CHAPTER 3
FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING AND COORDINATION
FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING AND COORDINATION
Figure 3-1.
This chapter establishes the essential elements of the fire support planning and coordination effort. It examines the following key points:
- Fire support planning and the four basic tasks of fire support.
- The principles of fire support planning and coordination.
- The fire support estimation process.
- The use of the fire support plan.
The integration of fire support into the maneuver operation is a decisive factor in the success of the battle The maneuver commander is responsible for the whole of his operation, including the fire support plan The FSCOORD is responsible for advising the commander on the best use of available fire support resources, for developing the fire support plan, for issuing necessary orders in the name of the commander, and for implementing the approved fire support plan.
The measure of the effectiveness of the total fire support system depends on the successful performance of the four basic tasks of fire support:
- Support forces in contact
- Support the battle plan
- Synchronize the fire support system
- Sustain the fire support system
The commander must provide responsive fire support (from available air, ground, and sea resources) that protects and ensures freedom of maneuver to forces in contact with the enemy in deep, close, and rear operations. The process by which this support is provided includes the actions discussed below.
In All Phases of War
- Provide deep fires to disrupt, delay, and
destroy enemy follow-on forces before they
can engage friendly forces.
- Plan counterfire to destroy, neutralize, or
suppress the enemy's indirect-fire weapons.
- Provide fires to suppress known enemy air
defense weapons immediately before and
during flight by friendly aircraft within the
area of operations (SEAD).
- Provide offensive counterair fires to
destroy, neutralize, or suppress aircraft and
missiles on the ground.
In Defensive Operations
- Provide adequate fire support to the
security area forces, forces engaged in the
main battle area (MBA), and forces
conducting deep and rear operations.
- Plan counterpreparation fire to disrupt
enemy preparations for an attack. These
fires strike the enemy in his assembly areas,
break up his attack formations, disorganize
his target acquisition efforts, and reduce his
morale.
- Plan permissive fire support coordinating
measures close enough to open up as much
of the battlefield as possible, yet far enough
away to avoid interference with friendly
operations.
- Plan for target acquisition and control of
fires on all avenues of approach.
- Plan targets on avenues of approach to
disrupt enemy attacks by striking the enemy
during his assault. Subsequently, the fire is
shifted to continue attacking him until he is
forced to break off the attack.
- Select planned targets on the most critical avenues of approach, and allocate fire units for final protective fires.
In Offensive Operations
- Allocate responsive fire support for leading
elements.
- Allocate fire support for the neutralization
of enemy bypassed combat forces.
- Provide preparation fire, when required, to
weaken the enemy's resistance. These fires
disrupt, disorganize, or neutralize his
defense. Target acquisition must be timely
and accurate, and adequate attack
resources must be made available; or
surprise may be jeopardized.
- Plan targets to protect assaulting troops by
neutralizing or suppressing enemy
direct-fire weapons.
- Plan fires beyond objectives to prevent
enemy reinforcement during the attack and
to support friendly consolidations once the
objective has been seized.
- Use permissive fire support coordinating measures (fire support coordination line FSCL], coordinated fire line [CFL]) well to preclude endangering friendly forces.
The force commander must retain direct control over enough firepower to influence the battle by attacking high-payoff targets, the loss of which prevents the enemy from interfering with our operations or effectively developing his own. Of particular concern to the force commander are the large-scale attack of counterfire targets, deep interdiction, and support of rear operations. The battle plan is supported as discussed below.
In Defensive Operations
- Disorganize, delay, and disrupt critical
enemy elements before the attack.
- Plan counterfire against enemy indirect-fire
systems attacking critical friendly elements.
- Use both lethal and nonlethal attack means
to apply constant pressure to the enemy's
command and control structure.
- Plan the acquisition and attack of
high-payoff targets throughout the depth of
the battlefield.
- Provide fire support, in synchronization
with maneuver and command and control
countermeasures (C_CM), in the conduct of
deep operations.
- Use fire support alone as a means of deep
attack.
- Retain centralized control of fire support
resources in order to concentrate fire at the
decisive place and time.
- Provide fires to support counterattack.
- Plan indirect fires in support of the barrier
and/or obstacle plan, and coordinate
common survey between indirect-fire assets
and planned targets.
In Offensive Operations
- Attack deep targets with massed
indirect-fire, air support, and EW assets to
prevent enemy reinforcements, process
disengagement, or resupply; and plan fire
support during consolidation to protect
friendly units.
- Weight the main attack with a
preponderance of fire support.
- Provide counterfire.
- Disrupt enemy counterattacks.
- Plan fires to support breaching operations.
- Coordinate family of scatterable minefields (FASCAM) to support economy-of-force operations, to seal off objective areas, and to disrupt enemy counterattacks.
Fire support is synchronized through normal fire support coordination, beginning with the force commander's estimate and concept of the battle plan. It is essential that fire support planning is performed concurrently with the development of the scheme of maneuver. A fire support synchronization methodology can be found in the decide-detect-deliver approach to targeting and battle management. The successful use of this methodology enables the commander to attack the right target with the best weapon at the right time. The requirement for the decide-detect-deliver sequence (distinctly different from detect-decide-deliver) is based on the realities of modern combat. The vast array of targets anticipated on the battlefield will generate competing demands for fire support--demands that could exceed the capability of the system to respond to all requirements. Through the use of decide-detect-deliver, the force commander can avoid an overload of the system by establishing priorities on how and when he will use fire support to meet critical demands. The decide-detect-deliver approach enables the force commander to take the initiative in selecting, locating, and attacking high-payoff targets before they actually present themselves in the Threat array. The actions involved with each step are discussed below.
Decide
The decision step provides the focus and priorities for the collection management and fire planning process. It is oriented by--
- The intelligence estimate of the situation.
- The commander's mission analysis.
- Battlefield planning (which projects future
friendly operations).
- An in-depth knowledge of the most
probable enemy response to the projected
friendly operation.
- A decision regarding options to deny the enemy means of interference.
This step enables the commander to conclude what high-payoff targets must be located, how they will be located and attacked, and when these actions will occur in relation to the battle plan.
Detect
Designated target areas of interest (TAIs) are continuously monitored either by observers or through electronic means. Observers notify the appropriate TOC or delivery system to initiate target attack when specified targets are detected.
Deliver
Timely, accurate delivery is the culmination of synchronization of the fire support system. The delivery is executed rapidly by having designated attack systems respond to the commander's guidance when designated high-priority targets (trigger events) are observed.
Combat sustainment includes all the combat service support (CSS) activities necessary to support battles, engagements, and related actions. Fire support commanders can realize the full combat potential of their forces and achieve synchronization in their operations only when the combat sustainment system is used effectively. Fire support planners must formulate tactical plans to reflect logistics limitations and to exploit logistics capabilities. Ammunition, fuel, food, water, maintenance, transportation, and medical support are all critical to sustaining fire support operations. CSS units will provide support as close to firing units as possible considering the battlefield environment. Fire support commanders must conserve their sustainment resources and assign them priorities that ensure their survival on the battlefield. Logistics sustainment is a central, potentially decisive aspect of operations, not an adjunct to them.
The FSCOORD, who is usually also the commander, is responsible for providing the leadership that ensures that the fire support system is sustained and can support the battle. He identifies sustainment requirements associated with fire support elements and takes necessary actions to ensure that they are satisfied. He plans and monitors logistics readiness and training within the command and ensures that subordinate leaders understand and use external logistics resources to the best effect. The FSCOORD ensures that coordination is made with supporting sustainment elements outside the command. The external sustainment system is dedicated to enabling fire support elements to accomplish their missions. Sustainment of the fire support system during AirLand Battle operations includes three fundamental imperatives.
Protection
The FSCOORD must ensure the following:
- The various components of the fire support
system are protected from enemy action.
- When possible, subsequent firing positions
are prepared before the operation.
- All elements of the fire support system take action to counter the enemy's firepower and maneuver by ensuring that personnel, equipment, and systems are difficult to locate, strike, and destroy.
Logistic Support
The FSCOORD must ensure the following:
- Stocks and supplies within the command
are protected and properly positioned to
sustain fire support systems.
