ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-10 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Use call for fire zones to provide target acquisition coverage on suspected enemy firing positions. Coordinate radar employment across the supported command’s area of operations to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. Position radars to maximize range and provide maximum flexibility. Position radars to cover critical point targets that are vulnerable to indirect fire. Plan for 6400-mil (360-degree) coverage and flank security. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOVEMENT TO CONTACT 2-46. A movement to contact is an offensive task designed to develop the situation and establish or regain contact (ADRP 3-90). FM 3-90-1 provides a comprehensive discussion of movement to contact. FM 3-09 provides a summary description of fire support considerations for a field artillery battalion supporting a maneuver unit during movement to contact. GENERAL FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOVEMENT TO CONTACT 2-47. Responsive fires facilitated by a clear understanding of the fire support task(s) for each phase of the operation are critical to success. For example when planning and conducting a movement to contact fires cell planners should if possible, plan and coordinate fires from available reinforcing (R), general support- reinforcing (GSR), or general support (GS) assets—especially long ranges fires such as those from the MLRS—that may be needed to support counterfire once contact is made with the enemy, or to interdict enemy reserve forces responding to the developing situation. 2-48. Considerations for a cannon field artillery battalion supporting a maneuver force movement to contact include: Provide responsive fires for each phase of the operation. Plan and providing counterfire (see chapter 5). Plan for screening obscuration. See also ATP 3-11.50 for more information on battlefield obscuration. Ensure coordination requirements necessary to maintain synchronization of successive priority targets. Position fire support assets well forward to facilitate communications, allow for massing of fires, preclude untimely displacements, and exploit weapons ranges. Position observers effectively and maximizing use of lead maneuver forces to call for fires. Position fire support teams (FIST) and observers forward and along the BCT’s flanks to observe and execute any priority targets. Ensure that all observers and subordinate leaders understand the fire support task(s) for each phase of the operation. Plan fires on key known, suspected, or potential enemy positions. Plan fires to support blocking and fires to support future operations. Plan fires on critical points along the axis of advance, to include the flanks. Plan for suppression of enemy air defenses (see the discussion in chapter 5). Plan fires to support reconnaissance assets. Assign priority of fires as designated by the BCT or supported commander. Refine all targeting data based on the reconnaissance effort and operational changes as the situation develops. Synchronize the positioning and movement of cannon field artillery batteries and platoons with the tempo of the BCT or other supported unit and its fire support requirements. Ensure that firing batteries are positioned to support the BCT at points of vulnerability, such as obstacles, canalizing terrain, bridges, or gap crossings.