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FM 6-20-10: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for The Targeting Process

APPENDIX B

DETECT AND ATTACK SYSTEMS

The first part of this appendix categorizes acquisition systems into three groups:

• Those deployed at corps.
• Those deployed at both corps and division.
• Those deployed at division only.

The second part of this appendix provides brief descriptions of attack systems available to corps and division commanders. In addition to organic Army fire support systems, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps weapons are included.

TARGET ACQUISITION SYSTEMS

Targets must be detected, located, identified, and prioritized with enough accuracy to permit effective attack. Fire support agencies and maneuver headquarters have organic and attached acquisition assets to aid the TA effort. The fire support system consolidates targeting information from many different agencies. In this part of the appendix, a brief description of TA systems are provided followed by tabular data pertaining to specific systems.

Maneuver Units

Maneuver units are a primary means for TA. Individual soldiers give unit commanders large amounts of timely combat information about enemy troops and equipment. Ground surveillance, OPs, and reconnaissance (recon) patrols are useful in collecting information that will confirm or deny the accuracy of previous information. Ground and air recon elements, such as air and ground cavalry (cav) units, are invaluable sources of information. They have unique missions and training which enhance their ability to gather information. Aviation combat elements performing deep operations are good intelligence and BDA gatherers when entering and leaving deep target mission areas. They possess excellent vision and navigation systems. SOF collect and report information beyond the sensing capabilities of tactical collection systems. They are tasked to conduct special recon missions. They verify, by visual observations or other collection methods, data concerning the capabilities, intentions, and activities of the enemy. SOF also collect data concerning the meteorologic, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area. Special recon missions include target acquisition, area assessment, and poststrike recon.

Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Systems

All appropriate IEW agencies are given missions through the collection plan prepared by the collection manager at each echelon. The IEW assets are of three general types:

• SIGINT.
• IMINT.
• HUMINT.

Signal Intelligence

SIGINT assets detect and locate the electronic signatures associated with targets. The signatures are caused by the electronic systems (such as radios, radars, and beacons) associated with the C² functions of the target. Friendly SIGINT systems search for and intercept the electronic signature. Then they identify the signals on the basis of either the characteristics of the signal or the content of any messages intercepted. The signals are associated with an enemy order-of-battle element. Many tactical SIGINT systems can locate the origin of electronic signatures through DF methods. DF methods have inherent TLEs that result from several factors such as terrain, distance to the target, and system accuracy.

Imagery Intelligence

IMINT assets are located in the aerial exploitation battalion of the corps MI brigade and division MI bn. These assets include airborne and ground-based IMINT sensors such as photography, television, infrared, and moving target indicator (MTI) radar. Targets have visual and infrared signatures that can be detected (imaged). Imagery analysts study the results of IMINT missions to determine the presence and location of imagery signature. Films and devices exist which can detect the thermal signature of engines, heaters, operating equipment, and so forth. These films and devices can also detect the presence of camouflage. They are used to overcome enemy attempts to conceal his actual locations and intent. Sensors, in UAVs, provide a TA capability previously not available on the battlefield. These sensors can search areas unseen by ground observers and provide accurate and timely locations of enemy elements. The combined arms commander can successfully direct assets to engage the targets. Side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) missions are flown well behind friendly lines. The SLAR can detect the movement of vehicles far beyond the FLOT. However, acquisition range may be limited by the terrain features in the area of operations. Patterns of movement (numbers, directions, and times) are analyzed and collated with other combat information to determine enemy intentions. In some cases, the ending location of enemy movements can be determined. These locations could represent potentially lucrative targets such as enemy assembly areas or logistics facilities.

Human Intelligence

HUMINT is produced by--

• Daily contact with indigenous forces.
• Civilian authorities.
• Local populace.

The MI interrogation teams that are usually at maneuver brigade and higher levels obtain a great deal of HUMINT. The interrogators can be focused on the detection of HPTs. Interrogators are routinely given lists of items that are of intelligence concern. Giving current HPTLs to the interrogators lets them focus on locating HPTs. Long-range surveillance units (LRSUs) and SOF special reconnaissance (SR) teams are another HUMINT source. They can report the presence or absence of enemy at NAIs. The information gained by an LRSU is real-time information and can result in immediate engagement. Army aviation assets provide real-time intelligence and targeting information in close, deep, and rear operations. This information can result in immediate engagement. Civil affairs and PSYOP teams come in contact with many people with valuable intelligence information.

Field Artillery Target Acquisition

Several detection assets are presently organic to the FA at both corps and division.

