FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 2 2-14 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 The USMC's AFATDS is able to link digitally into the artillery and TA channels to achieve a rapid counterfire capability from either ground or air systems. AFATDS can communicate over a variety of networks using standard messaging formats such as variable message format, United States message text format (referred to as USMTF), and Link-16. It is interoperable with select coalition partner fire control systems via the artillery systems cooperative agreement protocol. 2-59. The FOS is an automated FS system used by commanders, FSEs/FSCOORDs, FSOs, FOs, and surveyors located at or employed remotely from the FS agencies at corps, division, regiment, brigade, squadron, BN, company, battery, troop, and platoon echelons. The FOS provides automated decision- making, planning, and execution capability, which provides seamless integration of synchronized and accurate fires into the maneuver commander's scheme of maneuver. The FOS performs automated, calls for fire, fire mission processing, artillery target intelligence, fire planning, clearance of fires, and survey and geometry processing supporting the FA mission. FOS networks with AFATDS which receives its digital messaging using variable message format transmitted on either tactical radio networks or local area networks. JOINT AIR OPERATIONS COMMAND AND CONTROL NETWORKS 2-60. Normally, the joint air operation C2 system will be built around the C2 system of the Service component commander designated as the JFACC. Each Service component has an organic system designed for C2 of their air operations. Whether it is the Air Force's theater air control system (referred to as TACS), the Army air-ground system (referred to as AAGS), the Navy's composite warfare commander (referred to as CWC)/Navy tactical air control system (referred to as NTACS), Marine air command and control system (referred to as MACCS). 2-61. The special operations air-ground system (referred to as SOAGS) that serves as the nucleus for C2 of joint air operations, the remainder will be integrated to best support the JFC's concept of operations. When all elements of the theater air control system, Army air-ground system, CWC/NTACS, MACCS with FS coordination center hierarchy, and SOAGS integrate, the entire system is labeled the theater air-ground system (referred to as TAGS). Refer to JP 3-30 for more information. SECTION II – FIRE SUPPORT SYSTEM – TARGET ACQUISITION 2-62. Success in battle relies heavily on the ability to accurately identify, locate, and attack HPTs. This calls for rapid and accurate target development, TA, and post-strike assessment. FS planners and FSCOORDs work closely with intelligence personnel and the FAIO to identify TA requirements and focus on detecting HPTs. As an element of the FS system, Target Acquisition is the detection, identification, and location of a target in sufficient detail to permit effective employment of capabilities that create the required effects (JP 3- 60). Staffs evaluate target information from all sources and route it to the appropriate supporting commands. This includes information from all echelons and from adjacent and supporting elements. A target is an entity or object that performs a function for the threat considered for possible engagement or other action (JP 3-60). 2-63. Target acquisition is conducted in accordance with the five principles of the law of war/law of armed conflict to permit the effective employment of weapons. TA can occur at numerous points along the execution timeline and at all levels of command, including the attack and deliver system performing the final attack (JP 3-09). Information Collection and Target Detection 2-64. Target acquisition requirements often comprise a large portion of the overall information collection effort especially when conducting deep operations or employing sophisticated cross domain fires like cyberspace operations. In some cases, especially during large-scale ground combat operations, units must be prepared to fight in order to acquire targets. The challenges to target acquisition against a peer threat include integrated air defense systems, long-range fires, counter reconnaissance, cyberspace and EW operations, deception operations, and camouflage. Commanders allocate maneuver, fires, and multi-domain ISR capabilities to enable target acquisition. For more information on how the staff and intelligence sections overcome collection gaps see FM 2-0.