ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-22 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Create an important demoralizing psychological effect that is not created from smaller-scale fires. Create synergistic effects, as the strengths of the various types of fires can complement each other and offset one another’s weaknesses. Used in depth create gaps or separations in attacking units and result in significant attrition of enemy forces before they close with friendly forces. Flexibility 2-114. Fire support planning and execution must address the need for flexibility in defensive operations. The enemy usually has the initiative and will attempt to prevent friendly forces from identifying the main effort until it is too late to react. Fire support personnel must be able to: Quickly shift fires to critical points throughout the area of operations. Shift from executing fires in support of shaping operations to fires in support of the main effort or to provide fires needed in the brigade support area. Execute successive or concurrent programs or fire plans (for example, suppression of enemy air defenses and counterfire programs) and from planned fires to immediate fires. Shift fires from support of the defense to support of the counterattack and offense. FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEFENSIVE TASKS 2-115. General fire support planning considerations and implied techniques for defensive tasks include: Synchronize the targeting cycle with the air tasking order cycle. Post current maneuver graphics, FSCMs, fire support unit locations, and ranges of fire support systems and target locations. Check the target overlay periodically to ensure that the current enemy situation is reflected in targeting. Ensure fires are integrated into the obstacle plan. Base fire plans on the BCT commander’s guidance for fires and allocation of resources. Note: Fire plans (to include munitions such as scatterable mines) must be entered into the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) and the other Army Battle Command System automation devices in time to conduct technical rehearsals and prepare for firing. Check communications systems with all elements. Identify requirements for positioning primary and alternate observers forward of friendly maneuver forces. Ensure that extraction guidelines are established and understood. Develop alternate plans in case these forward observers are forced to withdraw prior to execution of fire support tasks. Determine the time needed for all fire support systems to be ready based on the scheme of maneuver. Ensure that these times are met. Determine how and recommend when to shift the priority of fires. Determine what will be the trigger to shift the priority of fires. 2-116. Additional general planning considerations for BCT fire support of defensive tasks may include: Plan fire support early and throughout the area of operations. Plan fires in support of security forces. Plan fires in support of counterreconnaissance. Consider augmenting forward elements with observers and the use of precision munitions, if available. Plan fires to support delaying actions, to disrupt or limit the momentum of the enemy’s attack, to reduce the enemy’s combat power, to separate enemy forces from each other, and to force the enemy commander to deploy forces early.