FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Foundations of Fire Support and the Role of the Field Artillery 30 April 2020 FM 3-09 1-7 the enemy. Yet, even under the worst circumstances, the artillery can continue to maintain the momentum." COL John G. Pappageorge (Infantry) 1-22. Operate as a single entity: The FS system is a single entity composed of a diverse group of attack and delivery systems, personnel, and materiel, most of which operate in different ways. All FS capabilities in all three elements of the FS system must function with a unity of effort and purpose. The methods of providing individual FS assets may vary in terms of C2 and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). However, individual interests and concerns of each FS organization or asset must be made subordinate to the overall mission and to the maneuver commander to rapidly and continuously integrate across all domains and function as a unified force. "There is a tendency in each separate unit…to be one-handed puncher. By that I mean that the rifleman wants to shoot, the tanker wants to charge, the artilleryman to fire…That is not the way to win battles. If the band played a piece first with the piccolo, then with the brass horn, then with the clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there would be a hell of a lot of noise but no music." GEN George Patton (Armor) PRINCIPLES OF FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING, COORDINTATION, AND EXECUTION 1-23. The key to effective FS is the maneuver commander's ability to bring assets to bear on the enemy in an integrated and coordinated manner that is synchronized with the scheme of maneuver. How well this occurs depends on how well FSCOORDs and staff understand and operate the FS coordination and execution processes. Execution is the act of putting a plan into action by applying combat power to accomplish the mission (ADP 5-0). The principles of FS planning, coordination, and execution are listed below, and will be further described in chapters 3 and 5. A principle is a comprehensive and fundamental rule or an assumption of central importance that guides how an organization approaches and thinks about the conduct of operations (ADP 1-01). 1-24. The principles of FS planning and coordination listed below facilitate integration into the Army's operations process. Plan early and continuously. Ensure the continuous flow of target information. Consider the use of all capabilities. Use the lowest echelon capable of furnishing effective support. Furnish the support requested. Use the most effective FS means. Avoid unnecessary duplication. Consider airspace coordination. Provide adequate support. Provide for rapid coordination. Provide for flexibility. Use fire support coordination measures (FSCMs). 1-25. The principles of FS execution utilize the memory aid AWIFM-N: Adequate FS for the committed units. Weight to the main effort or the decisive operation. Immediately available FS for the commander to influence the operation. Facilitate future operations. Maximum feasible centralized control (especially in the defense). Never place artillery in reserve.