Field Artillery Battalions

An FA battalion is both a producer and a consumer of combat information. Division artillery DS FA battalions provide maneuver battalion headquarters with an FSE. An FSE is headed by an FSO to help plan, direct, and coordinate fire support operations. The FSE provides a fire support team (FIST) to each maneuver company. Forward observers (FOs) from each FIST are attached to infantry platoons or recon patrols and to establish OPs. They are the grass roots of the FA TA effort. They observe the battlefield to detect, identify, locate, and laser-designate targets for suppression, neutralization, or destruction. They report targeting data and combat information to the maneuver battalion FSO and S2.

The FISTs and FOs are specially equipped for their mission. Their laser range finders provide an accurate distance measurement to a target. With the ground/vehicular laser locator designator (G/VLLD), the FO can determine distance, direction, and vertical angle. He can also laser-designate targets for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force laser-guided munitions. The capability of the FIST to provide real-time combat information cannot be over emphasized. The battalion FSO receives information from and passes information to the FIST. The battalion FSO continually exchanges targeting data and combat information with the brigade FSO and the DS FA battalion. The FSO coordinates with the battalion S2 and S3 to identify and verify targeting data and combat information derived from the overall collection effort.

Weapons-Locating Radars

There are two types of weapons-locating radars (WLRs) (AN/TPQ-37 and AN/TPQ-36). The primary mission of the AN/TPQ-37 is to locate low-trajectory indirect fire weapons such as rockets and cannon artillery. However, it can be used to locate mortars. The primary mission of the AN/TPQ-36 is to locate high-trajectory indirect fire weapons such as mortars. It can be used to locate cannon artillery and rockets. Both types of radars locate targets accurately enough for attack. (See FM 6-121.)

Combat Observation/Lasing Teams

COLTS provide a TA capability previously not available on the battlefield. The teams are found in heavy and light divisions and with SOFs. They are equipped to engage targets with laser designators and to act as FOs. However, they work for the brigade FSE. (In this capacity they provide more eyes on the battlefield.)

Air Defense Target Acquisition Assets

The integration of corps and theater AD efforts provides coverage to the areas of interest for all units in the theater. Future capabilities will allow input directly from theater AD assets into division air situation updates. Comparison of AD information with other combat information will help to locate major enemy airfields and refueling and/or rearming points. Many of these will be HPTs in support of the commander's scheme of maneuver. Short-range air defense (SHORAD) battalions provide early engagement of enemy air assets. This information is passed from AD units to maneuver elements over frequency modulated (FM) nets or through AD liaison officers. The integration of corps and theater AD efforts enables the collection manager to acquire targets for deep engagements.

Echelons Above Corps and National Assets

When operating as part of a theater Army, the theater MI brigade can provide intelligence to support situation and target development. National assets can provide information useful for targeting purposes. Because of the capabilities of both EAC and national assets, it will be a challenge to receive information quickly enough to be used for immediate targeting. However, both EAC and national systems have direct downlinks to both division and brigade for near-real time targeting.

Joint Assets

Operating in a joint environment the TA assets of other services contribute to land force targeting. The collection management staff requests support from joint assets through the next higher echelon. The Air Force has extensive TA capabilities and is particularly good at locating enemy AD sites. The long-range Air Force assets are good collection assets. Air Force assets include all of the following:

• Pilots (particularly recon pilots).
• Photo imagery.
• Infrared imagery.
• SLAR.
• Low-light-level television.
• Airborne warning and control systems (AWACs).

Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System

The J-STARS is a battle management and targeting system which detects, locates, tracks, classifies, and assists in attacking both moving and stationary targets beyond the FLOT. This system supports the--

• Decide function (situation intelligence).
• Detect function (targeting function).
• Deliver function (triggers the delivery of ordnance such as direct attack aircraft or ATACMS/MLRS).

The advanced synthetic aperture radar aboard the J-STARS produces target images which require skilled imagery analysts to make specific identification. J-STARS moving target indicator capability does not provide target identification. Therefore, moving target indicators on the radar screen must be identified by other sources whenever target identification is necessary. J-STARS provides commanders a real-time picture of enemy activity in or near their AOs and helps confirm or deny suspected enemy activity. J-STARS was used with great success during Operation Desert Storm. The Air Force is responsible for the prime mission equipment (PME), which is the platform, molar, and data link. The Army is responsible for the GSM. The GSM consists of tactical data processing and evaluation distribution centers. This equipment links the J-STARS radar (through the data link) to Army C³ nodes at corps and division levels.

