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 2-23 Note: When applicable, fires may also support efforts to divert an enemy’s attack. Locate and destroy high-payoff targets to support both friendly shaping operations and the decisive action or main effort. Position observers on templated avenues of approach. Plan fires on key choke points. Plan scatterable mines and obscuration to separate enemy lead elements from follow-on forces. Ensure that fire support assets are identified and directed to support the counterfire battle. Plan counterpreparation fires. Coordinate common sensor boundaries to delineate radar responsibilities. Plan fires to support the decisive action or main effort: Mass fires to limit, disrupt, delay, divert and destroy enemy capabilities. Plan fires to assist maneuver during retrograde operations. Position alternate observers to those observers responsible for observing key areas or executing critical fire support triggers. Plan fires on obstacles and assign alternate observers to execute the fire plan. Coordinate with the engineer coordinator to integrate fires and obstacles to create the intended effect. Incorporate the effects of the terrain when targeting in support of obstacles to create the desired effect. Fires placed incorrectly may cause the enemy to take an alternate course of action that is detrimental to the BCT operation plan. Consider the use of obscurants to support the obstacle plan. Plan fires in support of engagement areas to: Canalize the enemy. Plan groups of targets for simultaneous engagement within engagement areas. Plan series of targets to preclude enemy movement out of engagement areas. Mass fires in engagement areas. Plan coordinated attack in engagement areas with air assets. Review planning procedures for joint air attack team operations. Consider the use of illumination in engagement areas. Plan fires in support of the defense to: Integrate fire support into the direct fire defensive plan. Suppress enemy indirect and direct fire weapons. Assign priority targets and FPFs to battle positions, strong points, or perimeter defenses. Plan for the use of obscurants during periods of limited visibility to degrade enemy night vision capabilities. Plan for contingencies to reallocate fire support assets to strengthen vulnerabilities. Plan to support hasty attack: Use quick fire planning techniques. Place coordinated fire lines close to forward defensive positions to facilitate rapid engagements. GENERAL FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEFENSIVE TASKS 2-117. The commander and staff determine the organization and array of forces, obstacle placement effects, and fire support tasks. The plan is based on the BCT commander’s concept of the operation and visualization as to how the engagement will progress. Subordinate plans require the application of available resources to defeat enemy forces within the security, main effort, and brigade support areas. These considerations include: