ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-12 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 observers linked to fire support systems enable the supported unit’s attack. Specific considerations for target acquisition during the attack include: Integrate primary and alternate observers to engage targets. Use unmanned aircraft systems to conduct reconnaissance of target areas of interest. Ensure radars are in position in time to support the assault on the objective and subsequent consolidation. Coordinate radar employment across the supported command’s area of operations to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. Plan call for fire zones on suspected and known enemy indirect fire systems. Plan for critical friendly zones over breaching sites and gap crossings. Position target acquisition to support higher echelon operations. Ensure adequate sensor-to-shooter linkage. Coordinate FAB radar coverage across the supported command’s area of operations to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. Use echeloned movement to provide continuous radar coverage to the supported force. Provide FAB radar coverage for the BCTs or other supported units to allow movement of these subordinate unit assets forward during the attack. Coordinate surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition requirements with the military intelligence brigade and division, corps, joint task force, or other supported command G-2/S-2. Position radars as far forward as possible to maximize range and provide maximum flexibility. Position radars to cover critical friendly assets. 2-56. For more on cannon field artillery battalions see ATP 3-09.23. For more on field artillery target acquisition see ATP 3-09.12. For more on observed fires see ATP 3-09.30. For a discussion of the DIVARTY and the FAB and its role in supporting the BCT’s cannon field artillery battalion during an attack, see FM 3-09 and ATP 3-09.24. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO THE MAIN EFFORT 2-57. Preparation fire is normally a high-volume of fires delivered over a short period of time to maximize surprise and shock effect. Preparation fire can include electronic attack and should be synchronized with other electronic warfare activities (FM 3-09). 2-58. The extent and the length of the preparation is determined from the effects desired from fires and the fire support assets available to execute the preparation. Preparation fires initially focus on the destruction of high-payoff targets (that is, key enemy forces that most impact the scheme of maneuver). For example, during a penetration attack, the preparation fires may attack enemy positions able to engage the flanks of the friendly attacking force. Preparation fires may also: Weaken or neutralize enemy reserves. Note: Destruction in artillery fire renders a target out of action permanently or ineffective for a long period of time, producing at least 30-percent casualties or materiel damage. Destruction is also a type of artillery fire adjustment for destroying a given target. Neutralization in artillery fire renders a target ineffective for a short period of time, producing at least 10-percent casualties or materiel damage. Emplace field artillery delivered scatterable mines to block enemy routes into or out of the objective. Deceive the enemy as to the BCT’s actual intentions. Destroy enemy security forces. Obscure friendly movements and deployments.