Special Operations Forces

SOF assets can make an invaluable contribution to TA efforts. Deployed Army and Navy SOF can provide a detection capability and conduct terminal guidance operations. SOCCEs can furnish flexible C² linkages with general-purpose forces. Depending on the criticality of the target, SOF may even serve as a communication link between deployed SOF and a supporting unit. Army special operations aviation (SOA) and AFSOC aircraft flying in support of SOF can contribute by providing collateral TA collection.

Combined Force Assets

The assets of allies can be valuable contribute to target detection. Liaison officers provide information and access to the capabilities of allied systems and are their interface with the US targeting system. HUMINT from host nation (HN) sources is useful in all environments, but it is particularly relevant during OOTW. Procedures for timely detection of targets jointly with allies must be practiced during exercises whenever possible.

TARGET ATTACK SYSTEMS

Attack assets available to corps and division commanders include all of the following:

• Air Force air support.
• Naval surface fire support and naval air support.
• Field artillery.
• Mortars.
• Attack helicopters.
• Nonlethal electronic attack.

This section summarizes fire support attack and delivery means and provides brief descriptions of their capabilities.

ATTACK ASSETS OUTSIDE THE CORPS

Air Support

Based on Air Force doctrine, the JFACC is required to plan and conduct air operations against enemy forces throughout the theater of operations. The JFACC is responsible for air attack against enemy forces which present the greatest threat to the force and against targets which are most valuable to the enemy. Airmail suitable for delivering ordnance against ground targets are as follows:

F-15E Strike Eagle

This aircraft is a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather air-to-air and deep interdiction missions. It uses the LANTERN system for low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack of targets at night and in all types of weather. Armament includes:

• One internally-mounted 20-mm six-barrel cannon.
• AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
• AIM-7 Sparrow missiles.
• Precision-guided air-to-surface munitions (various laser, infrared, or electro-optically-guided weapons).
• General-purpose bombs and cluster munitions.

It can carry payloads up to 24,500 pounds.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

This aircraft is a single-seat, multirole aircraft. It is capable of performing precision strike, CAS, night attack, and beyond-visual-range interception missions. It employs both air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons and can use the LANTERN system for all-weather surface attack. Armament includes the following:

• One internally-mounted 20-mm six-barrel cannon.
• AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
• AIM-7 Sparrow missiles.
• HARM missiles.
• Precision-guided air-to-surface missiles (some laser, infrared, or electro-optically-guided weapons).
• General-purpose bombs.
• Cluster munitions.

It can carry payloads up to 12,000 pounds.

F-111 Aardvark

This aircraft joins the F-15E as one of two long-range, around-the-clock interdiction fighters used by the Air Force. One version can carry the Pave Tack system for a day or night capability to acquire, track, and designate ground targets for laser, infrared, and electro-optically-guided weapons. Armament includes the following:

• Aim-9 Sidewinder missiles.
• Various precision-guided air-to-surface munitions.
• General-purpose bombs.
• Cluster munitions.

It can carry payloads up to 25,000 pounds.

A-10 Thunderbolt II

Designed specifically for the CAS mission, the A-10 offers a combination of large military payload, long loiter time, and wide combat radius. Armament includes the following:

• One internally-mounted 30-mm seven-barrel Gatling gun.
• AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
• Maverick air-to-surface missiles.
• General-purpose bombs.
• Cluster munitions.

It can carry payloads up to 16,000 pounds.

F-117A Nighthawk

This aircraft was the frost production combat type designed to exploit low-observable technology. It operates at subsonic speed and can employ a variety of weapons. It is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems that increase mission effectiveness and decrease pilot workload. Armament includes up to 5,000 pounds of precision-guided munitions carried internally.

B-52 Stratofortress

B-52s can be assigned to support conventional operations. They can travel great distances on short notice carrying diversified payloads. They are capable of delivering a wide range of weapons. Armament in a nonnuclear role includes the following:

• Up to 51,500 pounds of bombs or cluster munitions.
• Up to 12 air-launched cruise missiles.
• Up to eight Harpoon antiship missiles.

B-1B Lancer

In addition to its nuclear mission, the B-1B has the capability to carry conventional gravity bombs. Armament in a nonnuclear role includes the following:

• Up to 84,500 pounds of bombs.
• Up to twenty-four 2,000-pound bombs.
• Up to eight air-launched cruise missiles.

B-2A Spirit

The B-2 employs low-observable stealth techniques to minimize the possibility of detection. Current plans emphasize the conventional capabilities of the B-2. Armament in a conventional role consists of eighty 500-pound bombs or various other conventional weapons.

AC-130H/U Specter

Two versions of the AC-130 are operated by the Air Force SOC. The AC-130H is equipped with a digital fire-control computer and the following armament:

• Two fixed 20-mm Vulcan cannons.
• One trainable 40-mm cannon.
• One trainable 105-mm howitzer.

