FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 6 6-12 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 Integrate reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting acquisition with the fixing force to slow and disorganize repositioning and withdrawing enemy forces. Coordinate and synchronize joint FS with SOF and U.S. Air Force. RETROGRADE 6-52. The retrograde is a type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). An enemy may force these operations, or a commander may execute them voluntarily. In either case, the higher echelon commander of a force executing a retrograde must approve the retrograde operation before its initiation. A retrograde is a transitional operation. It is not conducted in isolation. It is part of a larger scheme of maneuver designed to regain the initiative and defeat the enemy. 6-53. The three forms of the retrograde are delay, withdrawal, and retirement. In delays, units yield ground to gain time while retaining flexibility and freedom of action to inflict the maximum damage on an enemy. Withdrawing units, whether all or part of a committed force, voluntarily disengage from an enemy to preserve the force or release it for a new mission. A withdraw is to disengage from an enemy force and move in a direction away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). A withdrawal is the riskiest of all operations. Deception operations can reduce this operational risk. A retirement is when a force out of contact moves away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). In each form of the retrograde, a force not engaged with an enemy moves to another location, normally by a tactical road march. In all retrograde operations, firm control of friendly maneuver elements is a prerequisite for success. Fire Support Planning and Tasks for the Delay 6-54. Initially, position FS assets well forward to exploit range. Prepare a plan of interdiction fires covering main hostile avenues of approach. Later position assets in depth to provide maximum continuous fires. FS tasks for a delay are as follows: Place fires on barriers and natural obstacles. Emplace obstacles with scatterable mines. Utilize fires to support strongpoints. Provide fires to cover and screen withdrawals. Use smoke extensively. Provide fires in support of hasty counterattacks. Engage enemy forces congested behind obstacles or minefields and to slow breaching attempts Use fires to attack enemy forces that have breached the obstacles. Provide fires to assist maneuver in disengagement. Provide maximum continuous fire for maneuver forces as they displace to the rear. Provide mass fires to slow the enemy as they deploy to concentrate for attack of friendly delay positions. 6-55. The FS planning aspects of a withdrawal are very similar to those of a delay, as the FSCOORD must plan for a withdrawal under pressure. The enemy must be forced to slow down as they concentrate their forces. Because enemy maneuver units are moving while this occurs, the use of joint precision effects against HPTs is essential. Deep fires are used in relieving pressure on units in contact with the enemy. 6-56. A retirement is a retrograde operation in which a force that is not engaged with the enemy conducts a tactical movement to the rear. FA units are integrated with the maneuver units. They are given a GS support relationship with on-order missions of DS to their organic units. FS tasks in a withdrawal are as follows: Mask the movement of friendly forces with smoke. Use fires to slow the enemy. Cover obstacles with fire and observation. Jam enemy command nets to slow the enemy's reaction to a withdrawal once it is under way. Use deep fires to relieve pressure on units in contact. Provide final protective fires when necessary. Be prepared to support a delay.