FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 3 3-4 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 C2 (CPs, people, processes, and networks) is redundant where possible. FS personnel are well trained and proficient with analog and digital systems, and training must be continuous. Ensure unit digital sustainment training is planned, resourced, and emphasized at command levels. Develop and utilize a detailed digital standard operating procedure (SOP). FS meteorology, survey, and communications are accurate, redundant, and timely. Request additional communications support if needed. SECTION II – PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES 3-13. As discussed in chapter 2, processes and procedures are a component of the overall C2 system. The primary FS processes are targeting, FS planning and coordination, and the MDMP process. It is important to understand that all of these processes occur continuously and simultaneously with the overall operations process (see table 3-1 on page 3-13). Two critical FS procedures that all FS planners must understand and integrate into the operations process are SEAD and counterfire. Since these are so critical, they are described up front in this section. For more detail on SEAD refer to JP 3-01. For more detail on counterfire refer to ATP 3-09.12. SUPPRESION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSES 3-14. Army SEAD operations are designed to support operational and tactical plans by protecting Army aviation assets near the forward line of own troops (FLOT) or during cross-FLOT operations. SEAD also includes the protection of Air Force aircraft (such as CAS aircraft) supporting the ground commander's operation. The basic principle of Army SEAD operations is see-kill. This means that enemy air defense systems are attacked immediately upon detection, consistent with the commander's intent and the best application of resources. Formal SEAD fire planning normally is conducted and coordinated at division level or higher and may involve other services. See JP 3-01 for more detail on countering air and missile threats. 3-15. SEAD targeting and synchronization. The targeting process for SEAD is the same as for any other target set. It is conducted within the framework of intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) and decide, detect, deliver, and assess and must support the four FS functions such as support air or rotary wing assets in contact with an air defense threat; fulfill an aspect of the commander's plan; be synchronized with the air operation; and be capable of sustaining its effort. The synchronization of SEAD is even more critical and difficult than the synchronization of FS for ground maneuver forces because of the time sensitivity of air operations. The responsibilities for SEAD targeting and synchronization run across the corps and division staff sections and are directed through the FSE. The FSCOORD manages and directs the corps or division SEAD effort. 3-16. SEAD objectives are specified by the JFC, who will consider the unique capabilities of each component to contribute to counterair operations. Counterair is a mission at the theater level that integrates offensive and defensive operations to attain and maintain a desired degree of control of the air and protection by neutralizing or destroying enemy aircraft and missiles, both before and after launch (JP 3-01). Traditionally, there are three categories of SEAD (AOR-/joint operations area-wide joint air defense system suppression, localized suppression, and opportune suppression), each of which reduces friendly attrition from an adversary's air defense system and creates more favorable conditions for friendly air operations. For each category, there are two means of executing SEAD, destructive and disruptive. 3-17. Air component SEAD capabilities. SEAD assets are often used in conjunction with other air operations such as air interdiction, offensive counterair, attack operations, and airborne operations when surface air defenses are a factor. Specially trained aircrew and specially equipped aircraft are designed for SEAD missions, especially against an enemy integrated air defense system (IADS). SEAD dedicated aircraft are normally equipped with special electronic detection and EA equipment capabilities (directed energy, antiradiation missiles, electromagnetic jamming, flares, chaff, and decoys). SEAD assets may be scarce and categorized as high-demand/low-density assets. Thus, during large-scale ground combat operations, they usually will not be tasked for missions without a SEAD requirement. Other fighter-attack and multi-role fighter crews normally are trained to support the SEAD mission, especially against the enemy air defense infrastructure.