ATP-3-94-2 HIMARS Deep Operations Download
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Deep Operations Overview 1 September 2016 ATP 3-94.2 1-9 combat power. The simultaneous application of combat power throughout the entirety of the AO is preferable to the attritional nature of sequential operations. COMBINED ARMS EFFORT 1-37. Combined arms are the synchronized and simultaneous applications of arms to achieve an effect greater than if each arm was used separately or sequentially (ADRP 3-0). Combined arms integration involves the arrangement of battlefield actions in time, space, and purpose to produce maximum relative effects of combat power at a decisive place and time. Through force tailored organizations, commanders and their staffs integrate and synchronize the warfighting functions to achieve combined arms effects and accomplish the mission. Deep operations require the complementary and reinforcing capabilities of the warfighting functions, as well as information and leadership, and the explicit coordination among the various units and activities participating in the operations. Therefore, deep operations are combined arms operations which multiply Army forces’ effectiveness in achieving the greatest potential outcome. ACCURATE, RELIABLE, AND TIMELY INTELLIGENCE 1-38. Accurate, reliable, and timely intelligence about the enemy’s support characteristics, force structure, and ability to adapt is critical to successful deep operations. Intelligence provides information about the enemy’s probable course(s) of action, identifies interrelated target systems, allows the commander to anticipate enemy actions, and facilitates correct assessment. A prerequisite for planning deep operations is an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the enemy and how the enemy is most likely to fight. Accurate intelligence allows commanders to develop achievable objectives, select appropriate targets, apply the appropriate weapon and delivery systems, and maintain situational awareness on the enemy’s response. In order to accomplish this, commanders require information systems that facilitate exploitation and dissemination of real-time and near real-time intelligence. Such intelligence is particularly useful in dealing with targets that may have near or immediate effect on forces or whose location was not accurately known. Deep operations objectives should be identified and then prioritized in relation to their importance in achieving operational objectives. CONTINUOUS TARGET DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT 1-39. Target development is the systematic examination of potential target systems—and their components, individual targets, and even elements of targets—to determine the necessary type and duration of the action that must be exerted on each target to create an effect that is consistent with the commander’s specific objectives. (JP 3-60). During target development, the commander and staff vet the accuracy of supporting intelligence and validate the target by ensuring it meets the objectives outlined in the commander’s guidance and the attack of the target is in compliance with the law of war and rules of engagement. Continuous target development and refinement increases the probability of successful deep operations while also substantially mitigating risk. It facilitates detailed planning by ensuring the staff has a current understanding of the enemy’s capability and strength. This allows the commander and staff to employ the correct mix of assets at the correct time and location to achieve the desired effects against the enemy. DELIBERATELY PLANNED 1-40. Deep operations achieve their greatest impact when they are deliberately planned. They require a unity of effort to integrate the capabilities and actions of supporting units as well as the warfighting functions. The level of complexity, the intricate timing of actions, and the potential tactical risks necessitate a dedicated planning process to develop and synchronize the deep operation from concept through execution. While this planning process focuses specifically on the details of the deep operation, the commander and staff should continually assess the implications and risks these actions will have throughout the AO on both friendly and enemy forces. In order to accomplish this assessment, Army commanders must understand the battle rhythm of other component headquarters which possess the ability to influence the deep area.