FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
Page 55 of 256
Fire Support and the Operations Process 30 April 2020 FM 3-09 3-9 8. Communicate at distance using PACE plans, digital architecture, AFATDS database management, and liaison officers. When conducting counterfire in large-scale ground combat operations be prepared to operate in a degraded environment. Establish a PACE plan for the analog and digital architectures from sensor to shooter. AFATDS database must be verified and continuously updated to include; FSCMs, firing unit data, sensor data, targeting data, and communications architecture. Establish liaison officers at echelon and in adjacent units for cross boundary fires. 9. Conduct tactical fire direction: Tactical fire direction and firing unit management is key to ensuring responsive fires. During MDMP and the targeting process develop target selection standards and attack guidance that enables rapid decision making and responsive fires. Plan for a dedicated all weather counterfire shooter using hot and cold status. 10. Maximize radar foundational training strategy. Develop and rehearse the counterfire battle drill from sensor to shooter covering all elements of the PACE plan and all TA resources possible. Develop a weekly digital sustainment program that is focused and event driven at all echelons. THE TARGETING PROCESS 3-30. The maneuver commander's FS requirements are continually identified, planned, and executed as part of the targeting process. Targeting is the process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities (JP 3-0). Targeting helps integrate and synchronize FS with other Army and joint functions (command and control [C2], intelligence, movement and maneuver, protection, sustainment, and information). The Army targeting process or joint targeting cycle coordinates and synchronizes fire support to shape enemy forces in the deep area to set conditions for subordinate units. Units use the Army targeting process or the joint targeting cycle as appropriate according to organizational echelon. 3-31. The Army targeting process and its steps of decide, detect, deliver, and assess is integrated with the operations process, joint targeting cycle, and the MDMP (See figure 3-1, and table 3-1 on pages 3-10 and 3- 13). Targeting occurs continuously throughout an operation. Its steps mirror planning, preparing, executing, and assessing. Corps and below units normally utilize the Army targeting process. However, corps and divisions serving as the base HQ for a JTF or land component HQ employ joint planning and develop joint formatted plans and orders. Furthermore, Army units that require joint capabilities to conduct operations employ and interface with joint planning and processes, for example, the joint targeting cycle. Therefore, echelons above brigade Army commanders and staffs must understand and interface with the joint targeting cycle.