ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Augmenting Fire Support 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 4-3 RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE CAVALRY SQUADRON 4-9. The primary mission of the cavalry squadron is to obtain information that answers the BCT commander’s critical information requirements. The squadron is optimized for conducting reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance throughout the BCT’s area of operations. ENGINEER 4-10. The BCT’s engineer company provides engineer reconnaissance capabilities that enable the collection of tactical and technical information (such as detailed information on complex obstacles or a proposed crossing site) to support the BCT’s freedom of maneuver and the protection of friendly forces and facilities. BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION OR BRIGADE ENGINEER BATTALION 4-11. The brigade special troops battalion found in the Army National Guard includes a military intelligence company and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance platoon. The brigade engineer battalion found in the Active Army provides organic engineer, military intelligence, signal (antitank company–Stryker BCT only), planning, and execution capabilities to the BCT. See ATP 3- 34.22. 4-12. The military intelligence company provides all-source analysis and information collection integration for the BCT. It also has the ground collection platoon with: signals intelligence, measurement and signature intelligence, and human intelligence assets; and the tactical unmanned aircraft system platoon for reconnaissance, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment tasks. Tactical human intelligence from the military intelligence company and any units operating in the BCT area of operations provides invaluable information and intelligence to the collection effort. Due to their cultural awareness and their close engagement with local populations, these teams provide the commander unique insights and valuable information for satisfying commander’s critical information requirements and for providing input to decision making. 4-13. The BCT military intelligence company provides signal intercept support that is capable of establishing a signal baseline that can detect signal emissions broadcasting in sufficient strength to reach the intercept system. The intercepted signal can be attacked or exploited for content by linguists. Emissions tracked by multiple systems produce grid locations. For more on the CBRN reconnaissance platoon and the military intelligence company see ATP 3-90.61. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 4-14. The primary mission of the unmanned aircraft system is to perform information collection using an electro-optical or infrared mission payload. Unmanned aircraft systems are capable of locating and recognizing major enemy forces, moving vehicles, weapons systems, and other targets which contrast with their surroundings. Some unmanned aircraft systems that employ synthetic aperture radar and ground moving target indicator sensors should overcome the effects of well-camouflaged enemy forces. Unmanned aircraft system capabilities are maximized when employed as part of an overall collection plan; and when integrated with and cued by other intelligence systems in a synchronized effort to support the BCT commander’s needs. 4-15. Unmanned aircraft system capabilities make them ideal for conducting brigade reconnaissance and target acquisition. Should the BCT commander direct, an unmanned aircraft system mission planning and control section can be provided to the target acquisition platoon of the cannon field artillery battalion to assist in conducting close support, counterfire, and suppression of enemy air defenses operations. The mission planning and control section consists of a ground control station and associated personnel and supporting equipment. The cannon field artillery battalion S-3, S-2, BCT SWO, and targeting officer can provide the mission planning and control section the information required to plan and execute the unmanned aircraft system mission. When provided unmanned aircraft system support, the cannon field