ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Fire Support for Tactical Tasks During Brigade Combat Team Operations 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 2-15 Step 6 2-68. Develop the schedule of fires. Normally, fires begin before H-hour and may extend beyond it. Firing may start at a prescribed time or it may be held on-call until needed. The preparation may be phased as: In Phase 1, attack fire support means and observation capabilities, including field artillery headquarters and command posts. Consider adding air defense targets in this phase as well. In Phase 2, attack main command posts, communications facilities, assembly areas, and reserves. In Phase 3, attack defensive areas in the forward positions and targets that pose an immediate threat to attacking units or forces. The attacking force is most vulnerable to counterattack during reorganization. Include fires in the plan to cover reorganization. Step 7 2-69. Brief the plan. The brigade FSO should back-brief the commander and S-3 before completing the schedules of fire using AFATDS or manually using DA Forms 4656 (Scheduling Worksheet). During the fire support portion of the operations order brief, be thorough—it is critical that the subordinate and supporting commanders understand the preparation sequence and their responsibilities. A sketch may be helpful. Step 8 2-70. Complete the schedules of fires via AFATDS or manually using DA Forms 4656 (Scheduling Worksheet). Ensure that all elements receive a copy of the worksheets. Step 9 2-71. Rehearse and refine the plan. The rehearsal (see chapter 5) should cover all fire support tasks and not just the echeloning of fires. Fires in Support of a Blocking Operation 2-72. Fires in support of a blocking operation isolate the enemy main effort and fix other enemy forces to prevent them from interfering with supporting attacks. Scatterable mines, if used, must be coordinated with the engineer coordinator, approved by the proper authority, and that information is disseminated to all units. Fires to Weight the Decisive Action or Main Effort 2-73. Give priority of fires to the decisive action or main effort. Consider weighting the main effort with close air support sortie distribution. A continuous flow of preplanned close air support sorties (push close air support) allows the main effort force to respond to contingencies that develop during the course of the operation, and retain the initiative. 2-74. Synchronize fires on the objective to suppress, neutralize, or destroy enemy forces that most affect the BCT’s closure on the objective. Targets should be tied directly to the scheme of maneuver. Plan fires to prevent the enemy’s reinforcement of the objective. 2-75. Consider suppression of enemy air defenses to support friendly close air support and attack helicopter operations. Some suppression of enemy air defenses may be appropriate for electronic attack assets. Obscurants may be used to screen enemy ground observers from viewing friendly aircraft. Consider using airspace coordination areas (ACA) to provide reasonably safe operating airspace for aircraft to maneuver and attack targets. FIRE SUPPORT TASK ORGANIZATION CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO THE ATTACK 2-76. Allocate fire support assets to weight the main effort. At BCT level, assigning priority of fires, allocating close air support sorties, and using other fire support means weights the main effort. If possible, position fire support assets supporting secondary efforts where the assets can also support the main effort.