Military

a.   Assigned. This is a unit that is placed in an organization on a relatively permanent basis and is controlled and administered by the organization to which it is assigned for its primary function.

b.   Attached. This is the temporary placement of units or personnel in an organization. The attached unit is under the command of the commander of the unit to which it is attached.

c.   Operational Control. This relationship places a unit under the control of a commander for specific operations. The relationship is limited by function, time, or location. OPCON allows a commander to organize and employ the OPCON unit, assign tasks, designate objectives, and give authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission; however, OPCON does not include responsibility for administration, logistics, discipline, internal organization, or training.

a.   Direct Support. Direct support is when one unit, under command of its parent unit commander, supports another specific unit. The supporting unit answers directly to the supported unit's requests. The commander may not suballocate, reassign, or task-organize the force supporting him. The DS unit still has a command relationship with its parent organization, but the supported unit has positioning authority and establishes the priorities of support.

b.   General Support. Organizations providing general support (GS) to a unit are under control of their parent unit commander. They support the unit as a whole, not any specific element. The commander must request support from a GS unit through his controlling headquarters. The GS unit's parent organization retains positioning authority and establishes the priorities of support.

a.   The FSO or company commander, in coordination with the plans developed by the brigade or battalion commander or S3s, plans artillery fire to support the concept of the operation. The integration of indirect fires is critical to the success of the unit. The effects of these fires on an enemy force are much greater than the effects of the unit's organic weapons. Artillery and mortars provide the most destructive, accurate, and flexible combat multiplier the commander (or platoon leader) has to employ. Table 10-1 lists the capabilities of the indirect fire systems that may support the unit.

b.   Field artillery can fire a variety of ammunition, including high explosive, illumination, and white phosphorous ammunitions. The 155-mm units can also fire dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICMs) and scatterable mines. The DPICM is a lethal antipersonnel and antiarmor munition containing bomblets that are dispersed over a wide area because they are ejected high above the target during the flight of the projectile. The bomblets can penetrate up to 4.5 inches of armor. Families of scatterable mines rounds (FASCAM) contain a number of mines with self-destruct features that are set to detonate at specific times (Table 10-2). The rounds may contain either antipersonnel or antiarmor mines that arm shortly after impact. Companies do not normally plan or employ FASCAM, but the company commander should be familiar with these weapons (for more information see FM 7-20).

c.   Artillery fire and mortars can be combined to cover targets. For example, mortars can fire illumination while artillery fires high explosives or DPICMs. The company commander must ensure his company employs each system (mortars, artillery, and direct fire) when and where it has the greatest effect on the enemy.

a.   Essential Fire Support Task Planning. The brigade and battalion employ effects-based fires to set the conditions for its operations. The objective of effects-based fires is to apply a desired effect to achieve a specified purpose in time and space by servicing targets as acquired. This approach develops an essential fire support task to focus full spectrum effects against a high-payoff target within the designated area of operation. An EFST is defined as the application of fires required to support a course of action; failure of the fire support unit to achieve an EFST may require a maneuver commander to alter his tactical plan. A complete EFST consists of a task, purpose, method, and effects.

b.   Linking Tasks and Maneuver Purpose. A clearly defined maneuver purpose enables the maneuver commander to articulate precisely how he wants fire support to affect the enemy during different portions of the battle. This in turn allows fire support planners to develop a fire support plan that effectively supports the intended purpose. They can determine each required task (in terms of effects on target), the best method for accomplishing each task (in terms of a fire support asset and its fire capabilities), and a means of quantifying accomplishment. A carefully developed method of fire is equally valuable during execution of the fire mission; it assists not only the firing elements but also the observers who are responsible for monitoring the effects of the indirect fires. With a clear understanding of the intended target effects, fire support assets and observers can work together effectively, planning and adjusting the fires as necessary to achieve the desired effects on the enemy. The following paragraphs describe several types of targeting objectives associated with fire support tasks and provide examples of how the company commander might link a target task to a specific maneuver purpose in his order.

c.   Final Protective Fire Planning. A final protective fire is designed to create a final barrier, or "steel curtain," to prevent a dismounted enemy from moving across defensive lines. FPFs are fires of last resort; as such, they take priority over all other fires, to include priority targets. The employment of an FPF presents several potential problems. They are linear fires, with coverage dependent on the firing sheaf of the fire support asset(s). In addition, while an FPF may create a barrier against penetration by enemy infantry, armored vehicles may simply button up and move through the fires into the friendly defensive position. FPFs are planned targets and thus must have a clearly defined purpose (see paragraph 10-8).

d.   Target Refinement. The company commander (or platoon leader) is responsible for the employment of indirect fires in his area of operation (zone or sector). The most critical aspect of this responsibility is target refinement, in which he makes necessary changes to the fire support plan to ensure that targets accomplish the infantry battalion or SBCT commander's intended battlefield purpose. Rather than merely executing targets without regard to the actual enemy situation, the company commander (or platoon leader) and FSO must be ready to adjust existing targets or to nominate new targets that allow engagement of specific enemy forces.

e.   Fire Support Preparation. As noted, although the SBCT and battalion commanders establish target tasks and purposes and allocate appropriate fire support assets, the company commander (or platoon leader) is the one who must ensure execution of assigned targets. In turn, successful execution demands thorough preparation, focusing on areas covered in the following paragraphs.

a.   Providing this level of guidance is not easy. Artillery fires are not instantaneous, and planning must allow for this lag time. It takes three to seven minutes to process targets of opportunity. While war-gaming the maneuver, the company commander (or platoon leader) refines the critical targets or EAs, priority of targets, priority of engagement, sequence of fires, and results desired. Then he can see when and how to synchronize direct and indirect fires to destroy the enemy and protect the force.

b.   The company commander (or platoon leader) normally establishes a priority of fires for his unit. This prioritizes requests when two or more units call for fires at the same time. He also designates where to place obscuration or illumination, suppressive fires, and preparation fires.

a.   The battalion FSO or the company FSO (if available) does most of the company (or platoon) fire support planning; however, the FSOs may receive targets and target information from platoon leaders and the brigade fire support coordinator (FSCOORD) (or SBCT effects coordinator [ECOORD]). The company commander, platoon leader, or FSO should not plan too many targets.

b.   The FSO completes the indirect fire plan and briefs the company commander. The company commander may alter the plan or approve it as is; he makes the final decision. After the company commander approves the plan, the FSO makes sure the targets are passed to the battalion FSE where the fire plans are integrated into the battalion scheme of maneuver.

c.   The company commander, through his FSO, ensures platoon leaders are thoroughly familiar with the indirect fire plan. He also provides target overlays to the platoon leaders, any designated observers, and the commander. The company commander also may disseminate the company fire support plan as a target list and a fire support execution matrix. He does so in sufficient time to allow subordinates to brief their platoons and sections. (A good plan given with the company order is better than a perfect plan handed out at the line of departure.)

d.   Battalion fire support plans (or SBCT fires and effects plans) may be distributed in matrix format. The fire support execution matrix is a concise, effective tool showing the many factors of a detailed plan. It may aid the commander, platoon leader, and FSO in understanding how the indirect fire plan supports the scheme of maneuver. It explains what aspects of the fire support plan each element is responsible for and at what time during the battle these aspects apply.

e.   The advantage of the matrix is that it reduces the plan to one page and simplifies it. The company fire support execution matrix (Figure 10-1) also directs execution responsibilities and reduces the possibility that planned fires will not be executed. Dissemination of the fire plan is the responsibility of the company commander (or platoon leader). The commander and his key subordinate leaders must understand the categories of targets and how to engage those targets to create the desired result.

