ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Appendix E E-6 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 MUNITIONS E-38. Mountain Deserts. Munitions effectiveness in mountain deserts is the same as in any mountainous region except that the considerations involving snow usually do not apply. The following are added considerations: HE-PD is very effective because of the extra fragmentation created by splintering rocks. Improved conventional munitions are very effective. Field artillery mines are very effective and should be used to deny the enemy the use of roads, valleys, narrow defiles, and level terrain. Smoke and illumination may be degraded by swirling winds. They must be closely coordinated with adjacent units to ensure that the vision of adjacent troops is not obscured or troops are not highlighted. Both smoke and illuminating shells can be used to silhouette the enemy. Airbursts on reverse slopes are extremely effective. E-39. Rocky Plateau Deserts. The following are munitions considerations in rocky plateau desert operations: HE-point detonating is extremely effective. It creates extra fragments by splintering rocks. Variable time and time fuzes are effective. Improved conventional munitions are very effective. Field artillery mines are very effective and should be employed with the natural terrain to force the enemy into unnavigable terrain. Smoke and illumination may be degraded by high winds but may be used to silhouette the enemy. E-40. Sandy or Dune Deserts. In sandy or dune deserts, the following are munitions considerations: HE with PD or delay fuze is smothered by deep sand, which makes it ineffective. VT and time fuzes are very effective. ICM and FASCAM are smothered by deep sand, which makes them ineffective. Smoke and illumination are effective and can be used to silhouette the enemy. TARGET ACQUISITION AND OBSERVATION E-41. Forward Observers. Determining location is often very difficult in rocky plateau and sandy or dune deserts. Maps are often inaccurate, dunes shift, and heat waves hamper distance estimations. Where global positioning equipment is not available, pace count, odometer readings, and resection from available key terrain features may be the best of a few options for self-location essential for day and night navigation. E-42. Forward observers can detect targets by observing dust clouds created by moving enemy forces. Dust clouds created by impacting rounds sometimes make subsequent adjustments difficult. Usually, adjustment of fires by a forward observer is enhanced when the initial round impacts beyond the target. Laser range finders must be used, especially when heat waves degrade distance estimating by other conventional means. E-43. The forward observer should consider using smoke behind the enemy to silhouette him. At night, illumination burning on the ground behind the enemy has the same effect. E-44. The sameness of colors in the desert makes specific targets hard to spot. Laser range finders may need to be adjusted several times a day because of temperature changes. E-45. Most open desert terrain allows a faster or an unimpeded approach and more maneuver space for mechanized forces. Use of trigger points and long-range observation capabilities is critical for effective engagement with available fire support systems. Fast-moving formations are best engaged with fixed-wing assets and attack helicopters. E-46. Increased equipment failure can be expected as a result of heat, sand, and dust. Especially susceptible are radios, automation systems, and other electronic equipment.