ATP-3-09-90 Division Artillery Operations and Fire Support Download
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Division Fire Support ATP 3-09.90 2-37 Attack helicopter units performing or supporting screening missions can also locate targets and request indirect fire missions. Make maximum use of available air assets to acquire targets for counterfire. Deliver Fires Consider fires for each element and phase of an operation. Both the allocation of fire support assets and long range fires can be used to support each subordinate maneuver unit throughout the attack. Consider weighting the main effort with CAS and attack helicopter support: A continuous flow of planned CAS sorties allows the main attack force to respond to contingencies that develop during the course of the battle as well as retain the initiative. Identify lower priority division and subordinate-level CAS and attack helicopter missions that may be diverted if the commander needs the fire support for a higher priority unanticipated mission. Prepare to support a deception plan before a main attack begins by massing fires on forward enemy units not in the area of the main attack and by attacking some deep targets that support the deception effort. These fires should complement other efforts to mislead the enemy as to the location of the main attack. Perform Sustainment Monitor the ability of the sustainment system to keep pace with the flow of the battle and the advance of lead units. Assist in coordinating aerial resupply as necessary to maintain fire support sustainment operations. Understand the impact of combat and maintenance attrition for fire support equipment and of personnel casualties and fatigue. Fire plans for the later phases of deep maneuver operations will generally need to be more conservative as fewer fire support assets and resources may be available. At times it may be more important to give a logistics convoy route priority over FA or maneuver units. Work closely with artillery assets to ensure adequate engineer support is available to facilitate the movement and position occupation of FA units. Roads and bridges may become impassable for FA units due to the wear and tear of division and brigade traffic. Exercise Control The division reserve normally plays a key role in offensive operations. Other units may have follow- and-support or follow-and-assume missions. On-order missions and battle handover lines must be thoroughly planned to effectively shift fire support assets and fire control responsibilities. In fast moving offensive operations the shifting to successive FSCMs must be anticipated to properly disseminate changes to all affected elements in a timely manner. Triggers and authority to change FSCMs should be clearly identified in SOP or the fire support plan. In operations involving penetrations, envelopments, and other deep, rapidly advancing forces, the FA organization for combat may need to facilitate the creation of composite FA battalions by division commanders. This can be done by attaching FA units to divisions without restrictions on their reorganization. Protect The Force Use any available maneuver assets or military police to protect FA and TA assets during rapidly advancing operations. These units can travel with the FA and TA elements or sweep and clear position areas prior to occupation. Ensure adequate security is provided along the lines of communication used for resupplying the fire support system. FIRES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENSIVE TASKS A defensive task is a task conducted to defeat an enemy attack, gain time, economize forces, and develop conditions favorable for offensive or stability tasks (ADRP 3-0). 12 October 2017