f.   Figure 10-1 is an example of a completed fire support execution matrix for a company deliberate attack. In the assembly area (AA), a field artillery FPF is allocated for 1st and 2d platoons; 3d platoon has been allocated a mortar FPF; 2d platoon has priority of mortar fires from the LD to Checkpoint 7. From Checkpoint 7 to Objective Green, 3d platoon has been allocated a mortar priority target and has designated it as CA3017; 2d platoon is backup for execution. 1st platoon has been allocated a mortar FPF; 2d and 3d platoons have been allocated field artillery FPFs. At company level, information in each box of the matrix includes the following:

a.   A priority target is one that could decisively affect the unit mission. The brigade commander may allocate artillery priority targets to battalions. The battalion commander may in turn allocate priority targets to his subordinate companies (or platoons). Normally, the company commander designates company priority targets. Antiarmor platoon leaders will not likely designate priority targets; rather, they will assign responsibility for observation and execution to the antiarmor squads.

b.   When the battalion commander designates priority targets, he provides specific guidance to the FSO and his subordinate companies as to when certain targets become priority targets, when they cease to be priority targets, the desired effects on the targets, and any special type of ammunition to be used. Firing units lay the guns on priority targets when they are not engaged in a fire mission, which reduces reaction time. FPF is an example of a priority target in a defensive situation.

c.   The FSO assigns a target number to each planned target. Blocks of alphanumeric target numbers (two letters and four numbers) are provided for all fire-planning agencies. They serve as an index to all other information regarding a particular target, such as location, description, and size. The FSO may assign target numbers to unit TRPs. Mortar sections have blocks of target numbers so they can assign a target number when an observer directs "record as target" upon completion of a registration.

d.   A standard target is an area about 200 meters in width. The symbol for a standard target is a cross. It may be canted if several targets are close to each other, or if the symbol might be mistaken as a grid intersection. The intersection of the lines marks the center of the target. The target list describes the target task, target type, and other pertinent information. (This applies to targets planned for conventional and improved conventional ammunition.)

e.   When the expected target will be moving, extra planning is required. Determine a trigger point that allows a designated observer sufficient time to initiate the call for fire, the firing unit time to prepare and fire, and the projectiles time to reach the target. The observer calls for fire as the unit or vehicles reach the trigger point and the enemy continues moving to the target. If timed properly, enemy and projectiles arrive at the target at the same time.

a.   Obscuration fires use smoke and white phosphorus ammunition to degrade the enemy by obscuring his view of the battlefield. (High explosive ammunition may also obscure his view with dust and fires, but the unit should not rely on it as the primary means.) Because smoke is subject to changes in wind direction and terrain contours, its use must be coordinated with other friendly units affected by the operation. Used properly, obscuration fires can—

b.   Screening fires are closely related to obscuration fires; they also involve the use of smoke and WP. However, screening fires mask friendly maneuver elements to disguise the nature of their operations. For example, they are used to screen river crossings for an enveloping force. Screening fires may assist in consolidating on an objective by placing smoke in areas beyond the objective. They also may be used to deceive the enemy into believing that a unit is maneuvering when it is not. Screening fires require the same precautions as obscuration fires.

a.   Once the target has been passed to the platoon or included by the platoon in the fire support plan, the platoon leader must position the observer and make sure he understands the following in precise terms:

b.   If the observer cannot be positioned to see the target and trigger line or TRP under the visibility conditions expected at the time the target is to be fired, the headquarters that planned the target must be notified and a new target must be planned at a location that will meet the commander's purpose for fire support.

a.   If time or conditions do not permit full-scale rehearsals, key leaders can meet, preferably at a good vantage point, and brief back the plan. They can use a sand table depiction of the terrain. Each player explains what he does, where he does it, and how he plans to overcome key-leader casualties. The fire support plan execution is integral to this process and is rehearsed in exactly the same way.

b.   The unit executes the fire plan as it conducts the operation. It calls for fires on targets as required and makes adjustments based on enemy reactions. Priority targets are cancelled as friendly units pass them or they become irrelevant to the maneuver.

a.   Company Command Net FM (Voice). Platoon leaders, the XO, and attachments use this net to send reports, receive instructions, and request fires. Any fire supporters attached to the company monitor this net. The company headquarters is the net control station (NCS).

b.   Battalion Mortar Fire Direction Net FM (Voice). Observers may use this net to request fires of the battalion mortar platoon. Other stations on the net include the company's fire support team (FIST) (if attached) and the battalion FSE. The battalion mortar platoon is the NCS.