The AC-130U will replace the two 20-mm cannon with one trainable 25-mm cannon while retaining the other weapons. All weapons can be slaved to sensors which permit night or adverse weather operations.

Typical Targets for Air Force Weapons

The following table provides information on the types of targets to be attacked by Air Force systems.

Naval Surface Fire Support

Naval surface fire support is fire support delivered by ships to support troop and related surface and air operations. Each fire support ship will be assigned a tactical mission that is a specific fire support requirement. The mission can be either DS or GS. Fire support ships are not assigned missions of reinforcing or general support reinforcing. The size and physical dimensions of a ship affect both its ability to maneuver and its ammunition capacity. The draft of a ship determines how close it can proceed to the shoreline and, therefore, impacts on weapons ranges. The proportion of the armament on the ship that is usable for fire support operations is a significant factor. The nature of the fire control system of the ship determines the number of fire missions that can be conducted simultaneously. The following paragraphs provide some general information on ships suited for fire support.

Destroyers

The destroyer (DD) is the most available ship for naval gunfire support. DDs are usually assigned fire support missions in DS of battalion-sized units. Spruance class destroyers have two 5-inch/54 guns.

Guided Missile Cruisers

Guided missile cruisers (CGs) are assigned a primary mission of anti-air warfare (AAW). They can be employed in the naval surface fire support role when needed. Depending on class, armament is one or two 5-inch/54 guns.

Guided Missile Destroyers

Guided missile destroyers (DDGs), depending on class, have as armament one or two 5-inch/54 guns.

Naval Surface Fire Support Weapons Characteristics

The following table provides weapons characteristics of naval surface ships used in fire support.

Naval Surface Fire Support Considerations

The following paragraphs discuss important features to consider when employing naval gunfire.

• Air and naval gunfire liaison company. The ANGLICO is a Marine Corps unit specifically designed for support of division-sized units. It provides control and liaison for employment of naval surface fire support and Navy and Marine Corps CAS. The unit is normally attached to an Army division for a specific operation.
• Tactical missions. Naval surface ships are assigned one of two tactical missions when supporting ground operations.
  • DS. A ship in DS (normally to a battalion) fires both planned and on-call missions. On-call missions are requested and adjusted by shore fire control parties, air spotters, and firepower control teams (FCTs).
  • GS. Ships assigned to a GS mission support brigade-sized or larger units. Fires are normally adjusted by air observers. The ship can have fires assigned by a liaison officer to a battalion shore fire control party or FCT.
• Capabilities. The capabilities of naval gunfire are:
  • Best gun-target line can be selected within limitations imposed by hydrography.
  • Ships have high rates of fire.
  • Accuracy of weapon systems is better laterally than in range.
  • Ships have a variety of weapons and munitions.
  • Weapons have high initial velocity and flat trajectory for direct fire against fortifications.
• Limitations. The limitations of naval gunfire are:
  • Ship-to-shore communications are dependent on radio.
  • The gun-target line changes when the ship is underway.
  • Inaccuracies in unobserved fires and initial salvos occur in areas where navigational aids are lacking or obscured by poor visibility. (Employment of radar beacons ashore can minimize this limitation.)
  • Ships have limited magazine capacity of fire support ships.
  • Firing positions may be limited by unfavorable hydrographic conditions or the presence of mines.
  • The flat trajectory of guns are relatively unsuitable for the attack of targets in defiladed positions. Attack of targets close to front-line troops is restricted when the gun-target line passes over friendly troops.

Naval Offensive Air Support

Naval offensive air support includes CAS and deep air support (DAS). It is provided by the Navy and Marine Corps aircraft to forces either afloat or ashore. While combat air operations for land forces are habitually associated with the Air Force, there are times when Navy or Marine Corps air is available to support land operations. When Marine Corps or Navy air support is available, a Marine Corps TACP or ANGLICO FCT will be provided at battalion through division levels. The composition and complement of carrier air wings vary in accordance with their missions and the capabilities of the carriers from which they operate. The following paragraphs provide information on naval attack aircraft available to a carrier air wing.

F-18

The F-18 is a multimission, carrier-based aircraft used as an AD fighter and as an attack aircraft with a bomb load. Armament includes the following:

• Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.
• 20-mm cannon.
• HARM missiles.
• General-purpose bombs.
• Rockets.
• Mines.
• Walleye, Maverick, and Harpoon missiles.

It can carry a maximum payload of 16,000 pounds.

