FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 6 6-20 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 Phase 2: Attack of enemy main command posts, communication facilities, assembly areas, and reserves. Phase 3: Attack of enemy defensive areas in the forward portions of the enemy's AO, and targets that pose an immediate threat to attacking forces. 6-93. Timely displacements of FA units are essential for successful offensive operations. FA units move well forward prior to an attack, sometimes beyond the FLOT, displacing by echelon to provide continuous fires to the supported force. Units may be in danger of being left behind unless repositioning is frequent and synchronized to support the forward progress of the maneuver force. Displacements should maximize continuous delivery of fires and be completed as rapidly as possible. During the attack, TA WLR assets focus on identifying enemy systems that can interdict the supported maneuver unit as it moves toward the objective. Radars and observers linked to FS systems enable the supported unit's attack. (See figure 6-3, on page 6-21) Specific considerations to support an attack include: Attack enemy operational reserves and second echelon forces outside the AO to isolate first echelon forces. Support air operations with SEAD. Conduct strikes to slow and disorganize repositioning and withdrawing enemy forces. Destroy enemy C2 facilities to prevent coordination of their defense. Execute strikes in support of division, corps, JTF, or other supported command shaping operations. Provide fires to support the penetration of enemy positions. Recommend support relationships for a BCT's FA BN when the BCT is held in reserve. Plan FS for follow-on offensive operations (pursuit, exploitation); ensuring routes have sufficient mobility to move rapidly. Plan for and provide preparation fires to facilitate attacks by the supported unit. Mass effects of fires against HPTs to meet criteria established by the force commander to set conditions for crossing the LD. Provide fires to disorganize and disrupt enemy R or reserve formations. Mass fires against counterattacks. Provide fires to support raids and spoiling attacks. Plan for obscuration or screening smoke. Ensure radars are in position in time to support the assault on the objective and subsequent consolidation. Use echeloned movement to provide continuous radar coverage to the supported force.