c.   Field Artillery Fire Direction Net FM (Voice). This net is used for field artillery (FA) fire direction. The FIST headquarters may digitally forward calls for fire from its observers on this net. The direct support battalion FDC is the NCS. When an FSO or FO is present, he uses this net to request FA fires. The battery FDC and battalion FSE are also on this net.

a.   The Effect Required. In the defense, this may be to destroy enemy soldiers and to degrade the effectiveness of enemy vehicles by causing them to fight buttoned-up. In the attack, the suppression and obscuration of enemy positions to allow the breach and seizure of a foothold on the objective is probably the desired effect.

b.   The Accuracy of the Delivery System. There are many variables that impact on the accuracy of the weapon. The FSO has the technical knowledge to assist the commander. Artillery and mortars are area weapons systems, which means that every round fired from the same tube impacts in an area around the target or aiming point. This dispersion is greater in length than in width. The weather conditions (wind, temperature, and humidity), the condition of the weapon, and the proficiency of the crew also affect the accuracy.

c.   The Protection of his Unit as the Rounds are Impacting. If in well-prepared defensive positions with overhead cover, an FPF can be adjusted very close, just beyond bursting range. If required, the company commander can even call for artillery fires right on his company position using proximity or time fuses for airbursts. It is much more dangerous to call for close indirect fires during an attack. The commander considers the terrain, the breach site, and the enemy positions to determine how close to adjust his supporting indirect fires.

d.   The Integration of Indirect Suppressive Fires. When integrating indirect suppressive fires to support the breach and assault, the following points are key:

e.   Timings and Control. The final requirement for integrating these fires is to establish timings and control to ensure these targets are initiated, adjusted, and shifted properly. If possible, the FSO (or antiarmor platoon leader) should locate where he can observe these targets (possibly with the support element). A detailed execution matrix should be developed that assigns responsibility for each target to the leader or observer who is in the best position to control it. These soldiers must know when each target, series, or group is fired, what effect is desired on which enemy positions, and when to lift or shift the fires. Consider the use of pyrotechnic or other signals to ensure communication.

a.   Personnel. Fire support team (FIST) personnel include the company FSO, the fire support sergeant, a fire support specialist, and a radiotelephone operator.

b.   FIST Employment. The antiarmor company commander has two options for employment of the FIST (when it is available):

a.   AC-130 Gunship. If the enemy air defense is low, the brigade or battalion requests CAS from an AC-130 gunship. The AC-130 provides effective fires during day and night operations and flies CAS and special operations. The aircraft contains one 40-mm gun, two 20-mm guns, two 7.62-mm miniguns, and one 105-mm howitzer. It is equipped with sensors and target acquisition systems that include forward-looking infrared radar (FLIR) and low-light television.

b.   Marking Friendly Positions. Whenever possible, friendly positions are marked to enhance safety and to provide target area references. Methods of marking friendly positions are shown in Table 10-6.

a.   Aircraft Characteristics. The AH-64A Apache, the AH-64D Longbow Apache, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, and the AH-1W or AH-1Z (USMC) are employed in attack operations. Table 10-7 provides a comparison of the weapon systems and armaments on these attack helicopters. (The table also lists weaponry for the AH-1 Cobra, which is no longer in the active Army inventory but might be used to provide attack support in joint operations with US Marine units.)

b.   Close Combat Attack. The close combat attack technique does not replace the integrated decision-making process between ground maneuver and aviation elements. It is a technique for directing lethal fires within the context of a preplanned mission.

a.   Breaching Operations. Engineers reduce obstacles as part of company breaching operations (Table 10-8) and must be prepared to perform mounted and dismounted reduction tasks using manual, mechanical, and explosive reduction means. (See FM 3-34.2) Through reverse breach planning, the supporting engineer identifies critical mobility tasks, allocates reduction assets, and recommends a breaching task organization to the company commander. Keys to allocating reduction assets include identifying all reduction tasks within the zone or axis, matching specific reduction assets to each task, and planning 50 percent redundancy in reduction assets for each task. The breach force must have the capability to secure the breach site locally; therefore, an engineer-based breach force must be task-organized with adequate maneuver combat power to suppress enemy forces in the vicinity of the breach site. The assault force must have the capability to exploit the breach and continue the attack. The following are keys to synchronizing a breach through reverse planning:

b.   Route Clearance Operations. The nature of operations makes route clearance a likely task at all levels. Route clearance is a combined-arms operation normally assigned to an infantry battalion or company that is task-organized with engineers and other CS and CSS assets as required. As such, it requires the detailed integration and synchronization found in typical breaching operations. (For a detailed discussion of route clearance operations, refer to FMs 5-7-30, 20-32, and 5-71-2.)

