FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
Page 53 of 256
Fire Support and the Operations Process 30 April 2020 FM 3-09 3-7 PROACTIVE COUNTERFIRE 3-26. Proactive counterfire is the specific targeting of enemy indirect fire systems including their command and control, sensors, platforms, and logistics before they engage friendly forces. The proactive measures consist of zone management, site analysis, and position survivability considerations. Proactive counterfire process begins with targeting and continues throughout the operation. The G-2 and the targeting officer develop named areas of interest and target areas of interest where the enemy indirect fire assets are expected. The objective of proactive counterfire is to identify, locate, and attack to eliminate the enemy's strike capability before it can impact friendly operations. Rocket BNs from the FAB and AI normally performs the bulk of proactive counterfire in support of division operations, using TA and fires as well as allocated, joint, national or multinational assets to acquire and disable attack components of the enemy's strike capability. Examples of target sets include: cannon, rocket, and missile delivery units, prepared launch sites, artillery ammunition storage facilities, FDCs, counterfire radars, FOs, fixed or rotary wing airfields and fire support communication infrastructure. Intelligence assets must be synchronized and integrated to accurately locate targets; and attack assets (such as artillery, mortars, CAS, attack helicopters, naval surface fire support, and CEMA) must be dedicated against the threat total FS system. Considerations for conducting proactive counterfire include: All available artillery units participate. Integrate all available joint FS attack/delivery systems. Requires augmentation by Army and joint intelligence assets to locate and accurately target the enemy indirect fire systems. The G-2/S-2 typically has a leading role in managing this effort; intelligence feeds into common ground station and cross-cueing radars and UAS are critical. Establishing digital interface between the MLRS/HIMARS and cannon FA BN S-2s and the S- 2/liaisons is critical. Making maximum use of permissive FSCMs to facilitate the clearance of fires; for example, in defense the coordinated fire line (CFL) may be positioned close to friendly troops to facilitate quick engagements. Managing no-fire areas (NFAs) that protect special operations forces, long-range surveillance detachments, reconnaissance troops, and scouts is critical. Use of AFATDS to clear fires should be maximized. Establishing radar call for fire zone (CFFZ). REACTIVE COUNTERFIRE 3-27. Reactive counterfire provides immediate indirect and joint fires to neutralize, destroy, and suppress enemy indirect fire weapons once acquired. The FS system responds primarily to enemy mortar and artillery fires during or immediately following enemy engagement of friendly forces. Reactive counterfire usually requires quick response capabilities for optimum effectiveness and can benefit from the establishment of quick fire channels. 3-28. FA units employ a variety of counterfire acquisition assets to accurately locate enemy indirect fire assets as they are engaging friendly forces establishing sensor-to-shooter links to attack the enemy systems. Ensure that the mission fired report and artillery target intelligence is sent to the all source analysis section. Other key considerations for conducting reactive counterfire include airspace clearance, the use of both permissive fire support coordination measures that facilitate quick engagements and restrictive measures such as NFAs to protect critical assets, establishing quick-fire channels with sensor-to-shooter links, and designating radar zone managers. THE COUNTERFIRE IMPERATIVES 3-29. Nested with the FS planning, coordination, and execution principles are the 10 counterfire imperatives. These 10 imperatives are a good tool to use in assessing and coordinating the overall counterfire fight. 1. Provide commander's intent and guidance to enable counterfire operations and scheme of fire in support of the commander's objectives. Counterfire planning begins during the MDMP and