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-15 D-97. Most open desert terrain allows a faster or an unimpeded approach and more maneuver space for mechanized forces. Use of trigger points and long-range observation capabilities is critical for effective engagement with available fire support systems. Fast-moving formations are best engaged with fixed-wing assets and attack helicopters. D-98. Increased equipment failure can be expected as a result of heat, sand, and dust. Especially susceptible are radios, automation systems, and other electronic equipment. D-99. Air Observers can be used for target acquisition, coordination of fire support, and adjustment of fires in flat terrain or in a desert of rolling sand dunes. The difficulty of aerial navigation in flat desert terrain is a disadvantage that must be planned for. The absence of terrain features in an open desert makes aircraft more vulnerable to enemy air defense. D-100. Because of the ability to see great distances and the featureless terrain of an open desert, positive identification of friendly troops requires special measures. More than usual coordination may be required, with prearranged signals and procedures established for friendly force locations. Maintaining continuous communications on fire support and mission command nets with aviation elements operating in sector is even more critical. D-101. Radars are highly effective in the desert. However, they may have to be repositioned more often because the flat terrain does not provide adequate screening crests. TARGETING D-102. A thorough IPB must be conducted to: Identify passable terrain for wheeled and tracked vehicles. Identify likely mortar and artillery positions. Assess the impact of wadis, gulches, and other significant terrain on friendly and enemy mobility. Identify likely enemy forward observation positions. Identify antitank guided missile systems and air defense systems as priority targets. D-103. Plan the correct munitions for targets: Improved conventional munitions and field artillery mines for roads in restricted terrain. FA mines to deny the enemy navigable terrain and to try to force him into wadis and gulches. Variable time on reverse slopes. Variable time and time fuzes on targets in deep, sandy deserts. Smoke during the day and ground-burning illumination at night to silhouette the enemy. Smoke and white phosphorous against likely enemy observation posts. HE with point detonating fuzes on targets in rocky terrain. POSITIONING D-104. Common grid, the limited number of available attack/delivery systems requires the use of a common grid based on the best available survey data. Terrain association techniques (map spots) may be inadequate for positioning indirect fire systems. D-105. Concealment, FA and mortars should move under cover of darkness, because enemy observers can detect the movement or at least the dust from the movement of vehicles. Resupply should also be conducted at night, preferably enroute between positions. Appropriate color of equipment and camouflage systems is essential for effective concealment of firing positions. D-106. Emplacement in wadis and gulches offers the best concealment. However, it entails some degree of risk as the result of unexpected flash flooding (size of wadis is relative to degree of risk). D-107. Movement, trafficability through the dunes may be severely degraded. The absence of roads in the direction of our movement will further slow moves.