ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-6 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 SECTION II – FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR BCT OFFENSIVE TASKS 2-27. Effective offensive action capitalizes on accurate and timely intelligence and other relevant information regarding enemy forces, weather, and terrain. The commander maneuvers forces to advantageous positions before contact. Long-range artillery systems (cannon and rocket, naval surface fire support, and air support—rotary and fixed wing) engage the enemy throughout the depth of the enemy's defensive positions to shape the optimum situation for the decisive operation. GENERAL FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE OFFENSE 2-28. An offensive task is a task conducted to defeat and destroy enemy forces and seize terrain, resources, and population centers (Army Doctrine Reference Publication [ADRP] 3-0). Surprise, concentration, tempo, and audacity characterize effective execution of offensive tasks. See FM 3-90-1. SURPRISE 2-29. To achieve surprise in the offense commanders use inherent fire support capabilities that: Rapidly and discreetly shift fires to or mass the effects of fires in an unexpected sector or to capitalize on an identified enemy vulnerability. Use short, intense programs of fires against key enemy functions (high-payoff targets) to deny or limit the enemy’s capability to respond to the situation effectively or in time. Deceive the enemy as to the types, numbers, locations, and intentions of friendly fire support and target acquisition assets. Forego a preparation to achieve surprise in initiating an attack. CONCENTRATION 2-30. To enhance the concentration of combat power, commanders: Allocate available fire support assets. Assign priorities of fire and quick-fire channels. Mass fires and focus target acquisition and intelligence collection assets to gain and maintain the tactical advantage. TEMPO 2-31. To enhance the tempo, commanders: Develop comprehensive and detailed plans to ensure the mission and intent of the supported commander is understood. Use a decentralized organization for combat and decentralized fire planning and fire control methods to facilitate rapid, flexible delivery of fires. Prepare on-order missions that facilitate transition to subsequent phases and sequels or to a new task. Ensure that fires in support of shaping operations facilitate the main effort and set the stage for rapid transition to the subsequent operational phases. Deliver effective fires that help to create new opportunities for maneuver. Rapidly shift fires in response to enemy actions or to exploit an enemy vulnerability. AUDACITY 2-32. To facilitate audacity during the offense, commanders: Weight the decisive action with additional fire support assets by limiting, as necessary, the fire support allocated to a less important area. Place fire support assets well forward and move them closely behind lead maneuver units.