved, the importance of mensuration has grown in proportion and is a vital part of targeting. 2-25. Target coordinate mensuration is the process of measurement of a feature or location on Earth to determine an absolute latitude, longitude, and height. For targeting applications, the errors inherent in both the source for measurement as well as the measurement processes must be understood and reported. Mensuration tools can employ a variety of techniques to derive coordinates. These may include, but are not limited to, direct read from Digital Point Positioning Database stereo-pairs in stereo or dual mono mode, multi-image geopositioning, or indirect imagery correlation to the Digital Point Positioning Database (CJCSI 3505.01B). 2-26. Target location error should only be communicated when it will significantly affect the likelihood of mission success or failure. For example general target location error category is not required to either approve a mission or successfully engage a target with close air support. For more on target location error and its significance see FM 3-09, Army techniques publications (ATP) 3-09.12, 3-09.32 and 3-60, and JP 3-09.3.