- Weapon systems and all other equipment
are maintained in a high state of readiness
within the command, and external support
systems are properly understood and used
by the fire support element.
- The logistics requirements of firing units
are clearly and expeditiously made known
to supporting elements.
- When necessary, strict controls and priorities on supplies are employed to ensure strength at the decisive time and place. While fire support plans may be based on a required supply rate, they must be adjusted to conform to the controlled supply rate.
Technical Support
The FSCOORD must ensure the following:
- Command and control facilities are
redundant where possible.
- Fire support personnel are well-trained
and, most important, training is continuous.
- Firing systems and support equipment are
mobile and correctly emplaced.
- The technical aspects of fire support (meteorology, survey? and communications) are accurate and rapid.
The purpose of fire support planning is to optimize the employment of the fire support system by integrating and synchronizing it with the battle plan. The planning process determines what type of targets will be attacked, when, and with what means. Successful fire support planning is the result of the FSCOORD's aggressive contribution to the force commander's planning and decision-making process. Fire support coordination is the continuous process of implementing fire support planning and managing all available fire support assets. In making this contribution, the FSCOORD must employ several principles of fire support planning and coordination as a guide. These principles are extensions of the our basic tasks of fire support.
Plan Early and Continuously
To effectively integrate fire support with the scheme of maneuver, planning must begin when the commander states his mission and provides his command guidance. Whenever commander's guidance is needed during the planning of an operation, the FSCOORD should solicit that guidance from the commander. Planning is continuous and keeps pace with the dynamics of the battle.
Exploit All Available Targeting Assets
The FSCOORD must ensure that the acquisition requirements of the fire support system are identified. He also ensures that target information from all available resources is rapidly evaluated and routed to the appropriate attack means. This includes information from within his force, from adjacent and supporting elements, and from higher echelons.
Consider the Use of All Lethal/Nonlethal Attack Means
The FSCOORD considers the attack means available at his level and higher levels. He also considers the command guidance for the use of these attack means in the present battle and in future battles.
Use Lowest Echelon Capable of Furnishing Effective Support
Fire support is delivered by the lowest level having effective means available. The FSCOORD must decide what is needed and, if his own assets are inadequate, must request additional fire support from the appropriate echelon.
Use Most Effective Means
Requests for fire support are sent to the agency with the most effective means. In making his decision, the FSCOORD considers the nature and importance of the target, its dwell time, the availability of attack means, and the results desired. He may also consider assets to temporarily fix the target until a more effective means can attack it. An example of this is a situation in which air support is the most desired means but is about 20 minutes away. In this case, indirect-fire weapons can fix the target until aircraft arrive.
Furnish Type of Support Requested
Usually, the fire support requester is in the best position to know what is needed. However, the FSCOORD is in a position to weigh the request against the commander's guidance on priority targets and the current and future needs for fire support. If a request for fire support is disapproved, the FSCOORD stops the request and notifies all concerned. When possible and necessary, he substitutes a new fire support means and alerts the agencies that are to provide and to receive the support.
Avoid Unnecessary Duplication
A key task for the FSCOORD is to ensure that duplications of fire support are resolved and that only the minimum force needed to get the desired effects is used.
Consider Airspace Coordination
The FSCOORD provides input concerning fire support use of airspace to those agencies and personnel engaged in airspace management. At division and corps, air defense and aviation liaison representatives often collocate with fire support elements to enhance the exchange of information (see FM 44-1 and FM 100-103). At lower levels, such coordination may include forward air controllers, NGF spotters, aerial observers, and other airspace users.
Provide Adequate Support
The mission of the force and the commander's guidance determine the amounts and types of fire support needed for success. The FSCOORD must clearly inform the maneuver commander when there are not adequate resources to support his plan.
Provide Rapid and Effective Coordination
The FSCOORD must know the characteristics of the various fire support weapons and have immediate information on their availability. He must stay abreast of the battle as it develops in order to attack both planned targets and targets of opportunity and to ensure that coordination channels are functioning smoothly. For rapid coordination, the following must be considered:
- Exact locations of supported maneuver
units.
