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 2-31 Use fires to support units in contact. Provide FPFs. 2-158. All available fire support assets must be responsive to the withdrawing force. The security force must be weighted to increase combat power. Reserves of the withdrawing unit may remain well forward to assist by fire or to launch spoiling attacks. 2-159. A retirement is a form of retrograde in which a force out of contact moves away from the enemy (ADRP 3-90). Consider fire support for security forces covering the retirement. The security forces may have to engage enemy forces, such as special operations forces, air assaults, and long-range fire support assets. 2-160. If the BCT is moving to a new area, the retirement may transition into a movement to contact. Task organization of the BCT, as it moves along the retirement route, should ease transition into the next operation. SECTION IV - FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR STABILITY TASKS GENERAL 2-161. Stability tasks are tasks conducted as part of operations outside the United States in coordination with other instruments of national power to maintain or reestablish a safe and secure environment and provide essential government services, emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief (ADP 3-07). The BCT commander employs responsive fire support (from available air, ground, and sea resources) during execution of stability tasks to protect and ensure freedom of maneuver to forces in contact with the enemy. 2-162. Field artillery tasks conducted in support of stability tasks are essentially the same as those for offensive and defensive tasks. Restraint is vital in the employment of fires during stability tasks. Such restraint typically concerns the munitions employed and the targets engaged to obtain desired effects. Having the ability to employ a weapon does not mean it should be employed (FM 3-09). 2-163. In addition to collateral damage considerations, the employment of fires could have second and third order negative effects. Collateral damage could adversely affect efforts to gain or maintain legitimacy and impede the attainment of both short- and long-term goals. The use of nonlethal capabilities should be considered to fill the gap between verbal warnings and deadly force to avoid unnecessarily raising the level of conflict. Excessive force antagonizes those friendly and neutral parties involved. Restraint is a conscious decision within an overall ethical framework; it increases the legitimacy of the organization that uses it while potentially damaging the legitimacy of an opponent. 2-164. The actions of field artillery personnel and units are framed by the disciplined and ethical application of force including specific rules of engagement. Successful employment of field artillery battalion weapons and munitions in support of BCT operations requires a common understanding by commanders and their field artillery personnel. Commanders must limit collateral damage and apply force precisely to accomplish the mission without causing unnecessary loss of life, suffering, or damage to infrastructure. Field artillery battalion personnel must be properly trained in the rules of engagement and quickly informed of any changes. Rules of engagement may vary, but should always be consistent with the inherent right of self-defense. Given timely and accurate intelligence to determine targets and their locations, precision munitions may create the desired effects while mitigating adverse effects. Key considerations for employment of field artillery fires during stability tasks include: Stability tasks are often conducted in noncontiguous areas of operation. This can complicate the use of FSCMs, the ability to mass and shift fires, and clearance of fires procedures. During execution of stability tasks the enemy may be difficult to define or isolate. The enemy, for example, may be a set of ambiguous threats and opponents. The BCT S-2, S-3, FSCOORD and fires cell planners work closely with the information operations officer, the civil affairs officer and other information-related personnel and nonlethal asset managers as well as host nation police or paramilitary elements.