A-6

The A-6 is designed for attack missions against sea and land targets under day and night, all-weather conditions. It can attack with or without visual reference to the target. Armament includes the following:

• Bombs.
• Mines.
• Special weapons.
• Missiles.
• Rockets.
• Harpoon missiles.
• AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
• General-purpose and cluster bombs.

It can carry a maximum payload of 18,000 pounds.

AV-8B

The AV-8B is a subsonic, high-performance aircraft capable of operating from carriers, expeditionary airfields, and remote tactical landing sites. It is found in the MAGTF. It is capable of CAS, interdiction, armed recon, and AAW operations. Armament includes the following:

• 8,000 pounds of external ordnance.
• 25-mm internal gun.

AH-1W

The AH-1W performs offensive air support (OAS), armed recon, and armed escort. It can operate from carriers, expeditionary airfields, and remote tactical landing sites. Endurance is 2 hours with an average speed of 120 knots. Armament includes the following:

• Tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missile (TOW).
• Hellfire missile.
• 5-inch and/or 2.75-inch rockets.
• 20-mm cannon.
• Fuel-air explosives (FAE).

ATTACK ASSETS WITHIN THE CORPS

Field Artillery

The most common attack asset within the corps and below is field artillery. It can attack targets over a wide range and depth, in all types of weather, day or night. Below is a table listing the more important characteristics of field artillery weapons found at various levels within the corps.

Mortars

In addition to field artillery, mortars provide fire support to the maneuver forces. Mortars are the organic indirect fire weapons of maneuver units; as such, they are controlled by the maneuver units. The FIST chief and the battalion FSO are normally responsible for integrating mortars into the overall fire support plan. Mortar fires and munitions are employed in accordance with overall fire support needs and the battle action. US mortar capabilities are as follows:

Attack Helicopters

Attack helicopters provide many of the favorable attributes of air attack platforms and they are usually more readily available to corps maneuver units. The following paragraphs provide information on attack helicopters commonly found within the corps.

AH-1F Cobra

The primary mission of the Cobra is to destroy enemy forces. It is equipped with TOW missiles, 2.75-inch rockets, and a 20-mm cannon which make the Cobra an effective weapon system against a variety of targets. Endurance is 2 hours with an average speed of 120 knots. The Cobra will be phased out of the Army inventory by the turn of the century.

AH-64A Apache

The Apache is the primary attack helicopter in the Army. It has day and night capability and the Hellfire missile system. The principal mission of the Apache is destruction of enemy mechanized forces. However, with additional armament of the 2.75-inch rockets and 30-mm cannon, the Apache is capable of attacking a wide variety of soft targets. Endurance is 1 hour and 45 minutes with an average speed of 140 knots.

OH-58D Kiowa Warrior

The Kiowa Warrior is a multipurpose, light helicopter with the primary mission of armed recon. It has day and night capabilities; it can operate across the operational spectrum and in multiple mission profiles. The weapon systems of the Warrior can be configured for air-to-air Stinger and Hellfire missiles, 2.75-inch rockets, and .50 caliber machine gun.

Attack Helicopter Weapons Capabilities

The capabilities of weapon systems used by attack helicopters are listed below.

Nonlethal Attack Systems

Nonlethal attack is the use of electronic warfare measures, specifically electronic attack (EA) or jamming. Nonlethal attack must be thoroughly integrated in the overall fire support plan so that it complements the use of lethal fires in the commander's intent. Jamming is usually applied to C² nodes, ADA nets, and FDC nets to confuse the enemy at critical times and places on the battlefield. The Army has limited EA systems and often relies on the Air Force to supplement our requirements for nonlethal attack.

AN/TLQ-l7(V)3-Traffic Jam

The Traffic Jam is a mobile VHF-EA system designed for surveillance or jamming of ground and airborne communications. It is mounted in an S-250G shelter and powered by the vehicle engine. The system can store up to 255 protected or targeted frequencies. A mount for a long periodic antenna (LPA) is on the driver's side of the shelter. The system produces 550 watts of effective radiated power (ERP). Three systems are authorized at division level.

AN/ALQ-l51(V)2 Quickfix (EH-60A Configuration)

The Quickfix is a special-purpose countermeasures system. It is found at the division level in the aviation brigade. Usually, the system is OPCON to the MI battalion when supporting a heavy division. The EW mission equipment includes electronic support (ES) and electronic attack (EA) equipment. It can be used to receive, locate, and selectively jam very high frequency (VHF) communications equipment. The Quickfix can operate separately or with the AN/TSQ-138 Trailblazer for enhanced DF capabilities. Each division and ACR has three systems. The ALQ-133 Advanced Quickfix with enhanced capabilities will be fielded in FY97.