ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 3 3-28 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 landing and maneuver; for example, craters, tree blow down, fires, and low visibility. Consequently napalm and other types of incendiary ordnance are not normally used on the landing zone and its immediate vicinity in the time period just before landing. Fires are lifted and shifted to coincide with arrival times of the aircraft formations. 3-150. The FSCOORD and fires cell planners should carefully consider flight times when scheduling fires for the landing zone. The basis for timing is referred to as H-hour—the time when the first aircraft in the first lift of the operation is to touch down on the landing zone. All times in air assault operations are referenced from H-hour. Times are computed for the entire length of the flight route. 3-151. If directed, serial leaders report on passing communications checkpoints. Thus, fires can be placed on targets of opportunity or on enemy positions that threaten the task force. The FSCOORD and fires cell planners plan ahead to designate the assets and observers who will execute these fires. Fire support personnel should be linked on a common radio network. 3-152. Attack helicopters, or a combination of close air support and Army aviation assets, may provide security during the flight. These assets provide security to the flanks, front, and rear of the aircraft formation. They may be used to selectively jam enemy radar and communications signals. Field artillery, if available, provides fires for suppression of enemy capabilities along the flight routes as planned or as necessary. 3-153. The release point crossing can be used to time the lifting or shifting of field artillery and close air support strikes. The lifting and shifting of fires are critical and should be completed approximately 15 seconds (and normally, not more than 1 minute) before landing. An airspace positive control measure (see ATP 3-52.1, FM 3-52, and JP 3-52) – one that is clearly understood by the lead aircraft and flight commander – should signal the lifting and shifting of fires. Planners should consider using attack helicopters to observe, adjust, and control preparation fires on landing zones. 3-154. Fires to support the consolidation on the landing zone are similar to those planned on any objective or perimeter defense. When forward observers and joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) arrive on the landing zone, they should be prepared to control and use any close air support or attack helicopter sorties that were planned but not used during the movement phase. Fire support considerations should include planning informal ACAs (see FM 3-09 and FM 3-52) to allow simultaneous attack of targets, fires to isolate the landing zone, FPFs, fires for suppression of enemy air defenses (see ATP 3-01.4), and prearranged signals to lift and shift fires. AIR MOVEMENT PLAN 3-155. The S-3 air, an air movement officer for each participating unit, and, particularly for airborne operations, an Air Force representative develop the air movement plan. The assaulting force FSCOORD or force FSO should ensure that fire support personnel and equipment are included on load plans and manifests. The air movement plan is based on the ground tactical plan, the landing plan, and the enemy air defense threat. The plan schedules and provides instructions for moving troops, equipment, and supplies from pickup zone to landing zone. It also provides coordinating instructions regarding air routes, checkpoints, speeds, altitudes, formations, actions while en route, and recovery of downed aircraft. Planners select air routes that accomplish the mission while limiting exposure to enemy air defense systems. The assaulting force FSCOORD or fire support officer and fires cell planners should review the fires for suppression of enemy air defenses along the primary and alternate flight routes. If enemy air defense locations are known, it is better to fly around them rather than attempt to suppress them while flying over them. Fire support considerations for air movement include: Plan fires to cover primary and alternate pickup zones and landing or drop zones. Plan fires along the flight route(s) to aid aircraft flying past areas of known or suspected enemy positions; these fires should be intense and of short duration and should not obscure pilot vision. Consider all fire support assets when planning suppression of enemy air defenses including: Electronic attack and other electronic warfare support assets. Chaff airdropped by aircraft to confuse enemy air defense radars. Field artillery, close air support, and attack helicopters.