ATP-3-09-90 Division Artillery Operations and Fire Support Download
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Chapter 2 2-36 ATP 3-09.90 at critical times and places to support the decisive operation. If the commander has considerable air or naval surface fire support assets, decentralized control may be established for most of the FA assets through organization for combat and assignment of support relationships. If air and naval surface fire assets are constrained, the FSCOORD should ensure that the commander retains control of enough FA assets to react to potential and unknown critical events. Due to the size of a division AO, it is more difficult than at lower levels to shift FA assets or their fires. It may also be difficult to shift the effects of naval surface fire support throughout the AO. To quickly mass fire at critical points, the division requires an increased reliance on air assets. However, airpower requires detailed planning to ensure that it is available when needed. The following considerations are applicable to many offensive situations: Deploy and conduct maneuver. Develop intelligence. Employ fires. Perform sustainment. Exercise control. Protect the force. Deploy And Conduct Maneuver Fire support planners must ensure that fire plans adequately address troop movement operations. Fire superiority is critical to the division’s ability to seize the initiative and to conduct maneuver at a given place and time without interference from the enemy. The fire plan should ensure that the division achieves fire superiority early and sustains it throughout the operation. Terrain management for controlled FA units operating in subordinate areas should normally be decentralized as much as possible. The fires cell can alert subordinate unit fires cells on broad requirements, commander priorities, and the designations of the FA units or artillery headquarters that will be contacting them, and then rely on direct coordination between the appropriate division FA unit and subordinate maneuver unit fires cell. The division main fires cell and the DIVARTY CP must work together to ensure that terrain management for FA units is coordinated effectively and in a timely manner. The mission variables of mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations determine the positioning of FA assets. By positioning FA assets in particular sectors and assigning zones of fire, the commander can lend weight to the main attack, provide additional support, and facilitate future operations. In the offense, artillery is positioned well forward to exploit weapon ranges and to preclude untimely displacement when fires are needed the most. Develop Intelligence As fire support planners adjust the fire plan to account for the progression of the battle, including branches, sequels, and unexpected changes, they must understand the interrelationship of fires, intelligence, and TA. The reorientation of intelligence and TA assets may be linked to various control measures. Employ Fires The employment of fires for fire support includes the ability to detect targets and deliver fires in accordance with the commander’s intent and the HPTL. Detect Targets Allocate aerial observation assets to lead units conducting fast-paced operations such as envelopments, turning movements, penetrations, pursuits, and movements to contact. This relies on the ability and availability of UAS and other airborne collection assets. Establish sensor-to-shooter links to facilitate attacks when numerous HPTs are present and maximum payoff can be achieved. 12 October 2017