FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 6 6-16 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 6-77. Forward line of own troops is a line which indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time (JP 3-03). The FLOT normally identifies the forward location of covering or screening forces. It does not apply to small, long-range reconnaissance assets and similar stay- behind forces. Friendly forces forward of the FLOT may have a restrictive FSCM, such as a RFA, placed around them to prevent friendly fire incidents. The CFL should be planned as close as possible to the FLOT without restricting the maneuver operations. 6-78. Limit of advance is a phase line used to control forward progress of the attack (ADP 3-90). The attacking unit does not advance any of its elements or assets beyond the limit of advance, but the attacking unit can push its security forces to that limit. Commanders usually select a feature that is easily identifiable, perpendicular to the direction of attack, and on the far side of the objective as the limit of advance. The use of a limit of advance prevents an attacking force from overextending and reduces fratricide possibilities and friendly fire incidents by fires supporting the attack. FSCOORDs plan and execute fires beyond the limit of advance. 6-79. The line of contact is a general trace delineating the locations where friendly and enemy forces are engaged (ADP 3-90). Commanders designate the enemy side of the line of contact by the abbreviation "ENY." In the defense, a line of contact is often synonymous with the FLOT. A line of contact may be combined with an LD in the offense. 6-80. A line of departure in land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the departure of attack elements (JP 3-31). The purpose of an LD is to coordinate the advance of the attacking force, so that its elements strike enemy forces in the order and at the time desired. An LD also marks where a unit transitions from movement to maneuver. Commanders also use it to facilitate the coordination of fires. Generally, it should be perpendicular to the direction the attacking force takes on its way to the objective. Units crossing the LD trigger fire plans and FSCM changes. 6-81. An objective is a location used to orient operations, phase operations, facilitate changes of direction, and provide for unity of effort (ADP 3-90). An objective can be terrain or force oriented. Terrain-oriented objectives should be easy to recognize. A higher echelon commander uses terrain-oriented objectives to focus the operations of subordinates, focus phase operations, facilitate changes of direction, and provide for unity of effort. Commanders determine force-oriented objectives based on known enemy positions. FSCOORDs plan fires on, beyond, and to the flanks of objectives IAW the scheme of maneuver and the commander's intent. FS attack/delivery systems should be able to range well beyond the objective. A rule of thumb for FA assets is that two-thirds of their maximum range should be beyond the objective. FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OFFENSE 6-82. Audacity, concentration, surprise, and tempo characterize the offense. Commanders maneuver forces to advantageous positions before the start of an operation. To shape their decisive operation, they initiate selective contact with enemy forces. The decisive operation determines the outcome of the major operation, battle, or engagement. Decisive operations capitalize on the successful application of the characteristics of the offense. Audacity 6-83. Audacity is a willingness to take bold risks. By executing a bold, aggressive plan, a commander can seize and retain the initiative, but the risk decisions must be balanced against expected gains. Commanders can use FS to demonstrate audacity by: Aggressively applying firepower by massing in an accurate and timely manner. Proactively target and strike critical enemy C2, indirect fire, and sustainment nodes. Placing FS assets forward of maneuver units maximize range. The commander must ensure proper security of FS assets. Using FA raids to strike HPTs or gain range for shaping operations. For more information on artillery raid operations see ATP 3-09.23.