ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-28 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Develop and rehearse the observation plan to ensure that all targets are adequately observed, that triggers are effectively coordinated, and that alternate plans are adequate. Coordinate the movement of field artillery batteries to support fire support tasks; ensure movements are coordinated with the scheme of maneuver to avoid confusion and possible interference with planned maneuver actions. Provide fires as an economy-of-force measure that augments maneuver assets and frees them for other critical areas. Plan fires for suppression of enemy air defenses. Ensure the integration of fires in support of the obstacle plan: Reinforces or reestablishes obstacles with scatterable mines (see appendix A). Coordinates the use of rotary-wing and fixed-wing close air support to support the obstacle plan. Assists the maneuver commander and staff in developing priorities of fires for individual obstacles and obstacle belts and groups. Assists in the development of an observation plan that ensures obstacles are under continuous observation, and that responsibility for related fire support tasks are identified and coordinated. 2-140. During area defense the BCT commander directs reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition assets to determine the locations, strengths and probable intentions of the attacking enemy force before and throughout the defense; placing a high priority on early identification of the enemy’s main effort. Focus target acquisition assets on locating high-payoff targets that may include enemy fire support systems. Specific considerations for field artillery battalion target acquisition systems during area defense include: Integrate primary and alternate observers to engage high-payoff targets. Position radars to maximize range and acquire enemy indirect fire systems. Position radars to cover infantry defiles and strong points. Employ allocated unmanned aircraft systems to conduct reconnaissance, detect enemy indirect fire systems, and other enemy forces. Plan for radar critical friendly zones. 2-141. 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 FAB and its role in supporting the BCT’s cannon field artillery battalion during an area defense see FM 3-09 and ATP 3-09.24. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOBILE DEFENSE 2-142. A mobile defense is a defensive task that concentrates on the destruction or defeat of the enemy through a decisive attack by a striking force (ADRP 3-90). FM 3-90-1 provides a comprehensive discussion of the mobile 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 a mobile defense. GENERAL FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR A MOBILE DEFENSE 2-143. The effectiveness of a mobile defense is based to a large extent on the carefully planned fires of all weapons. Upon its commitment, the striking force is the main effort in a mobile defense and requires continuous and concentrated fire support during the conduct of the counterattack. The commander weights the main effort, in part, by the allocation of priority of fires upon commitment. The BCT commander must be able to shift fire support rapidly from the fixing force to the striking force. 2-144. Striking forces may operate at considerable distances from the fixing force. Additional combat power must be provided to the striking forces. This is done through the decentralization of assets. The degree of decentralization depends largely on the amount of fire support available. The BCT commander