ATP-3-94-2 HIMARS Deep Operations Download

Appendix B B-2 ATP 3-94.2 1 September 2016 from a single armed UAS up to one or more attack reconnaissance battalions or squadrons. The level of risk associated with distance, threat volume, enemy capability, and mission complexity require more detailed planning and integration by the division or corps headquarters. Additionally, higher mission risk requires the division or corps headquarters’ prioritization of the necessary enabling capabilities to support continuous reconnaissance and target development, the utilization of joint fires with detailed rehearsals, and the completion of conditions checks prior to execution. Consideration should also be given to how long attack assets are committed to higher risk attacks and weighed against the totality of the operational risk to other ongoing or pending operations. The decision to execute attacks in the deep area must be based on the overall operational risk versus the reward of successful execution within the higher headquarters scheme of maneuver. B-7. These attacks are typically deliberate; however, based on mission variables, they may also be executed as hasty attacks against emerging targets of opportunity. If an enemy target is a high-payoff target, the potential gains from its engagement outweighs the risk of friendly losses, or the threat to aviation is determined to be acceptable, hasty attacks in the deep area can be effective in seizing emerging opportunities to prevent the enemy from gaining a position of relative advantage. B-8. Based on the depth of the attack, time allocated, echelon and size of the aviation attack force, and the supported commander’s intent, forward arming and refueling points (FARPs) and UAS launch and recovery locations are positioned forward to support relief on station and maintain sustained attacks or support attacks at extended ranges. B-9. When determining what level of planning and preparation is required to execute the attack, the commander should balance the time available versus the advantage of executing with tempo and surprise with the minimum mission essential information required to understand the friendly forces, terrain, weather, and enemy forces to achieve success. Taking too much time to develop perfect information can paralyze the operations process, enable the enemy to continue to prepare or move, or result in missed opportunities to seize the initiative. It is normally better to err on the side of speed, audacity, and momentum with the minimum mission essential information than waiting to gain complete situational understanding prior to conducting attacks. PLANNING B-10. The inherent risks with hasty and deliberate attacks in the deep area are driven by the predicted enemy situation enroute to, from, and in the AO; the depth and duration of the attack; the size and capabilities of the enemy force being attacked; the fidelity of the target location; the proximity and capabilities of adjacent enemy forces; the time of day and weather conditions; and the proximity and capabilities of friendly ground maneuver forces. To mitigate risk, and when time is available, the assigning higher headquarters and attack aviation staffs focus the operations process on the following:  Target development, location, and refinement.  Integration of joint fires and other enablers.  Maximizing the use of UAS forward to confirm target location and disposition.  Maximizing the use of terrain to mask maneuver along attack routes and in attack by fire positions.  Developing and coordinating airspace control measures.  Suppression of enemy air defenses.  Planning and developing triggers and conditions to initiate the attack.  Conducting detailed rehearsals.  Employing communications relay packages, Army Aviation Command and Control System or Airborne Battle Command System aircraft to maintain situational understanding over extended distances.  Positioning FARPs forward to maximize weapons loads and station time.  Maximizing the element of surprise by attacking from unexpected directions and unexpected times with speed and audacity.  Executing during hours of limited visibility.