ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 E-1 Appendix E Environmental And Terrain Considerations For Fire Support The sections of this appendix are designed to be a quick-reference resource of information on aspects of environmental and terrain considerations that affect fire support. Section I begins with field artillery operating in mountainous terrain. Section II is devoted to operations in the jungle. Section III is discusses desert considerations. SECTION I – MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS E-1. In combat operations, mountains generally are characterized by rugged, compartmented terrain; steep slopes; and few natural or man-made lines of communication. The weather spans the entire spectrum from extreme cold, with ice and snow, to extreme heat in some areas. Vegetation can vary from dense jungle to barren waste. Variability of weather over short periods of time and of vegetation from area to area significantly influences both maneuver and fire support operations. MUNITIONS E-2. Munitions effects are affected by the environment and terrain. Intelligence preparation of the battlefield helps determine where and what munitions are most effective. E-3. In snow: Field artillery mines may settle into the snow off-vertical. At temperatures lower than -15° C, very little settling occurs. Variable time and time fuzes are most effective in most cases. HE – point detonating, HE-delay, and improved conventional munitions are ineffective because at least 40 percent of the effects are muted by the snow. The phosphorus in White Phosphorus can burn undetected in snow for up to four days. E-4. In rocky terrain: HE-point detonating is very effective because it produces extra fragmentation from splintering rocks. Variable time and time fuzes are very effective because the burst covers a larger area than HE- point detonating on reverse slopes. ICM are effective; however, when fired into forested areas, they can hang up in trees. Field artillery mines are effective to deny the enemy the use of narrow defiles, valleys, roads, and usable terrain. E-5. When smoke and illumination are used: Swirling winds make smoke employment very difficult to adjust and maintain. Close coordination is required with adjacent elements to ensure that- their vision is not obscured or that they are not highlighted. Mortars are ideal for targets on reverse slopes and over intermediate crests because of their high- angle fires. Airbursts on reverse slopes are extremely effective. TARGET ACQUISITION AND OBSERVATION E-6. The following are considerations when forward observers are involved in mountain operations: