FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Environmental and Terrain Considerations for Fire Support 30 April 2020 FM 3-09 D-9 Unnecessary suffering - The prohibition of using weapons, projectiles, or other materials, which, by their nature or manner of use, are calculated to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering. Proportionality - The injury to persons and damage to property incidental to military action must not be excessive in relation to the direct military advantage anticipated. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT D-54. Legal factors are but one element of the rules of engagement; national policy and political objectives also play an essential role in the drafting of rules of engagement. Often the rules of engagement will include some restrictions on weapons and targets, and provide the commander with guidelines to ensure the greatest possible protection of noncombatants consistent with military necessity. TARGETING CONSIDERATIONS D-55. One of the major areas of consideration in the law of war is that of targeting. There are few absolutes in targeting, but the application of the general principles applies. Commanders must confirm that targets support military objectives. The following may be considered to be in that category: Members of the armed forces having the status of combatants. Non-combatants who lose protected status by taking a direct part in hostilities. Objects that by their nature, location, purpose, or use, are considered to be either military property, or contributing to the enemy's war effort. Their destruction provides a military advantage. D-56. Although civilians, noncombatants, and civilian property may not be specifically targeted, incidental injury and collateral damage are not unlawful if caused incident to an attack on a lawful target, and the incidental injury and collateral damage are not excessive in proportion to the anticipated military advantage gained from the attack. Targeting issues are important not only in urban combat operations, but also in irregular situations where an enemy, in violation of the law of war, may use civilians to mask attacks or as unlawful combatants. PLANNING SECTION II – MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS D-57. In combat operations, mountains generally are characterized by rugged, compartmented terrain; steep slopes; and few natural or man-made lines of communication. The weather spans the entire spectrum from extreme cold, with ice and snow, to extreme heat in some areas. Vegetation can vary from dense jungle to barren waste. Variability of weather over short periods of time and of vegetation from area to area significantly influences both maneuver and fire support operations. MUNITIONS D-58. Munitions effects are affected by the environment and terrain. Intelligence preparation of the battlefield helps determine where and what munitions are most effective. Below are munitions considerations for mountainous terrain. In snow: FA delivered mines may settle into the snow off-vertical. At temperatures lower than -15° C, very little settling occurs. Variable time and time fuzes are most effective in most cases. HE - point detonating, HE-delay, and improved conventional munitions are ineffective because at least 40 percent of the effects are muted by the snow. The phosphorus in white phosphorus (referred to as WP) can burn undetected in snow for up to four days. In rocky terrain: