FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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30 April 2020 FM 3-09 D-1 Appendix D Environmental and Terrain Considerations for Fire Support The sections of this appendix are designed to be a quick-reference resource of information on aspects of environmental and terrain considerations that affect fire support. Section I begins with FS considerations in urban terrain. Section II begins with FS considerations in mountainous terrain. Section III is devoted to operations in the jungle. Section IV is discusses desert considerations. SECTION I – FIRE SUPPORT CONSIDERATIONS FOR URBAN OPERATIONS D-1. Urban operations are typically planned and conducted on or against objectives on terrain where man- made construction or the density of population are the dominant features. The FS planners recommend FS tasks to support the division and corps scheme of maneuver. Often, the role of FS in an urban environment is to enable subordinate and supporting units to get into or around the urban area with minimal casualties. This enables the respective unit commander to have maximum combat power with which to close with the enemy and finish the fight. Appropriate FSCMs are essential because fighting in urban areas results in opposing forces engaged in close combat. PLANNING D-2. Planning considerations for fires in support of urban operations include: Exchange fire support and observer plans with adjacent units. Conduct target mensuration for precision munitions. Coordinate for collateral damage estimates as necessary. Develop an observer plan to include observation posts in buildings, location of laser designators, and overwatch of trigger points and gun-target lines. Plan EW assets to defeat the improvised explosive device threat, disrupt enemy information collection, reconnaissance and surveillance efforts, and detect enemy use of the electromagnetic spectrum for targeting purposes. Identify location of hazardous sites; both above and below ground such as fuel and industrial storage tanks, gas distribution lines, and any other area where incendiary effects of detonating artillery and mortar rounds will start fires. Identify the general construction or composition of the buildings and road surfaces (may impact the type of munitions used). Where does building masking, overhead power lines, or towers degrade GPS and compass functioning? Will the use of obscurants and illumination favor friendly units or the threat? Will buildings or structures require fire support personnel to carry or use equipment not normally carried such as field expedient antennas, climbing rope, wire gloves, axes or sledgehammers? Plan for radar coverage. D-3. The FSCOORD and fires cell planners often find their major challenges to be in providing fire support to numerous smaller engagements that, while separate, are part of coordinated, larger unit operations. Prioritizing fire support, sustaining fire support, and positioning and repositioning fire support assets take on greater significance in urban operations. The FSCOORD, FSEs and other staff should thoroughly examine.