ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 3 3-32 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 3-172. Mortars may be attached to a field artillery battery during the initial seizure of the airhead or airfield. This allows massing of the limited ground indirect fire assets available to the airborne commander. All indirect fire assets require a 6,400 mill (360 degree) capability. However, positioning of indirect fire assets should not create trajectory or gun-target line problems that interfere with flight landing strip or air landing operations. 3-173. The primary means of communication is typically frequency-modulation radio. Tactical satellite communications, though present, are generally not used in field artillery operations. Satellite communications may, however, provide critical fire support information. Amplitude-modulation radios may be used over long distances. Visual signals and messengers should be prescribed and used for short- distance communications. 3-174. Airborne elements are extremely vulnerable during the initial landing at the drop zone or airhead. Initial reconnaissance is by map or air. Normally, displacement may be by air. Control of battery movement is decentralized. 3-175. Ammunition is very limited in the first stages of an airborne operation; supplies are airdropped or air-landed. After an airdrop, weapons and equipment are thoroughly inspected for damage and are repaired as needed. Medical evacuation is by air. 3-176. Positioning is based on the enemy ground, air, and field artillery threat, as well as on the amount of space provided by the expanding airhead. Defenses with 6,400-mil (360 degree) capability are mandatory. Batteries should be positioned for mutual defense. Units take maximum advantage of intelligence and aerial photographs in preparing for unit defense. Split battery movement techniques may be necessary to maintain a continuous fire support capability. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS WHILE AIRBORNE 3-177. The Army airborne command and control system allows the commander to operate an airborne command facility to support any tactical operation (for example airborne, air assault, amphibious, or ground operation, including Defense Support of Civil Authorities). The airborne command and control system is an extension of the current airborne mission command capability tailored to employ emerging technology in communications and data processing. It is an airborne command post equipped with the 15B- radio suite. The mission equipment package onboard the aircraft is intended to fulfill the needs of any commander for an airborne mobile command post, from battalion through theater army echelons. It provides the commander an airborne mission command capability with voice and data equipment that provides battlefield information processing and connectivity—capabilities equivalent to that of a tactical command post or command vehicle either while static or airborne. In the static mode, the airborne command and control system will remain inside the UH-60. Quick-erect ground antennas are used, along with a power source organic to the UH-60. These abilities enable the commander to exercise mission command of assigned and attached elements and to coordinate with adjacent, supported, and supporting forces. 3-178. When the BCT uses an airborne command post, the FSCOORD, brigade FSO or fires cell representative should be included. Planners should consider placing the ground-based Air Force air liaison officer, subordinate and supporting unit FSOs, and other delivery system representatives on one centralized network, usually the BCT fire support network. Some aircraft may be equipped with high frequency radios for control of air and naval assets. Planners should consider using the BCT fires cell to relay or retransmit communications to the division and corps, theater army fires cells as appropriate for the operation. 3-179. The tactical command post enhances mission command of maneuver and control of fire support. Ground based command posts typically control pre-assault fires assets while the assault forces are airborne. The use of airborne tactical command posts is normally of limited duration. An airborne tactical command post involves higher risks, depending on the status of the enemy air defense system. The BCT FSCOORD, brigade FSO, or fires cell representative should expect the commander to direct the attack of specific targets and must be prepared to coordinate those requests.