- Scheme of maneuver of the supported
force.
- Supported commander's guidance and
standing operating procedures (SOP).
- Fire support coordinating measures in
effect.
- Rules of the host nation, if appropriate.
While planning is done regardless of boundaries and friendly locations, the execution and coordination of fire support must always account for these realities. To ensure responsive and safe fire support, the FSCOORD must continuously use and update all types of fire support coordinating measures.
Fire Support Coordinating Measures
Fire support coordinating measures are designed to facilitate the rapid engagement of targets and, at the same time, provide safeguards for friendly forces. They ensure that fire support will not jeopardize troop safety, will interface with other fire support means, and/or will not disrupt adjacent unit operations.
Types of Measures. With the exception of boundaries, fire support coordinating measures are either permissive or restrictive.
Permissive measures. With the establishment of a permissive measure, no further coordination is required for the engagement of targets affected by the measure. In essence, the primary purpose of the permissive measure is to facilitate the attack of targets.
Restrictive measures. The establishment of a restrictive measure imposes certain requirements for specific coordination before the engagement of those targets affected by the measure. Therefore, the primary purpose of restrictive measures is to provide safeguards for friendly forces.
Boundaries. Boundaries are used by the maneuver commander in various operations to indicate the geographical area for which a particular unit is responsible. They describe a zone of action or sector of responsibility for a maneuver unit and are normally designated along terrain features easily recognizable on the ground. Boundaries are the basic fire support coordinating measure. As such, they are both permissive and restrictive in nature.
They are restrictive in that no fire support means may deliver fires across a boundary unless the fires are coordinated with the force having responsibility within the boundary or unless a permissive fire support coordinating measure is in effect that would allow firing without further coordination.
They are permissive in that a maneuver commander, unless otherwise restricted, enjoys complete freedom of fire and maneuver within his own boundaries.
For effective fire support coordination in combined operations, there must be an exchange of liaison personnel down to the lowest possible echelon along the common boundary. Personnel must not only be tactically and technically competent but ideally should also be proficient in language to facilitate rapid coordination. The fire support coordinators at all levels are charged with the responsibility to ensure that both fire support coordination occurs and mutual assistance of fire support assets takes place.
Provide for Flexibility
The FSCOORD must anticipate and provide for future contingencies. On-order missions and the careful positioning of assets give the commander the flexibility to respond to changing battlefield conditions.
Provide for Safeguarding and Survivability of Friendly Forces/Installations
Several measures can be used to accomplish this principle. Examples are the use of fire support coordinating measures, the use of restricted firing positions to eliminate or reduce firing signatures, and the consideration of the locations of friendly forces during target analysis. Safety measures must not become so restrictive that they unduly degrade the effectiveness of fire support.
The plan for the employment of fire support assets results from the completion of the following staff estimates:
- Intelligence estimate.
- Force commander's tactical estimate.
- Logistic estimate.
- Fire support estimate.
- Engineer estimate.
- Air defense artillery estimate.
In deciding how to best employ the available resources to support the commander's battle plan, the fire support estimate has the greatest influence. Many factors in the fire support estimate will be derived from the other estimates, which are discussed later. The estimates listed above may not be prepared formally at brigade level. However, the general format and thought process involved in their preparation will be used by brigade, battalion, and company commanders when planning operations.
The intelligence estimate is prepared by the force intelligence officer from the point of view of an enemy commander. The terrain analysis team analyzes the terrain to determine choke points, engagement areas, and windows of opportunity for targeting by both direct and indirect fires. The intelligence estimate is the result of a detailed, continuous IPB process. The estimate is updated as new information becomes available and the tactical situation changes. It also complements the force commander's tactical estimate. The fire support system provides a direct input to the intelligence estimate through the FAIO's advice on the capability of enemy fire support. The intelligence estimate results in the following:
- Courses of action open to the enemy and,
when possible, the relative probability of
each course being adopted.
- The probable enemy plan.
- Named areas of interest (NAIs), target
areas of interest, and decision points.
- Enemy vulnerabilities.