c.   Mobility Planning in the Defense. Mobility operations in the defense ensure the ability to reposition forces, delay, and counterattack. Because of the mobile, offensive nature of the force, mobility planning is a key component of any defensive scheme of maneuver. The commander analyzes the scheme of maneuver, obstacle plan, and terrain to determine mobility requirements. Critical considerations may include—

a.   Obstacle Planning Process. The obstacle planning process is an integral part of developing both offensive and defensive COAs. It correlates directly with sub-unit maneuver and positioning, engagement area development, and enemy actions. It includes these key components:

b.   Barrier Material Resupply. The higher unit S4 normally determines the method (in position or "tailgate", out of position or "service station", or supply point) and location for performing Class IV and V resupply during the MDMP. He provides resource quantities and tentative resupply node (Class IV and V point and mine dump) locations to companies in the OPORD. The company commanders then analyze resources and mine dump locations based on physical reconnaissance of their AO. The commander submits the results of this assessment to the S4 for adjustment as early as possible.

c.   Mine Dump Operations. Mine dumps normally contain resources for a single obstacle group but may contain resources for individual obstacles if the distances between obstacles in a group are excessive and would potentially waste an inordinate amount of transportation time. The company commander, in coordination with the supporting engineer, locates the mine dump(s) where it best supports obstacle construction within the AO. If a company is assigned more than one obstacle group, it may have more than one mine dump. In light of the austere engineer organization within the force, it is imperative that the companies provide leadership and manpower to operate the mine dump, allowing engineers to construct tactical obstacles more efficiently. This requires close coordination with the supporting engineer.

d.   Obstacle Intent. Obstacle intent provides a simple framework for the commander to issue guidance and facilitates common understanding and coordination between maneuver and engineer forces. It is at the foundation of the obstacle integration process and includes three components: target, obstacle effect, and relative location.

e.   Scatterable Mines. Scatterable mines (SCATMINEs) are remotely delivered or dispensed by aircraft, artillery, missile, or ground dispenser and are laid without pattern. All US SCATMINEs have a limited active life and self-destruct after that life has expired. The duration of the active life varies with the type of delivery system and mine. SCATMINEs provide the commander with a means to respond to a changing enemy situation with remotely delivered minefields. They enable the commander to emplace minefields rapidly in enemy-held territories, to close lanes in obstacles, and to emplace in other areas where it is difficult for engineers to emplace conventional minefields quickly.

a.   NBC Reconnaissance Support. The corps or divisional chemical company (or the NBC reconnaissance platoon organic to the RSTA squadron of the SBCT) provides reconnaissance support. The NBC reconnaissance platoon can locate, identify, and mark areas of contamination. Since NBC reconnaissance assets are limited, the company commander (or platoon leader) must plan for alternate means of conducting NBC reconnaissance.

b.   Decontamination Support. Operational decontamination support is not available at the company level. For operational decontamination, the company (or platoon) must request support from the battalion decontamination team. Thorough decontamination operations require the support of an external decontamination platoon. The company (or platoon) must request this support through the higher headquarters' S3 section. The contaminated unit will be tasked to augment the decontamination platoon during the conduct of thorough decontamination operations. (For a more detailed discussion of decontamination requirements, refer to FM 3-5.)

c.   Smoke Support. Internal smoke capabilities consist of company mortars and smoke pots. Smoke pots are the commander's primary means of producing small-area screening smoke. An external smoke platoon is required for long-term, large-area obscuration. If attached, the smoke platoon has the capability of providing both hasty smoke and large-area smoke support for tactical operations in the main battle area.

