ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-16 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXPLOITATION AND PURSUIT 2-77. The fire support planning aspects of an exploitation are very similar to those of a pursuit. Exploitation is an offensive task that usually follows the conduct of a successful attack and is designed to disorganize the enemy in depth (ADRP 3-90). Exploitation takes advantage of a weakened or collapsed enemy to achieve the total disintegration of the enemy. 2-78. Pursuit is an offensive task designed to catch or cut off a hostile force attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it (ADRP 3-90). The BCT normally conducts a pursuit operation as part of a division, corps, or higher echelon pursuit; functioning as either the direct-pressure or encircling force. The pursuit normally follows a successful exploitation. Note: The direct pressure force is a force employed in a pursuit operation that orients on the enemy main body to prevent enemy disengagement or defensive reconstitution prior to envelopment by the encircling force. It normally conducts a series of attacks to slow the enemy’s retirement by forcing the enemy to stand and fight (FM 3-90-1). 2-79. FM 3-90-1 provides a comprehensive discussion of exploitation and pursuit. FM 3-09 provides a summary description of fire support considerations for a field artillery battalion supporting a maneuver unit during exploitation and pursuit. GENERAL FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE EXPLOITATION AND PURSUIT 2-80. Considerations for a cannon field artillery battalion supporting a maneuver unit during exploitation and pursuit include: Plan for continual forward displacement of field artillery. Position firing units well forward in the supported unit formation. Suppress bypassed enemy pockets of resistance. Plan for the delivery of scatterable mines. Plan and coordinate for the use of fixed and rotary-wing aviation assets. Coordinate with the BCT’s Air Force Staff Weather Officer (SWO) to obtain weather effects assessments for aviation assets and sensors based on current and forecasted weather conditions. Plan for greater use of available radio retransmission capabilities. Plan for increased use of Class III and Class V supplies; air transportation of supplies may be required. Plan for the enemy to seek cover among indigenous civilian populations and for enhanced collateral damage prevention and clearance of fires. 2-81. Considerations for cannon field artillery battalion target acquisition during exploitation and pursuit include: Use unmanned aircraft to help provide timely and accurate information about enemy locations and activities. Coordinate with the BCT SWO to provide a weather effects assessments for unmanned aircraft and sensor payloads based on current and forecasted weather conditions. Focus target acquisition assets on acquiring enemy indirect fire systems. Position radars to cover critical friendly assets that are vulnerable to indirect fire from bypassed enemy regular or irregular forces. Monitor radar acquisitions for indications of scatterable mine emplacement by the enemy. Integrate reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting acquisition with FAB strikes. Position radars as far forward as possible to maximize range and provide maximum flexibility. 2-82. 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