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 2-25 2-125. During defensive tasks, the field artillery battalion should coordinate for engineer support and Class IV materials to harden positions and reduce the effectiveness of enemy fires. Plan for the use of direct fire in support of battery or platoon defenses. Radar critical friendly zones may be used to increase protection of key friendly units. Anticipate the need for survivability moves after firing units have provided extended or intense fires (planned or unplanned). Review emergency destruction procedures. 2-126. Additional considerations during defensive tasks include: Plan alternate and supplementary positions for each location. Use manned and unmanned aircraft systems to reconnoiter routes and field artillery position areas. Engage with the BCT SWO to obtain weather effects assessments for the employment of manned and unmanned aircraft systems based on current and forecast conditions. Conduct ground reconnaissance, selection, and occupation of alternate and supplementary positions. Engage approaching enemy formations at maximum range with indirect fires and close air support. Plan targets, FPFs, observer positioning, triggers, and fires in support of all engagement areas for all phases of the defensive operation, to include each counterattack option of the striking force. Recommend FSCMs to support each phase of the defensive operation including all planned counterattack options. Plan for and provide counterfire. Ensure the integration of fires in support of obstacles. Coordinate with the supported command’s fires cell to ensure the obstacle plan integrates field artillery fires with engineer obstacles and for the employment of scatterable mines. Develop the fire support plan to include priorities of fires, targets on point obstacles and obstacle belts, and groups of targets. Coordinate with the BCT and subordinate unit fires cells for close air support and Army aviation attacks where the enemy is in contact with friendly forces. Coordinate with the BCT and subordinate unit FSOs and fires cells to plan for and mass all available fires to support disengagements. Ensure that forward positioned observers are resourced with adequate security, mobility, and situational understanding. Provide field artillery illumination to assist friendly force night operations, to mark locations or targets, to provide friendly direction orientation, or to degrade enemy night vision equipment. 2-127. The primary role of weapons locating radars in the defense is to provide target intelligence and information to allow for counterfire mission processing. Target acquisition planners must also consider transitions to offensive tasks such as counterattacks. Positioning, task organization, and on-order missions should facilitate transitions. General consideration for target acquisition during defensive tasks include: Employ target acquisition assets to provide coverage of named areas of interest, target areas of interest, and critical assets. Engage with the BCT SWO to obtain weather effects assessments for Army and Joint (such as aviation systems) target acquisition assets based on current and forecast conditions. Integrate radar placement and acquisition data into fire planning. Coordinate target acquisition assets to locate targets in a 6400-mil (360-degree) area of operations. Assist the supported command’s fires cell in the development of an observation plan that: Ensures that obstacles are under continuous observation. Ensures that responsibility for related fire support tasks are identified and coordinated. Includes priority intelligence requirements. Addresses both military and civilian activity