ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-30 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 2-151. During a retrograde target acquisition-specific considerations for a cannon field artillery battalion may include: Positioning long-range radars rearward to provide extended coverage for the supported command during the retrograde. Planning call for fire zones on probable enemy field artillery locations. 2-152. 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 a retrograde see FM 3-09 and ATP 3-09.24. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO DELAY, WITHDRAWAL, AND RETIREMENT 2-153. A delaying operation is an operation in which a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy’s momentum and inflicting maximum damage on the enemy without, in principle, becoming decisively engaged (JP 3-04). 2-154. Key fire support considerations for a field artillery battalion supporting a maneuver force delaying operation include: Engage the enemy well forward, before threat forces get to friendly delaying positions. Inflict maximum casualties to reduce enemy combat power, disrupt the approach, and suppress and destroy accompanying indirect fire assets. Plan massed fires on avenues of approach and canalizing terrain to destroy high-payoff targets, limit enemy maneuver, and prevent the enemy attack from gaining momentum from any limited successes. Plan and designate priority targets along routes from one delaying position to the next. Plan the use of obscurants to support disengagements and to screen friendly movements. Mass all available fires to support disengagements. Ensure that alternate firing units are designated for FPFs. Synchronize the positioning and movement of field artillery assets with the scheme of maneuver to ensure responsive continuous fire support across the width of the delaying force, and to ensure that field artillery units can move in synchronization with area of operations changes and not be overrun or exposed to enemy direct fire. Cover obstacles, barriers, gaps, and flanks with scatterable mines and other fires. Ensure that forward positioned observers are resourced with adequate security and mobility, and that they receive timely situational awareness information to prevent them from being isolated or destroyed. Initially position fire support assets well forward to exploit range. Plan fire support on main enemy avenues of approach. Later, position fire support assets in depth to provide maximum continuous fire support. 2-155. A withdrawal operation is a planned retrograde operation in which a force in contact disengages from an enemy force and moves in a direction away from the enemy (JP 3-17). The fire support planning aspects of a withdrawal are very similar to those of a delay. 2-156. The fire support planners must plan for a withdrawal under pressure. When a unit must withdraw while under attack, fire support is used to slow the enemy’s concentration of forces. Consider the use of precision-guided munitions against high-payoff targets. 2-157. Fire support considerations for supporting a maneuver force withdrawal include: Mask the movement of friendly forces with smoke during both day and night operations. Use fire support to slow the enemy; scatterable mines are particularly useful. Cover obstacles with fires and observation. Jam enemy command networks.