FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Appendix B B-22 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 commander designated to assume overall responsibility for the operation of the airspace control system in the airspace control area (JP 3- 52). B-72. The airspace control authority consolidates, coordinates, and deconflicts the airspace requirements of the components and publishes the ACMs in the ACO. The ACO is normally published at least daily B-73. An airspace control order is an order implementing the airspace control plan that provides the details of the approved requests for airspace coordinating measures (JP 3-52). It is published either as part of the ATO, or as a separate document. B-74. An ATO is a method used to task and disseminate to components, subordinate units, and C2 agencies projected sorties, capabilities, or forces to targets and specific missions. Normally provides specific instructions to include call signs, targets, controlling agencies, etc., as well as general instructions (JP 3-30). See JP 3-52 and JP 3-30 for further information on the conduct and control of air operations. Note: Altitude typically refers to the height above sea level of a given point. Personnel must ensure the altitude is correctly displayed in accordance with their system requirements. Some systems may require altitude to be expressed as height above ellipsoid while others may require expression in relation to mean sea level. Some systems may require conversion from feet to meters to permit system entry. Fire support personnel must also be aware that altitude is sometimes expressed as measured from ground level rather than mean sea level. B-75. Army commanders use ACMs to facilitate the efficient use of airspace and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly forces. Procedural control ACMs are used to delineate an airspace boundary or define airspace dimensions for enabling other systems (such as fire support systems) to discriminate friendly coordination joint engagement measures from enemy, employ fires across boundaries, and coordinate joint attack of targets for a particular operation. Restricted operations zone is airspace reserved for specific activities in which the operation of one or more airspace uses is restricted (JP 3-52). The ACMs that frequently affect fire support include the airspace coordination area, the coordinating altitude, and the restricted operations zone (ROZ). Those are discussed here. See FM 3-52 and JP 3-52 for other ACMs. AIRSPACE COORDINATION AREA B-76. An airspace coordination area is a three-dimensional block of airspace in a target area, established by the appropriate commander, in which friendly aircraft are reasonably safe from friendly surface fires. (JP 3- 09.3). B-77. A formal airspace coordination area requires detailed planning. Vital information defining the formal airspace coordination area includes minimum and maximum altitudes, a baseline designated by grid coordinates at each end, the width (on either side of the baseline), and the effective times. When time for coordination is limited, an informal airspace coordination area is used. In an informal airspace coordination area, aircraft and surface joint fires may be separated by time or distance (lateral, altitude, or a combination of the two). The maneuver commander requesting CAS or employing helicopters can request an informal airspace coordination area; the informal airspace coordination area is approved at BN or higher level. Both types of airspace coordination areas are constructed with the assistance of the ALO to ensure they meet the technical requirements of the aircraft and weapon systems. B-78. Army aviation, ADA, military intelligence, maneuver, UAS, EW assets, fire support, and joint and multinational air and ground forces all use airspace. Because they are not organized, trained, and equipped to conduct airspace control, BCT and lower commander's exercise airspace management as part of a Division's airspace control within Division Assigned Airspace. Airspace control maximizes the simultaneous use of airspace. At decisive moments, commanders are able to exploit all available combat power synchronized in time, space, and purpose. B-79. Fires are airspace users. Clearance of fires maximizes damage to enemy capabilities while minimizing the risk of damage to friendly forces and non-combatants. Clearance of fires may be accomplished through a staff process, control measures, embedded in automation systems, active or passive recognition systems, or a combination thereof.