| APPENDIX L FIRE SUPPORT COORDINATING MEASURES |
This appendix provides information concerning FSCM. The FSCMs are designed to assist the rapid engagement of targets and at the same time, provide safeguards for friendly forces.
Permissive measures are those that expedite the attack of targets.
The CFL is a line beyond which conventional surface-to-surface fires may be delivered within the zone of the establishing HQ without additional coordination. Normally, it is established by brigade or higher HQ; however, it may be established by a battalion operating independently. A depiction of a CFL is shown below.
The FSCL may be established by corps within its area of operations
to coordinate fires of air, ground, or sea weapon systems by using
any type of ammunition against surface targets. The purpose of
the FSCL is to allow the corps and its subordinate and supporting
units (such as the Air Force) to expeditiously attack targets
of opportunity beyond the FSCL. The attack of targets beyond the
FSCL by Army assets should be coordinated with the supporting
tactical air. This coordination is defined as informing and/or
consulting the supporting tactical air. However, the inability
to affect this coordination will not preclude the attack of targets
beyond the FSCL. A depiction of an FSCL is shown below.
A free-fire area (FFA) is an area into which any weapon
system may fire without additional coordination with the establishing
HQ. Normally, it is established on identifiable terrain by division
or higher HQ. A depiction of an FFA is shown below.
Restrictive measures are those that provide safeguards
for friendly forces, facilities, or terrain.
A restrictive fire line (RFL) is a line between converging
friendly forces that prohibits fires, or their effects, across
the line without coordination with the affected force. It is established
on identifiable terrain by the common commander of the converging
forces. A depiction of an RFL is shown below.
A restrictive fire area (RFA) is an area with specific
restrictions and in which fires that exceed those restrictions
will not be delivered without coordination with the establishing
HQ. It is established by battalion or higher HQ. On occasion,
it may be established by a company operating independently. A
depiction of an RFA is shown below.
An NFA is an area into which no fires or their effects
are allowed. An NFA may be used to protect a national asset, population
center, or shrine. Tactical uses of NFA may be to protect forward
elements such as COLTs and scouts. Two exceptions to the no-fire
rule exist: when the establishing HQ allows fires on a mission-by-mission
basis or when a friendly force is engaged by an enemy located
within the NFA and the commander returns fire to defend his forces.
A depiction of an NFA is shown below.
The informal ACA is normally used for immediate air strikes. Informal ACAs can be established at battalion or higher level. Informal ACAs can be established by using lateral, altitude, timed, or lateral and altitude separation. They are normally in effect for a very short period of time. Usually, the time period is only long enough to get the mission into and out of the target area. For a detailed discussion of informal ACAs and graphic depictions, see FM 6-20-40, Appendix A.
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