FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
Page 217 of 256
Environmental and Terrain Considerations for Fire Support 30 April 2020 FM 3-09 D-13 D-79. WLRs are extremely effective in the jungle, since most indirect fires are high-angle fires. In stability operations, many targets detected by the radars are fleeting in nature (shoot and move) and the radar must be tied in with an indirect fire support asset to ensure quick counterfire. D-80. Also, most enemy indirect fires will be directed against friendly unit positions. Therefore, the radars should be oriented so as to locate those enemy fires. TARGETING D-81. Targeting is very difficult because of the triple canopy and the fluid nature of the conflict. Experience with the particular enemy will provide some targets indicated by the enemy's past performance and techniques. D-82. Plan targets: To support the scheme of maneuver. Along roads and trails. At likely ambush sites. Around clearings. At river or stream crossings. Around built-up areas. D-83. Also, isolated units will prepare 360-degree defenses. Plan FPFs to support that defensive posture. Consider recommending to the supporting field artillery battalion commander a munition-specific RSR supply rate to support the operation. POSITIONING D-84. Often, firing positions for FA and mortars are very limited; and some positions may be inaccessible by roads. While mortars may be dismounted and airlifted into position, artillery will be severely limited in its movement and ability to position. Platoons may have to be widely separated, increasing the difficulty of mutual defense and resupply. Each position must have 6,400-mil firing capability, regardless of weapon types. Remember that a position occupied too long is subject to ground attack. Also, the enemy will quickly determine the range of weapons in that position and stay out of their range. If GPS are not available, consider using a helicopter-mounted position azimuth determining system or Doppler radar to survey air-inserted mortar positions inaccessible by road. CLOSE AIR SUPPORT D-85. Close air support can be effective in the jungle but hard to control because of the inability of the pilot to see the friendly ground elements. Also, because the combat is usually of such close nature, the delivery of the munitions must be closely controlled to avoid injuring friendly personnel. D-86. Pyrotechnics should be used to mark friendly forces and the target area. An air observer or JTAC, if available, should control the air strike. It is extremely important that the method used for this marking not be duplicated by the enemy. Strict security is required. D-87. Heavy bombs (2,000 to 3,000 pounds) with fuze extenders can clear away the jungle canopy. Many Air Force cluster munitions are designed to penetrate jungle canopy. Depending on the type and quantity delivered, bomblets are effective against area targets consisting of personnel, light materiel, and armor. COMMUNICATIONS D-88. Communications considerations for jungle operations include: Remember that communications in a triple-canopy jungle are severely degraded. Elevate antennas above the canopy, when possible. Use air observers or airborne command platforms as relay stations. Consider using directional antennas.