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 6-29 Plan CFZs on passage points and assembly areas. Ensure the stationary force supports the close operation while the passing force indirect-fire assets complete the passage. Ensure counterfire is planned and controlled by the stationary force. Plan fires on passage points to be fired after friendly units have passed through. Consider use of scatterable mines to close passage lanes. Ensure the stationary force plans fires to support operations after the passage of lines. The FSE of the stationary force sends liaison to the FSE of the passing force. ENCIRCLEMENT OPERATIONS 6-124. Encirclement operations are operations where one force loses its freedom of maneuver because an opposing force is able to isolate it by controlling all ground lines of communications and reinforcement (ADP 3-90). A unit can conduct offensive encirclement operations designed to isolate an enemy force or conduct defensive encirclement operations as a result of the unit's isolation by the actions of an enemy force. (See figure 6-6, page 6-31). 6-125. Defending forces can become encircled at any time during large-scale ground combat operations. This is especially true during noncontiguous operations. An encircled force can continue to defend encircled, conduct a breakout, exfiltrate toward other friendly forces, or attack deeper into enemy-controlled territory. A commander's form of maneuver once becoming encircled depends on the senior commander's intent and the mission variables. It is important for the encircled force to continue its mission, establish communication with higher HQ, and act on its own initiative within the intent of the higher commander. The most likely COA facing the encircled force is to try a breakout toward friendly forces and prepare for linkup operations. 6-126. The following must be considered in a breakout toward friendly troops: Plan fires to support the immediate defense and the breakout. Reorganize available FS assets, and coordinate with FS elements outside the encircled force for additional FS. Establish FSCMs. RFAs around encircled forces and RFLs between converging breakout and linkup forces should be considered. Airspace coordination areas in the vicinity of the breakout point are necessary if CAS is used. Concentrate massed and continuous fires at the breakout point to open a gap for the rupture force. Plan for WLR sectors of search, use CFFZs over known and suspected enemy locations and place CFZs over the encircled force. Plan for linkup operations by establishing FSCMs to facilitate FS operations between friendly forces. Make use of all lethal and nonlethal capabilities to deceive the enemy as to the location of the breakout. 6-127. Offensive encirclement operations are conducted by corps and division to isolate targeted enemy forces. Typically, encirclements result from penetrations and envelopments, or are extensions of exploitation and pursuit operations. As such, they are not a separate form of the offense but an extension of an ongoing operation. They may be planned sequels or result from exploiting an unforeseen opportunity. 6-128. Once a decision is made to reduce an encirclement, the commander normally uses one of two possible methods of reduction-fire alone or fire and movement. Reduction by fire alone implies that the encircling friendly commander will use FS as the primary or sole means of reducing the encirclement. This includes employing artillery, direct fires, CAS, CEMA, attack helicopters and armed UAS against the enemy perimeter. Reduction by fire alone reduces the number of casualties suffered by the friendly encircling force. 6-129. However, reduction by fire alone requires a significant amount of attack/delivery systems, ammunition, and time. This application of overwhelming fire requires decisions on selection of munitions, delivery means, and targets. Reduction by fire also does not guarantee results. Fires alone might not be sufficient to force the surrender of the encircled enemy force.