FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
Page 169 of 256
30 April 2020 FM 3-09 B-1 Appendix B Fire Support Coordination Measures FSCMs enable the employment of fires and effects. Locations and implementing instructions for FSCMs are disseminated electronically by message, database updates, or overlays through command and fire support channels, to higher, lower, and adjacent maneuver and supporting units. The establishment or change of a FSCM is typically initiated through the operations cell and ultimately approved by the establishing commander. FSCMs enhance the expeditious engagement of targets; protect forces, populations, critical infrastructure, and sites of religious or cultural significance; and set the stage for future operations. Commanders position and adjust FSCMs consistent with the operational situation and in consultation with superior, subordinate, supporting, and affected commander. The operations cell informs coordination elements of the change and effective times. Conditions that dictate the change of FSCMs are also coordinated with the other agencies and components as appropriate. As conditions are met, the new FSCM effective time can be projected and announced. Following direction to execute the change, the current operations integration cell should confirm with all liaison elements that the FSCM changes have been disseminated. Note: The airspace coordinating and FSCM graphics depicted in this chapter are examples for illustrative purposes only. The authority for constructing such graphics is Army doctrine reference publication ADP 1-02, JP 3-09, JP 3-52 and Military Standard (MIL-STD-2525D). SECTION I – PERMISSIVE FIRE SUPPORT COORDINATION MEASURES B-1. Permissive FSCMs facilitate the attack of targets. Fires must be cleared with both terrain owners and other airspace users. FSCMs will change frequently during large-scale ground combat operations. The commander adjusts FSCMs as required to keep pace with operations. COORDINATED FIRE LINE B-2. A coordinated fire line is a line beyond which conventional surface-to-surface direct fire and indirect fire support means may fire at any time within the boundaries of the establishing headquarters without additional coordination but does not eliminate the responsibility to coordinate the airspace required to conduct the mission (JP 3-09). The purpose of the CFL is to expedite the surface-to-surface attack of targets beyond the CFL without coordination with the ground commander in whose area the targets are located (JP 3-09). A brigade commander or equivalent, usually establishes the CFL but it can also be established, especially in amphibious operations and by a maneuver BN. It is located as close to the establishing unit as possible without interfering with the maneuver forces. The CFL does not eliminate the requirement or responsibility to coordinate the airspace required to conduct the mission. Such fires must still comply with ROE and law-of-war targeting constraints; designation of a CFL is not authorization to fire indiscriminately into the area. The CFL should be placed on identifiable terrain, however, additional considerations include the limits of ground observation, the location of the initial objectives in the offense, and the requirement for maximum flexibility in both maneuver and the delivery of supporting fires. A division HQ may consolidate subordinate BDE CFLs.