ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Chapter 1 1-6 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 Target Acquisition Platoon 1-33. Each BCT field artillery battalion has a target acquisition platoon organized and equipped to quickly detect, and accurately locate, classify, and report indirect fire from enemy mortars, artillery, and rockets to permit their immediate engagement with counterfire. The information provided includes the point of origin, predicted point of impact, radar cross section, and velocity. Table 1-2 provides a summary description of radar capabilities. 1-34. The platoon consists of counterfire radars, lightweight countermortar radars, and a survey section. Some units may retain a meteorology section until the Computer Meteorological Data-Profiler (AN/GMK- 2) fielding is complete. The survey section provides common grid for field artillery firing units and mortars when assets are available. The meteorology section provides meteorological support to artillery and mortars to enhance the accuracy of their fires. The lightweight countermortar team provides direct support and is positioned by the controlling cannon field artillery battalion for the most effective radar support commensurate with the terrain, combat mission, and responsiveness to the higher headquarters. Chapter 5 provides a summary discussion of survey and meteorology. Note: The AN/GMK-2 Computer Meteorological Data-Profiler is a weather measurement system developed to provide meteorological data to support artillery and target acquisition units. It is currently being fielded as one per each BCT cannon field artillery battalion and one per FAB. The AN/GMK-2 interfaces with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) via local area network connection and is operated by the AFATDS Operator. Once fielding is complete, the AN/GMK-2 will replace the meteorological sections. See the discussion on meteorology in FM 3-09 and chapter 5 of this ATP.