ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-8 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Ensure that ammunition is available to accomplish the commander’s guidance for fires. Consider whether the enemy will be able to recover from the effects of the preparation prior to the assault. Determine when and how to shift fires (particularly priority targets en route) — Use time (at a predetermined time, fires will shift); location (fires shift when maneuver reaches a certain location, such as a phase line); on call (the maneuver commander directs when the fires shift); or event (a predetermined event signals shifting of fires). Ensure that the method to be used in shifting fires is understood by all fire support assets, from observer to delivery means. Plan fires on the objective: Consider fires to delay enemy reinforcements and resupply by ground or air. Note: Delay is to slow the time of arrival of enemy forces or capabilities or alter the ability of the enemy or adversary to project forces or capabilities (FM 3-09). Consider fires to suppress enemy direct fire weapons. Consider obscurants to screen friendly forces or obscure hostile ground observation when consolidating on the objective. Designate a signal for lifting or shifting fires. Ensure that the signal is understood by maneuver elements. Plan fires in support of a hasty defense upon successful attack of the enemy objective. Plan fires beyond the objective: To divert, delay, disrupt, or limit enemy reinforcements. To block avenues of approach for counterattacking forces. Consider using field artillery- delivered scatterable mines to assist in this effort. To disrupt or delay enemy retreat. Ensure that subordinate elements maintain communications and report unit locations and status hourly. FIRES FOR SUPPRESSION 2-35. Suppression in field artillery fires renders a target ineffective for a short period of time producing at least 3-percent casualties or materiel damage. The effect of suppressive fires lasts only as long as the effects from fires are present on the weapon or system. 2-36. Suppression by direct and indirect fires, electronic attack, or obscurants on enemy personnel, weapons, or equipment can be used to prevent effective fire on friendly forces. These fires help to isolate the main objective and tend to fix enemy forces during supporting attacks. Suppression protects and allows maneuver forces to close with the enemy and destroy him with direct fire. Planning for an attack involves the use of suppressive fires on known and suspected enemy direct fire positions. Suppressive fires are critically important in open terrain where enemy weapons can engage at maximum range. GENERAL EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS 2-37. Strike is an attack to damage or destroy an objective or a capability (JP 3-0). Strikes by field artillery assets are one of the BCT’s principal means of influencing ongoing action. The fire support planners must also retain sufficient assets to conduct strikes, applying the massed effects of fires at critical times and places to support the decisive operation. 2-38. The BCT commander employs available responsive air, surface, and naval fire support during the offense to protect and ensure freedom of maneuver to forces in contact with the enemy. Each of the four basic joint fire support tasks (see JP 3-09) and fires principles (see ADRP 3-09) must be considered when determining fire support requirements.