FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Fire Support in Depth During Large-Scale Ground Combat Operations 30 April 2020 FM 3-09 6-19 Figure 6-2. Task organized for a movement to contact ATTACK 6-90. Attack is a type of offensive operation that destroys or defeats enemy forces, seizes and secures terrain, or both (ADP 3-90). Attacks are violent engagements incorporating movement supported by fires against an enemy position with a force whose disposition is known and reasonably understood. However based on mission variable analysis the commander may decide to conduct an attack using only fires. Attacks may be either a decisive or shaping operation and, depending on the time available for planning, are characterized as either hasty or deliberate. An attack differs from a movement to contact because, in an attack, the commander knows part of the enemy's disposition. This knowledge enables the commander to better synchronize the attack and employ combat power more effectively in an attack than in a movement to contact (FM 3-90-1). 6-91. During the attack, less centralized control of fires is used because the maneuver force will have the initiative. Allocation of FA fires for the supported command's main effort helps control the tempo of offensive operations. The main effort must be weighted by providing adequate FA fires. 6-92. As the attacking force moves forward, preparation fire destroys, neutralizes, or suppresses enemy positions and weapons systems. As defined in chapter 3, preparation fire is a brief, intense bombardment on selected targets or a prolonged effort over time covering a large number of targets. In planning fires the maneuver commander and FSCOORD must weigh the probable effects of preparation fire against the achievement of surprise and the creation of obstacles capable of impeding friendly force movements. Preparation fire can continue while ground maneuver elements are moving. Preparation fire is planned by the commander planning the attack. The preparation fire may be phased as follows: Phase 1: Attack of enemy FS capabilities and observation capabilities, including artillery HQ and CPs.