ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
Page 90 of 308
Chapter 3 3-34 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Helicopters 3-189. The attack helicopter has the ability to provide accurate and responsive aerial fire support. Attack helicopters may be used to escort and assist the special operations force as needed. Attack helicopters may also be used to conduct feints and demonstrations to cover the insertion of the special operations force. If attack helicopters are used to support special operations, planned indirect fires are normally delivered along entry and exit corridors. 3-190. Fires from armed helicopters are normally requested and controlled by the special operations JTACs operating on a special ground-to-air network. The laser target designator may be used to precisely identify targets for attack helicopters. Smoke, panels, lights, mirrors, or infrared sources may mark friendly unit locations. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS 3-191. The amphibious operation requires detailed planning, precise timing in air, naval surface fire support, and field artillery support, and effective command relationships. Army field artillery is not simply a passenger on a ship-to-shore transport; it is an active component of that operation. Its active involvement before, during, and after the movement and assault is essential to the success of the amphibious force. 3-192. When coastal topography permits, field artillery can be positioned on offshore islands to provide fire support for the assault element. If included in the landing party, the BCT’s field artillery battalion or supporting FAB battalion, if available, ashore provides decisive support with direct and indirect fires during the most critical phase of the amphibious operation. These requirements present the BCT or other Army field commander with unique challenges and require much initiative. The complex nature of amphibious operations makes detailed planning of paramount importance. Centralized control is lost from the time of embarkation aboard ship until reorganization ashore. 3-193. Initial fire planning is for naval surface fire support, attack helicopters, and close air support, because the field artillery is moving ashore. Hasty fire planning may be relied on initially because of lack of intelligence. These fires include landing beach preparation, prearranged close support, and fires in support of shaping operations. In general, these fires neutralize enemy defenses to cover waterborne and helicopter assaults and disrupt enemy command, communications, and observation. Also, they are fired in direct support (DS) or general support (GS) of the landing force. 3-194. Movement plans should provide for early landing of field artillery units and their entry into action. All available fire support systems (such as field artillery, naval surface fire support, and close air support) should be coordinated and synchronized. At first, the supporting arms coordination center plans and coordinates all fires for the landing force. Once ashore, the landing force fires cell assumes responsibility for coordinating all fires. Because of the heavy use of air support, fires for suppression of enemy air defenses should be planned and implemented. 3-195. Initial targeting data typically comes from naval sources. Aerial observers are used extensively. During ship-to-shore movement, observers in ship-based aircraft may provide the only observation capability. Once troops have landed and gained a foothold, ground observers and target acquisition assets assume their normal roles. 3-196. Ballistic meteorological support should be obtained from Navy shipboard meteorology stations in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) format. Prior coordination with landing force headquarters for available survey information is vital. Hasty survey techniques are used until organic survey assets are ashore and operational. Survey assets should be sent ashore as soon as possible to establish and extend a common grid. A greater degree of decentralization for both tactical and technical fire direction may be necessary to allow for flexibility at first. Inter-Service calls for fire are common. Engineer assets may be used to help stabilize gun positions. This assistance may be necessary because of the terrain (for example, sandy beaches).