FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 3 3-26 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 Counterpreparation fire is the intensive prearranged fire delivered when the imminence of the enemy attack is discovered. It is designed to break up enemy formations; disorganize the enemy's system of command, communications and observation; decrease effectiveness of artillery preparation; and impair the enemy's offensive spirit. Defensive fires is surface to surface indirect fires intended to disrupt discovered enemy preparations for an attack. The close defensive battle should start at the longest practicable range. The ideal defensive fire plan is one that disrupts the enemy's preparations to such an extent that the enemy cannot mount an assault. Defensive fire disrupts the enemy's preparations for an attack or a counterattack. It does this by striking him in his assembly areas; breaking up his attack formations; disorganizing his command, control, and communications; impairing his target acquisition efforts; and reducing his morale. Defensive fires are usually scheduled as on call. Suppress is a tactical mission task that results in temporary degradation of the performance of a force or weapons system below the level needed to accomplish the mission (FM 3-90-1). Suppression is a temporary or transient degradation by an opposing force of the performance of a weapons system below the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives. (JP 3-01). Suppression in the context of the computed effects of field artillery fires, renders a target ineffective for a short period of time producing at least 3-percent casualties or materiel damage. Suppressive fire are fires on or about a weapons system to degrade its performance below the level needed to fulfill its mission objectives during the conduct of the fires. Counterbattery fire is fire delivered for the purpose of destroying or neutralizing indirect fire weapon systems. Harassing fire is fire designed to disturb enemy troops, curtail movement. 3-66. The commander can also provide targeting restrictions as part of his guidance for FS support. Targeting restrictions fall into two categories-the NSL and the restricted target list: No-Strike List. The NSL is a list of objects or entities characterized as protected from the effects of military operations under international law and/or ROE. The NSL is not a target list. Deliberately engaging or not taking sufficient precaution to avoid these objects or entities may violate the law of war. (JP 3-09). Restricted Target List. The restricted target list is a list of valid military targets that could be on the joint integrated prioritized target list that have restrictions placed upon their engagement by the JFC or directed by higher authorities. (JP 3-09). Examples of possible restrictions are: Limit collateral damage by a defined amount and do not strike during daytime. Strike only with a certain weapon. COURSE OF ACTION DEVELOPMENT 3-67. Simultaneously with the maneuver staff, fire support planners develop a fire support execution matrix in conjunction with the MDMP COA development, and HPT refinement (see table 3-7 for general considerations during COA Development). Once target selection standards, HPTs, and the attack guidance matrix are refined, FS planners develop EFSTs from the FS tasks identified during mission analysis. Once EFSTs are completed a FS execution matrix is finalized to create the FS plan. FA planners develop a FA support plan as an annex to the FS plan.