FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 3 3-20 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 Fire Support Running Estimate 3-54. The FS running estimate helps the commander build and maintain situational understanding and a realistic analysis of the effort allowing the commander to determine the effectiveness of attacks, revise support plans based on observed results, and re-prioritize the FS requirements. A running estimate is the continuous assessment of the current situation used to determine if the current operation is proceeding according to the commander's intent and if planned future operations are supportable (ADP 5-0). 3-55. Any variable that could affect the mission is a factor. Before the estimate is started, available relevant information must be collected. Once this information has been assembled and the factors that could affect the plan have been identified, they should be listed and arranged in priority. The estimate includes analysis in the context of the commander's intent for the ongoing and future operations. For more information on running see ADP 5-0. The FSCOORD and FSE produce and maintain the FS running estimate and consider: The higher HQ specified and implied tasks. The task organization of subordinate forces and their missions. The capabilities and limitations including the status of FA weapons, FA ammunition, FA WLRs, CAS, and other related fixed wing support, and any other possible asset from the holistic FS system at each echelon of command (SCAR/AI/SEAD). The position of friendly and enemy fires capabilities. FA and WLR survey support. Established and recommended FSCMs. The impact of rules of engagement and law of land warfare. The impact of terrain, and weather on friendly and enemy forces (such as smoke, CAS, and AI.) Information collection plan support and requirements. Initial HPTL. FS input to the IPB analysis. COAs open to the enemy artillery commander, especially the most probable COA. These are derived from the intelligence estimate and knowledge of enemy artillery doctrine. The enemy dispositions (including frontage and depth), the degree of protection afforded the enemy, objectives for subordinate forces or units, the number of phases, and the likely frontage and depth of the assault. These will affect the allocation of fire support resources to subordinate units. The mobility of the enemy artillery and its speed of movement to contact and withdrawal. The enemy EW situation. The identification of high-payoff targets (derived from target value analysis and IPB). The commander's information requirements (derived from the intelligence estimate). The availability and condition of roads, trails, and likely position areas. This leads to the coordination of movement and position areas with the operations staff. Ammunition consumption factors (type and quantity), pre-positioning requirements, and priority of sustainment. The reliability and range of communications. Essential fire support tasks (EFSTs) and purposes. The time required for positioning and technical preparation to engage targets. The time to be ready to support the operation. Mission Analysis 3-56. Mission analysis by the FSCOORD and the FA staff, this analysis starts to circumscribe the direction of parallel planning activities. Mission analysis begins with a review of the commander's intent one and two levels higher and focuses on the rapid development of the maneuver's HQ IPB; identification of specified, implied, and essential tasks to include those for FA formations; an initial assessment of FS survivability and employment considerations; and a restatement of the mission. By providing the most current running staff