FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Appendix B B-12 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 Figure B-10. Zone of fire example Note: JP 3-09 directs the use of only Arabic numerals to identify a ZF. The AFATDS software uses the zone of responsibility graphic to implement a ZF. The zone of responsibility line or area name field allows the use of uppercase alphabetic characters (A-Z), numeric characters (0-9), and blank spaces to identify that graphic. B-38. The commander of the maritime force providing naval surface fire support establishes and assigns zones of fire for the forces. The ZF for an artillery BN or a ship assigned the support relationship or mission of DS normally corresponds to the AO of the supported unit. The ZF for an artillery BN or a ship assigned the support relationship or mission of GS should be within the boundaries of the supported unit. When used in conjunction with naval gunfire, the size and shape of a ZF will depend on the following: Boundaries. In order to permit ready identification by the spotter and the individual fire support ship, the boundaries of the zones of fire should be recognizable both on the terrain and on a map. It may be necessary to divide a large ZF into two or more smaller zones due to considerations discussed in subsequent paragraphs. The boundaries of zones of fire of DS ships should correspond to the zones of action of the landing force units supported. Size. The size of each ZF should be such that the fire support ships, or ships assigned to observe and destroy targets, will be able to accomplish the mission in the time allocated. When zones of fire are delineated, known or suspected targets scheduled for destruction in each zone are plotted, and then the number and type of targets are compared to the capability of the ship. Visibility. Observation from seaward is a desirable feature for zones of fire, since it permits a ship to deliver more accurate and rapid fire. Accessibility to Fire. The zones of fire must be accessible to the trajectory of the fire support ship(s) assigned to the zone.