- Predictive intelligence, which assists in the
selection of the relevant targets or target
sets which must be detected and attacked.
- The information collection plan, which includes--
- Identification of information collection tasks,
- Synchronization of sensor tasks with maneuver requirements, and
- Tasks of subordinate units and sensors to acquire specific targets; and
- May include all reconnaissance and surveillance requirements.
The commander's estimate is the basis from which the commander war-games the various contingencies to accomplish his mission. The FSCOORD is a key player in this war-gaming process. He advises the commander on the fire support assets available and recommends the most effective use of these assets. As the war-gaming process progresses, the FSCOORD continuously evaluates the integration of fire support into the commander's emerging concept of operation. As a result of this two-way interaction, the force commander's options are influenced by the availability and allocation of fire support assets. At the conclusion of the war-gaming process, the commander has developed his concept of operation, which integrates available fire support with his scheme of maneuver. The war-gaming process allows the commander to convey his intent to the FSCOORD and other key staff members. It also allows the FSCOORD an opportunity to develop the foundation for an integrated fire support plan.
The relative strengths of field artillery may influence the general allocation of field artillery units and ammunition between counterfire and other field artillery roles.
The availability of fire units and air sorties may influence the following:
- In the attack, the suitability of approaches,
the frontage of the assault, the number of
objectives that can be assaulted
simultaneously, the number of phases, and
whether the attack should be conducted by
day or by night.
- In the movement to contact, the number of
axes to be used and the frontage of the
advance.
- In the withdrawal, the relative merits of
withdrawing by day or by night and the
strength of forces needed at delaying
positions.
- In the defense, the frontage and depth of
the MBA and the strength of the reserve
required for counterattack, deep
operations, and possible rear operations.
- In deep operations, the ability to detect and
deliver effective attack of follow-on
echelons.
- In the rear operation, the time required to respond with fire support assets otherwise engaged in the deep or close operation.
Availability of and potential authorization to use nuclear and chemical munitions may influence the scheme of maneuver and the tempo of battle.
A priority must be allocated for the logistic support of the fire support
system.
The logistic estimate of resources required to support a tactical plan is essential. The aim of the estimate may be twofold: to develop a concept of support and/or to determine the logistic feasibility of various courses of action in order to identify associated risks to the commander. In both cases, the availability and distribution of conventional, nuclear, and chemical ammunition will be a major consideration. Other major classes of supply that should be included in the logistic estimate are class III petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL), class IV construction material: class VII major end items; and class IX repair parts.
Supply of ammunition is the largest and most time-sensitive logistic task. It is the FSCOORD's responsibility to advise the force G4/S4 on the estimated consumption, type, and distribution of ammunition.
Action to implement a logistic plan normally starts well before the operation it is designed to support. The estimate must be completed in time to--
- Enable the commander to modify his plan and
priorities for logistic support, if
necessary. or to decide to take a calculated
risk.
- Allow coordination with related logistical agencies for the purpose of ordering enough of the correct supplies and transporting them to the required place by the time they are needed.
FIRE SUPPORT ESTIMATE
The fire support estimate is prepared by the FSCOORD. It helps him to integrate and synchronize the employment of fire support resources within the fire support system and with the force scheme of maneuver.
The fire support estimate is a realistic appraisal of the effort required to support the operation. It serves as a basis for identifying priority fire support requirements.
Any variable that could affect the mission is a factor. Before the estimate is started, all relevant information must be collected from all available sources. Once this information has been assembled and the factors that could affect the plan have been identified, they should be listed and arranged in priority. Examples of the factors that may be considered are as follows:
- The task organization of subordinate forces
and their missions.
- The availability of field artillery resources,
including cannons, multiple launch rocket
systems (MLRSs), missiles, ammunition
(conventional, nuclear, and chemical), and
target acquisition assets.
- The availability of other fire support
resources, including mortars, NGF, tactical
air support, and Army aviation support.
Also included are EW and other
intelligence-controlled surveillance assets.
- In the attack, the enemy dispositions
(including frontage and depth), the degree
of protection afforded the enemy, objectives
for subordinate forces or units, the number
of phases, and the likely frontage and depth
of the assault. These will affect the
allocation of fire support resources to
subordinate units.
