ATP-3-09-90 Division Artillery Operations and Fire Support Download
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Counterfire ATP 3-09.90 B-3 POSITIONING B-19. The DIVARTY operations and counterfire officers recommend to the division commander the general positioning areas for WLRs. The radar section chief selects the final radar site based on Radar Position Analysis System (also called RPAS) and visual sighting. Often, WLRs require a position that permits 6400 mils (360 degrees) coverage. During MDMP, fires cell planners need to factor in the proximity of WLRs operating in 6400 mils (360 degrees) mode in order to adhere to the strict separation requirements. The tactical situation may require positioning of the radar within a static location, which requires consideration of site improvement. SECTION III – EXECUTION OF COUNTERFIRE B-20. There are several options for conducting counterfire at any echelon. There is centralized counterfire where the commander executes counterfire through a single headquarters. This is accomplished by the DIVARTY as the force field artillery headquarters. Decentralized counterfire is where the commander does not designate a single headquarters to execute counterfire operations. The commander may also choose to have a mixture of both centralized and decentralized counterfire operations based on mission variables. B-21. Counterfire is fire intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons. Delivery means for counterfire encompasses many systems such as FA, CAS, Army attack aviation, maneuver elements, mortars, and electronic attack. Destruction of enemy fires capabilities that could disrupt and hinder operations is critical to ensure freedom of action for friendly forces. Counterfire can neutralize or destroy all or portions of the enemy’s fires capabilities including sensors, delivery systems, control nodes, support systems, and logistics or sustainment areas. Counterfire is a function the division commander must address and is not solely the function of the FSCOORD. All the elements of the combined arms and joint team must be integrated to neutralize the enemy’s total fires system. Planning for proactive and reactive counterfire necessitates deconfliction of airspace prior to and during execution of counterfire operations. The division JAGIC can assist with airspace deconfliction of counterfire. See ATP 3-91.1 for more information on the JAGIC and airspace clearance of fires. CENTRALIZED COUNTERFIRE B-22. During centralized counterfire the DIVARTY as the force field artillery headquarters executes both proactive and reactive counterfire. The counterfire headquarters executes proactive counterfire through targeting using a mixture of collection assets (to include WLRs) and delivery systems. The counterfire headquarters executes reactive counterfire by conducting positioning authority over WLRs, and designating specific FA units as counterfire firing units. DECENTRALIZED COUNTERFIRE B-23. During decentralized counterfire there is no single headquarters orchestrating counterfire. Each subordinate unit is responsible for its own counterfire. For example the FA battalion in a BCT is responsible for counterfire in the BCT’s AO. WLRs and firing units are positioned by their organic headquarters instead of the force field artillery headquarters. Because the Division’s JAGIC has the responsibility for airspace control within division assigned airspace, careful preparation of airspace must be done to enable this method of counterfire DIVISION COUNTERFIRE OPERATIONS B-24. Although the DIVARTY has no organic firing units, it can be provided a variety of FA battalions (rocket and cannon) and other assets as required to execute counterfire for the division. Counterfire in the division’s AO is normally the responsibility of the DIVARTY. The DIVARTY target processing section manages counterfire. This includes the positioning and control of the WLRs within the division’s AO. The target processing section recommends and coordinates sectors of search within the division AO and adjusts coverage by WLRs as the situation develops. At the division level, this translates to positioning, zone management, looking for gaps in coverage between BCT boundaries, as well as tracking and assisting with WLR maintenance issues. 12 October 2017