FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 6 6-10 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 PREPARATION 6-43. Preparation consists of those activities performed by units and Soldiers to improve their ability to execute an operation (ADP 5-0). Preparation creates condition that improve friendly forces' opportunities for success. Defending units prepare their AO before attacking enemy forces arrive, or they establish the defense behind a force performing a security operation. FS preparation consideration: Actively participate in the joint and Army targeting processes. Plan indirect fires in support of the barrier and obstacle plan. Plan defensive fires in support of patrols, convoys, or quick reaction forces. Plan targets, observer positions (primary and alternate), triggers, and fires in support of all EAs for all phases of the defensive operation. Recommend FSCMs to support each phase of the defensive operation. Plan targets on avenues of approach to disrupt enemy attacks by striking the enemy on the approach and during their assault. Ensure that forward positioned observers are resourced with adequate security, mobility, and situational understanding. Prepare and harden artillery and TA positions. Conduct rehearsals on the actual terrain. SECURITY 6-44. Commanders secure their forces through the performance of security, protection, information operations, and cyberspace and EW operations. Security operations prevent enemy ISR assets from determining friendly locations, strengths, and weaknesses. FS must complement and support all security operations and unit protection plans by providing: Support to security forces and actions in the consolidation and support areas. Execution of deception fires and support to deception operations. Disruption to enemy attacks. Counterfire throughout the depth of the AO. Suppress and obscure enemy overwatch positions. Support friendly strong points. TYPES OF DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS 6-45. There are three basic defensive operations- area defense, mobile defense, and retrograde. These apply to both the tactical and operational levels of war, although the mobile defense is more often associated with the operational level. The three operations are significantly different concepts and pose significantly different challenges in FS and FA planning and execution. Although the names of these defensive operations convey the overall aim of a selected defense, each typically contains static and mobile elements. AREA DEFENSE 6-46. The area defense is a type of defensive operation that concentrates on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain for a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright (ADP 3-90). The focus of the area defense is on retaining terrain where the bulk of the defending force positions itself in mutually supporting prepared positions. 6-47. Usually, there is some warning of an enemy attack. The enemy must be brought under the maximum mass of counterpreparation fire as early as possible. Counterpreparation fire is the intensive prearranged fire delivered when the imminence of the enemy attack is discovered. Counterpreparation fire disrupts the enemy's preparations for an attack or a counterattack. It does this by striking him in his assembly areas; breaking up his attack formations; disorganizing his command, control, and communications; impairing his target acquisition capabilities; and reducing his morale. Counterpreparations are usually scheduled as on call. The counterpreparation may be phased, although this is not required.