ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-26 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Is objective-oriented. Focuses on monitoring critical areas. Rehearse the observation plan to ensure that all targets are adequately observed, that triggers are effectively coordinated, and that backup plans are adequate. Employ radar in support of higher echelon shaping operations. Link unmanned aircraft systems with MLRS or High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) units to rapidly engage targets. Position observers to see both targets and trigger lines. Ensure adequate sensor-to-shooter linkage. Use echeloned movement to provide continuous radar coverage to the supported force. Coordinate surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition requirements with the BCT or other higher headquarters G-2 or S-2. Integrate air assets into counterfire operations. Coordinate weapons locating radar employment across the supported command’s area of operations to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR AREA DEFENSE 2-128. An area defense is a defensive task that concentrates on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain for a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright (ADRP 3-90). FM 3-90-1 provides a comprehensive discussion of the area defense. FM 3-09 provides a summary description of fire support considerations for a FAB, MLRS or HIMARS battalion or cannon field artillery battalion supporting a maneuver unit during an area defense. GENERAL FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR AN AREA DEFENSE 2-129. Fire support in an area defense is used to deceive, defeat, delay, destroy, disrupt, divert, neutralize, and suppress enemy forces. Fire support personnel and engineers work together to combine the effects of indirect fires and engineer obstacles to disrupt, turn, block or fix the enemy’s ability to counter friendly actions thereby setting the stage for successful maneuver operations Maneuver can also force enemy units into kill zones or concentrated formations where fires can create maximum effectiveness. Fires across the entire enemy force cause the enemy to deploy early into an attack formation. Fires in the economy of force areas are dense enough to delay or divert enemy supporting formations. When the enemy masses, threat formations must be attacked repeatedly and effectively with massed fires to reduce the momentum. Fires directed against an attacker’s follow-on forces keep them from influencing the immediate battle. 2-130. Field artillery units may initially be positioned forward to allow for fires ranging farther into enemy formations. Forward positions should be placed on routes that facilitate displacement. Positions should be selected to provide good cover and concealment to minimize their vulnerability to enemy air attack and attack by enemy ground reconnaissance forces. 2-131. Coordinate the movement of firing batteries to support the accomplishment of fire support tasks. Ensure that movements are coordinated with the scheme of maneuver to avoid confusion and possible interference with planned maneuver actions. As the operation develops, field artillery units may find themselves astride an enemy route of advance. When possible, these field artillery units should reposition along the flanks or in other better-protected areas. This gives maneuver forces room to operate and reduces untimely artillery unit displacements during the battle. 2-132. Radars should be focused on the enemy’s main effort. This is where the enemy can be expected to concentrate indirect fire weapons. Weapon locating radars should be positioned to maximize coverage immediately forward of the friendly defenses. 2-133. As defensive forces reposition to meet an enemy main effort, target acquisition elements should also be repositioned. Displacement of these resources should be staggered so that some coverage is always available. Coordinate for radars from the DIVARTY or a supporting FAB to supplement the BCT’s radar coverage.