ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 2 2-32 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 What constitutes key terrain may be based more on political and social considerations than physical features of the landscape. Fires may be used more frequently to defend or deny the use of key sites than to seize them. Rules of engagement are often more restrictive than in normal combat operations. They may vary with the particular situation. Commander’s guidance for the application of fires requires careful consideration during development and wide dissemination to all levels. Increasing the proportion of precision-guided munitions, including precision munitions, used in fires or employment of electronic attack may be necessary to limit collateral damage. 2-165. Fires can have a long-term adverse impact on achievement of the desired end state. The political nature of and the need to maintain legitimacy in stability operations requires the BCT FSCOORD and fires cell planners to understand the cumulative undesirable effects of collateral damage. Such effects may wear down a population’s support for friendly forces. The BCT commander must weigh the risk of any long- term effects of employing fires. 2-166. The BCT commander integrates fire support into the tactical plan in accordance with the rules of engagement and any restrictions such as no-fire areas (NFA) imposed within the area of operations. Considerations include: Procedures for the rapid clearance of fires. Close communication and coordination with host country officials. Increased security for field artillery firing positions. Probable restricted use of certain munitions such as improved conventional munitions and scatterable mines. 2-167. As during offensive and defensive tasks, establish FSCMs for stability tasks to facilitate the attack of high-payoff targets throughout the area of operations. Restrictive FSCMs provide safeguards for friendly forces and noncombatants, facilities, or terrain. For example, NFAs and restrictive fire areas (RFA) may be used not only to protect forces, but also to protect populations, critical infrastructure, and sites of religious or cultural significance. For detail on FSCMs see FM 3-09 and JP 3-09. PLANNING AND EMPLOYMENT 2-168. The accuracy and timeliness of fire support assumes increased importance during execution of stability tasks because of the need to safeguard the population and prevent collateral damage. The Army automation systems give the BCT commander and fire support planners clear and timely information. The brigade fire support planners must make special provisions for integrating fire support with the appropriate aspects of information operations and cyber electromagnetic activities. 2-169. The BCT commander considers the physical and cultural limitations of the area of operations, such as the presence of noncombatants and cultural or religious sites. The establishment of clear guidance and clearance of fires procedures are critical and dependent on the stipulations outlined in the rules of engagement. Due to the political nature of stability tasks, rules of engagement may restrict the use of lethal fires. Planning and delivery of fires must preclude fires on protected targets, unwanted collateral damage and the political ramifications of perceived excessive force. Where fire support is used in stability tasks, the BCT FSCOORD and fires cell planners should: Understand the restrictions on the use of munitions such as improved conventional munitions and scatterable mines. Use precision munitions with smaller bursting radii to reduce collateral damage and injury to civilians. Maximize the use of FSCMs to minimize collateral damage. The protected target list may be extensive. Plan for NFAs or RFAs. Synchronize both restrictive and permissive FSCMs consistent with the rules of engagement. Plan and rehearse a clearance of fires drill. Clearance of fires may include coordination with designated civilian organizations and multinational forces. Establish liaison with any multinational artillery organizations to facilitate calls for fire and clearance of fires. Liaison teams may have to train multinational personnel in these procedures.