Appendix A

Smoke Planning

Chapter 1 describes the general considerations for planning smoke support. This appendix provides procedures for preparing smoke planning documents and gives some examples. The smoke planning document examples include a smoke estimate format (Figure 11), smoke target list work sheet (Figure 12), and a smoke annex format (Figure13). In addition, Figure 14 shows a coordination checklist for chemical unit commanders to use when they receive orders for a smoke mission.

Chemical staff officers must coordinate all smoke support with the G3/S3, FSCOORD, and lateral units. These planning document examples contain several mechanisms to help staff officers verify such coordination.

Target Analysis Procedures

Coordinate with the commander or G3/S3 to determine obscurant requirements for the unit. Coordinate with the FSO, and nominate targets for obscuration. Identify targets within the FSO's capability. Also identify targets not within the FSO's capability.

Record targets on the target list work sheet. Identify smoke delivery means to support the operation:

• Smoke generator unit(s).
• Mortars.
• Maneuver combat vehicles.
• Field artillery unit(s).
• Close air support assets.
• Naval gunfire.
• Other delivery means.
• Plan targets, to include the following considerations:
• Which delivery means to use. For guidance, see the employment matrixes.
• Which obscurant to use. For guidance, see Appendix B, Figure 16.
• Duration of smoke on each target.
• Time to fire or make smoke.

Coordinate with the G3/S3 for the final target list and schedule of smoke engagement with other than fire support assets.

Coordinate with the FSO for the final target list and schedule of fire. Designate the person, event, or time that will initiate the smoke mission. Coordinate with adjacent units, and check weather conditions.

Add or delete smoke missions on the basis of available assets and weather and terrain factors. Coordinate with any adjacent units not previously affected, but which may now be affected by smoke.

Prepare the smoke support annex to the OPLAN/OPORD.

Planning Documents

Smoke Estimate Format

After receiving the restated mission and planning guidance from the commander, the chemical officer prepares a smoke estimate (Figure 11).

Smoke Target List Work Sheet

Mandatory entries in a smoke target list work sheet include--

• Smoke target number. Assign a control number to identify the smoke target. The smoke control number contains five characters. The first character is a letter; the following four are numbers. A local SOP will establish how to assign these numbers. They are not the target number for fire support purposes. Fire support target numbers may be recorded in the remarks column. Smoke target numbers are five characters in length. The first character is a letter; the final four are numbers. Divisions and higher field headquarters may assign a specific group of numbers to organizations (for example, 1st Bde is A1001 through A1999; 2d Bde is B2001 through B2999). These numbers provide the chemical staff officer with a brevity code for smoke
• Target description. Write a brief description of the target (for example, combat reconnaissance patrol).
• Target location. Enter the center of mass UTM grid coordinates for the target.
• Size. Give the dimensions of the target in meters.
• EO system. This is the system you will attack with smoke/obscurants.
• Delivery means. Identify potential delivery means for the smoke.
• Type of smoke. Identify the type of smoke/obscurant to employ.
• Priority. This is the priority of attack based on fire support's target value analysis.
• Remarks. Self-explanatory.

Smoke Annex to OPLAN or OPORD

The smoke annex to a plan or order implements the commander's decisions concerning how to use smoke in the operation. The chemical staff officer prepares and coordinates the smoke annex. He or she, as a minimum, provides copies to subordinate and adjacent units (if affected by the smoke), the G3/S3 and G4/S4 officers, FSCOORD, and smoke unit leaders.

Smoke Mission Coordination Checklist

Smoke unit commanders or leaders use this chekclist to verify coordination with the supported unit and any adjacent units that might be affected by the smoke. The chemical staff officer provides most of the information (such as visibility criteria and target location); but, the smoke unit leader must personally finalize coordination, whenever, possible.

Employment Matrixes

Use the seven employment matrixes (Tables 4 through 10) to determine the appropriate delivery means for specific smoke targets. The tables cover general, hasty attack, deliberate attack, defense, retrograde, special operations, and MOUT situations.