ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 3 3-8 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 facilitate the passing force. The important point to remember is that each unit will be in the area of operations of another unit for a period of time and that detailed coordination is vital to ensure that each of the two units understands how the other operates. Because of the greater range of field artillery systems, the transfer of control between the two units’ fires cells may occur prior to the maneuver transfer of control. This sets the conditions for the passing maneuver elements to execute the passage of lines with fire support systems in place. The units must do at least the following: Exchange unit standard operating procedures and resolve differences in operating procedures. Exchange existing targets and fire plans. Provide status of unit information collection (see the discussion in chapter 4 and FM 3-55) and target acquisition assets. Exchange attack guidance and casualty criteria. Exchange control measures in effect; for example, passage points, passage lanes, contact points, and no-fire areas (NFA). Coordinate recognition signals. Provide information on obstacles and barriers. Coordinate position areas. Provide meteorological information to the passing force, if necessary. Engage with the BCT SWO to provide weather effects information to the passing force as required. Provide available survey control to the passing force. Exchange signal-operating instructions and resolve communications differences; for example, frequencies, call signs, challenge and password, and secure settings. Coordinate security measures in effect. Exchange intelligence. Coordinate automated database and electronic addressing information. Coordinate clearance of fires. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR FORWARD PASSAGE OF LINES 3-44. Fire support considerations for a forward passage of lines include: Obscure the enemy's forward observation of the passage. Plan fire on high-payoff targets; for example, enemy direct fire systems, command and control, enemy fire support assets, and enemy air defense targets. Plan fires to support the deception plan. Plan obscuration fires to screen friendly movement through passage points. Plan fires to interdict enemy counterattacks and reinforcements in the area of passage. Mass indirect fires. Ensure the stationary force supports the main effort while the passing force indirect fire assets complete the passage. Ensure counterfire is planned and controlled by the stationary force. Plan radar critical friendly zones at passage points. Plan appropriate FSCMs such as: On-order coordinated fire lines. Consider the use of RFAs, RFLs, and NFAs. Ensure the passing force plans fires to support operations after the passage of lines. Plan the allocation of covering air and missile defense forces to defeat enemy air threats. 3-45. The field artillery of the passing force should be infiltrated early from the assembly area to the designated primary positions to support the operation. These positions should be near the passage lanes but not so close that they interfere with the maneuver force movement. On a forward passage, position priority goes to the passing force. During the passage of lines, the passing force fires cell and command post collocate with the stationary force fires cell and command post. Position areas forward of the passage