- In the defense, the mission of the security
force, the frontage and depth of the MBA,
the contingencies for counterattack, and
considerations for deep and rear
- The mobility of the supporting artillery and
its speed of movement to contact and
withdrawal.
- In light forces, the force antiarmor plan.
- Courses open to the enemy artillery commander, especially his most probable course of action. These are derived from the intelligence estimate and knowledge of enemy artillery doctrine. Consideration of this factor results in--
- The probable enemy artillery plan.
- Enemy artillery vulnerabilities.
- Enemy nuclear and chemical capability and posture.
- Any information requirements on enemy that have significant influence on the tasking of weapons-locating sensors .
- The allocation of resources, weapons, and munitions for counterfire.
- Measures to reduce the vulnerability of our force.
- The recommended counterfire priorities for each phase of the battle (by the designation of critical friendly zones and enemy weapon systems).
- The enemy EW situation.
- The identification of high-payoff targets
(derived from target value analysis [TVA]
and IPB).
- The commander's information requirements
(derived from the intelligence estimate).
- The availability and condition of roads,
trails, and likely position areas. This leads
to the coordination of movement and
position areas with the operations staff.
- Ammunition consumption factors (type and
quantity), pre-positioning requirements, and
priority of combat service support.
- The effects of survey and met requirements
on the ability to guarantee timely and
accurate fire support (to include weapon
and target acquisition assets).
- The reliability and range of communications.
- The time required for positioning and
technical preparation to engage targets.
- The time to be ready to support the operation.
| NOTE: The fire support estimate process is explained in detail In FM 6-20-30 and parallels the supporting commander's estimate explained in FM 101-5. |
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The engineer estimate focuses on requirements and resources needed to allow engineers to accomplish the missions of mobility, countermobility, and survivability. By listing tactical courses of action, the engineers can consider all needs and support requirements. The fire support plan must be tied very closely to the engineer's obstacle and/or barrier plan of the estimate to ensure the right quantity of shell-fuze combinations and that the range of the weapons will be adequate. The engineers can also provide detailed information regarding terrain and route trafficability.
This estimate results in the allocation of counterair units to support the force. It is based on the established priorities and force scheme of maneuver as determined in the supporting ADA commander's estimate of the situation. The estimate considers the nature of the operation to be supported, composition of supported forces, strengths to be supported, peculiar or unusual support requirements, and any other factors pertaining to the supported force that affect the scope and size of the support mission. It indicates enemy peculiarities and weaknesses that will favorably or unfavorably influence the combat effectiveness of the supported unit. The ADA estimate results in the following:
- Identified advantages and disadvantages of
each proposed supported force course of
action from the ADA supportability
perspective.
- The proposed supported force counterair
priorities, counterair courses-of-action
sketches, recommendations, and plans. This
includes recommendations to the fire
support plan on counterair targets.
- The ADA commander's mission analysis,
ADA priorities, a statement of the task(s)
to be accomplished, and the purpose to be
achieved.
- The ADA required to support the given
priorities. This is determined by identifying
factors of METT-T and reaching conclusions based on the ADA principles
of employment.
- An IPB for the third dimension of the AirLand battlefield.
The fire support plan contains the information necessary for understanding how fire support will be used to support the operation. It results from the fire support estimate, and it is an integral part of the commander's tactical plan (operation order [OPORD]). The implementation of the plan is the responsibility of the force FSCOORD, his staff, and subordinate FSCOORDs/FSOs. An example of a fire support plan is in FM 6-20-30, FM 6-20-40, and FM 6-20-50. The essential elements of a fire support plan are as follows:
- The allocation of all fire support assets.
- Projected changes to the allocation of fire
support assets based on tactical
contingencies in the OPORD.
- Coordination and synchronization instructions for the timely detection
and attack of high-payoff targets.
- Requirements for positioning of assets, the
make-up of basic loads, the controlled
supply rate, and required target damage.
- Restrictions on ammunition expenditures,
types of fires, areas of employment, and
creation of obstacles; limiting risk to friendly troops; and minimizing
the loss of civilian life.