d.   Preparedness. Because of the capability of a growing number of nations to employ nuclear and chemical weapons and the apparent willingness of some nations to use them, the company must plan from the outset to fight in an NBC environment. The commander is responsible for preparing his unit to operate in an NBC environment. He does this by—

a.   Weapons Free. Crews can fire at any air target not positively identified as friendly. This is the least restrictive weapons control status level.

b.   Weapons Tight. Crews can fire only at air targets positively identified as hostile according to the prevailing hostile criteria.

c.   Weapons Hold. Crews are prohibited from firing except in self-defense or in response to a formal order. This is the most restrictive control status level.

a.   Passive Air Defense. Passive air defense consists of all measures taken to prevent the enemy from detecting or locating the unit, to minimize the target acquisition capability of enemy aircraft, and to limit damage to the unit if it comes under air attack. One advantage the company can exploit is that target detection and acquisition are difficult for crews of high-performance aircraft. In most cases, enemy pilots must be able to see and identify a target before they can launch an attack.

b.   Active Air Defense. If the commander (or platoon leader) determines that the unit is in the direct path of attacking aircraft, he initiates active air defense procedures, including React to Air Attack drills by the subordinate units. Active air defense entails the following steps:

a.   Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition Squadron. The RSTA squadron answers the brigade commander's PIR, fills voids in information, and helps a commander to develop understanding within the area of operations by serving as a primary source of combat information. The squadron contains three reconnaissance troops, each of which includes Javelins and a 120-mm mortar section. The squadron's surveillance troop incorporates a UAV platoon, a multi-sensor platoon, signal intelligence and ground sensor, and an NBC reconnaissance platoon. The squadron can simultaneously reconnoiter nine routes or conduct surveillance of 18 named areas of interest on a continuous 24-hour cycle.

b.   Field Artillery Battalion. The SBCT has an assigned field artillery battalion. Three batteries of M-198 towed 155-mm artillery provide the brigade with fire support. Each battery has four guns assigned for a total of 12 artillery pieces in the SBCT.

c.   Engineer Company. The engineer company serves as the SBCT's primary means for mobility. Contingencies requiring survivability and construction will require the SBCT to be augmented with additional engineer assets. The company consists of three line platoons and one support platoon.

d.   Military Intelligence Company. The military intelligence company (MICO) provides analysis and ISR analysis integration functions to support the development of the SBCT commander's common operational picture (COP), targeting and effects, and IPB. It operates as an extension of the SBCT S2 staff for the management of internal and external collection assets.

a.   Battalion Mortars. The company receives supporting fires from the battalion mortars. The battalion order designates the priority of fires and allocates priority targets. The company commander considers his priority within the battalion plan. If he is first in priority, his calls for fire take precedence over all other battalion units. This may allow the commander to depend less on the field artillery battalion. Also, the company commander must understand the risks involved; for example, the priority of fires may change. The infantry battalion commander should be aware that the antiarmor company has no assigned mortars, but has a fire support vehicle (FSV) equipped with a G/VLLD. If a priority target is allocated to the company, the company commander plans to employ it when and where it will be most useful to achieve the desired effects.

b.   Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon. The battalion reconnaissance platoon is organized and equipped for reconnaissance—not to seize or retain terrain. Its primary missions are to reconnoiter and screen. When the reconnaissance platoon is operating near the antiarmor company, the commander may communicate with the platoon leader via FM, FBCB2, or he may use visual signals. Necessary signals and contact procedures are arranged between the antiarmor company commander and the reconnaissance platoon leader. If reconnaissance elements must pass through the company (or vice versa), contact points, passage points, passage lanes, guides, and procedures must be arranged. The reconnaissance platoon may be attached to the company for a counterreconnaissance mission. The reconnaissance teams serve as the commander's eyes and ears on the battlefield. They provide continuous battlefield information on operations; they should only use their organic weapons in self-defense.

c.   Battalion Snipers. Snipers may operate in support of the antiarmor company for specific missions. They are most effective when tasked to destroy specific enemy targets and when allowed to operate with few restrictions.