FM-3-09 Fire Support and Field Artillery Operations Download
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Chapter 3 3-38 FM 3-09 30 April 2020 their staffs simultaneously support the maneuver commander's plan while continuing the planning process for subsequent operations. PRINCIPLES OF FIRE SUPPORT EXECUTION 3-95. The FSCOORD uses the principles of FS execution to anticipate the dynamics of large-scale ground combat operations, maintain situational awareness of the OE, and leverage interoperable FS C2 systems and attack/delivery capabilities. FS planners utilize the memory aid AWIFM-N to remember the FS execution principles and communicate their status to the maneuver commander: Adequate Fire Support for the Committed Units. FS personnel use the allocation of CAS, attack aviation and nonlethal capabilities to ensure adequate FS for committed units. In large-scale ground combat operations, the minimum adequate FA support for committed units is considered to be one FA BN in DS of each committed brigade. In no instance can there be more than one FA unit in DS of a maneuver unit. Weight to the decisive operation or main effort. The decisive operation is the operation directly accomplishes the mission (ADP 3-0). The main effort is a designated subordinate unit whose mission at a given point in time is most critical to overall mission success (ADP 3-0). The purpose for weighting the decisive operation or main effort is to concentrate the effects of combat power at the most advantageous place and time. The main effort or the decisive operation can be weighted in a variety of ways. The main effort or the decisive operation can be weighted in a variety of ways with FS: Allocation of additional lethal and nonlethal FS attack/delivery systems. Command and support relationships designated to expedite execution of attack. Ammunition allocation. Focused TA assets. Priorities of fires. Immediately available fire support for the commander to influence the operation. This can be accomplished through proper allocation of CAS, armed UAS, and attack aviation retained by the appropriate commander. Sufficient FS resources to include FA are normally retained under centralized control to concentrate fires at the decisive place and time. Establish FA support relationships of GS and GSR (discussed in Chapter 4) to enhance flexibility and facilitate the ability to provide immediately responsive fires. The maneuver commander lifts or shifts the priority of fires to exploit opportunities as they are presented. This is essential to ensure success in the face of unforeseen events. Facilitate future operations. To ensure smooth transition from one phase of an operation to another during execution and planning. This principle can be implemented through the assignment of command and support relationships, positioning of artillery, positioning of ammunition, and positioning of TA assets. The assignment of an on-order mission or command and support relationship allows a unit to anticipate FS attack/delivery system support need in a future situation. Applying limitations on ammunition expenditure in an earlier phase of an operation in order to support the future decisive operation is another way of facilitating future operations. Maximum feasible centralized control. The optimum degree of centralized control varies with each tactical situation. A higher degree of centralized control may be appropriate in a defensive situation, since the enemy has the initiative and it is difficult to accurately predict where and when they will attack. The FSCOORD must anticipate and plan for the transition to offensive operations for a lesser degree of centralized control because the supported force has the initiative. Never leave artillery in reserve. In large-scale ground combat operations, commanders (advised by their FSCOORDs) ensure FA units (MLRS, HIMARS, and cannons) always remain in the fight. This is accomplished by continuously adapting command and support relationships and also by continuously repositioning fires capabilities to create desired effects. Refer to the principle of "facilitate future operations" when applying this execution principle.