- Permissive and restrictive coordinating
measures.
- Special instructions on rules of engagement, fire support communications, and logistic support.
The commander's battle plan. for deep fires requires several special considerations. As stated above, fire support for deep operations may consist of maneuver and fire support or of fires alone. Maneuver forces may be required to exploit the result of large-scale, conventional deep fires.
Deep fires are the most responsive assets the operational-level commander has to disrupt Threat operations. Fire support for deep operations will be provided by US and allied field-artillery-delivered rocket and missile systems, tactical air (tac air), and possibly naval gunfire. Deep fires are based on the opportunities to seize and sustain the initiative in order to accomplish combat objectives. They require careful analysis of enemy capabilities to interfere with friendly operations and of enemy vulnerability to friendly capabilities. Only those enemy force elements which can be brought to bear against significant projected friendly operations or those which are essential to the accomplishment of critical Threat functions are potential targets for engagement. High-payoff target engagements are planned to attack specific Threat functions (maneuver; C2; fire support; air defense; reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition [RSTA]; nuclear and chemical; and logistics). Normally, deep fires are executed by corps-level commands using joint and combined attack means. The focal point for deep fires at the joint or combined level may be in the battlefield coordination element. At this location, specific deep targets are deconflicted between air and ground attack means. If tac air is selected as a source of deep fires, targets are matched against the air allocations available to the land component commander.
| NOTE: The use of tac air for deep operations may require land component fires In the form of SEAD. This operation will require continuous coordination between the air and land component commanders. |
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Target acquisition for deep fires will be provided from a variety of joint and national-level acquisition systems. Targeting for fires at operational depth will almost exclusively be focused on planned engagements. A planned engagement is one in which some degree of prearrangement (such as general target location, weapon system positioning, and munition selection) has been made. If enough targeting data are available, planned engagements may be scheduled for a particular time frame or may be keyed to a friendly or enemy event. Other planned engagements may be specified by target type and be on call according to the characteristics of the target (for example, dwell time and high payoff). Unplanned engagements may be conducted; however, they must satisfy the same relevance criteria that characterize the planned engagement.
The objective of deep fires is to functionally kill specific enemy capabilities which could affect the successful accomplishment of the corps objectives. Deep fires may include attacks to destroy specific Threat systems; for example, attack of surface-to-air missile systems by knocking out their radars rather than destroying the missiles. The G2, G3, and FSCOORD must have common priorities and be capable of timely response to changes in the situation. When attacking Threat functions, the requirement is to be able to react to situations and opportunities more rapidly than the Threat can respond. We must be able to operate inside the Threat decision cycle. Integrating the intelligence, maneuver, and fire support functional areas concerned with deep fires will require a significant degree of synchronization. This is achieved by a command, control, and communications process characterized by centralized control of attack parameters and varying degrees of decentralized execution.
AirLand Battle doctrine requires fire support for rear operations ranging from the maneuver brigade rear area to the theater Army communications zone (COMMZ). Fire support personnel from brigade level to EAC must be responsive to a rear area threat with adequate amounts of fire support. Usually, this support will be provided by field artillery, Army aviation, and close air support.
Usually, fire support will be provided to rear area units on a contingency basis. There may, however, be times when field artillery is positioned in rear areas in preparation against a pending threat. It should be noted that fire support assets located in rear areas do not constitute fire support in reserve. For example, field artillery units supporting rear area units are committed field artillery. There are a number of considerations of fire support for rear operations:
- Fire support organizations in rear area
operations centers (RAOCs) may have to
be formed on an ad hoc basis.
- The use of field artillery in rear operations
will require on-order tactical missions plus
adequate rear and refuel times.
- Army aviation or CAS may be the most
responsive fire support asset for use in rear
areas. Army aviation may be used to rapidly
displace towed artillery to firing positions.
- Fire support coordinating measures must be
in use to protect friendly units. They will
usually be coordinated with the host nation.
- When a brigade-size task force is committed, for Level III rear area threats, fire support will usually consist of a DS battalion.
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