FIRE
SUPPORT BOS
TARGETING OPERATIONS
The targeting process, as an integral part of deep operations, is neither well understood nor are there effective procedures established for its implementation. This results in deep fires and deep attack which do not support the commander's intent or are not synchronized with the scheme of maneuver.
Decide Detect Deliver
The basis of the targeting process and sequence is embodied in the DECIDE-DETECT- DELIVER methodology.
Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB)
IPB on the enemy weather and terrain must be thoroughly prepared, used routinely by the entire staff, and kept current.
Targeting Cell
The targeting cell should be directed by the G-3, meet on a routine basis, and have a process for focusing deep target acquisition and engagement. The cell should consist of the AAFSCOORD, Field Artillery Intelligence Officer (FAIO), target analyst, operations/intelligence NCO, fire support NCO, target NCO, fire support specialist and RTO. At corps level, a representative from the Lance Targeting Cell of the corps artillery G-3 should be included.
Target Value Analysis (TVA) Process
TVA should be based on the commander's intent/guidance, include G2 and G3 in the process, and be updated frequently.
High Payoff Targets (HPT)
High Payoff Targets (HPT) need to be developed in consonance with the overall intent, updated, and the updates distributed as the situation changes.
Synchronization
Linkage between the target to be attacked, sensor(s) tasked to find the target, and the weapon system used for attack should be apparent.
Interface with the SCIF
The Collection Manager (CM) in the SCIF should be aware of HPTs. NAI and TAI development should be linked to targeting. HPTs must translate to Special Information Requests by CM. The FAIO should work in the SCIF with the CM.
Timeliness
Targeting information must be processed quickly and target selection standards need to be established to allow intelligence analysts to quickly identify valid targets.
ONE UNIT'S SOLUTION
The key doctrinal publication FM 6-20-30, Fire Support for Corps and Division, Annex E, has an excellent layout of the targeting methodology. However, it fails to tell a division or corps how to make the targeting process work, who is involved, and what each element of the MAIN has to do. During a recent BCTP warfighter exercise, a division had excellent results with deep operations due to detailed techniques and procedures they had developed.
Formal Process
The division established a targeting cell which operated from the division main CP. The targeting cell met formally during each 12 hour shift in the G3 plans element at the main. A 2000 hrs meeting with the entire cell fully integrated and synchronized all aspects of the deep operation. A 1000 hrs meeting between the AFSCOORD, Intelligence Production Section (IPS) analysts, and others, as required, focused on the next day's requirements and refined details for the evening meeting. These meetings were augmented by continuous coordination by the AFSCOORD and Chief, CMD.
Duties/Functions
Major functions by position were:
- Overall responsibility for managing cell.
- Supervises targeting operations.
- Develops and maintains HVT and HPT lists.
- Recommends attack guidance matrix to FSCOORD.
- Helps G2 representative determine accuracy requirements and targets which are time sensitive.
- Identifies HVTs.
- Determines, with FSE, target selection standards and passes perishable HPTs to FSE.
- Develops IPB templates.
- Analyzes target damage assessment info.
- Advises cell on ability to collect against against targets.
- Ensure commander's concept and intent are incorporated into the TVA process.
- Inform brigades of division HPTs.
- Help develop attack guidance matrix.
- Assists in determining EW HVTs and HPTs.
- Translates time requirements into mission guidance for the EW systems under division.
- Requests CAS and coordinates with MAC ALO for special lift requirements (e.g., LRSU insertion)
- Advises on attack helicopter use.
- Works in the SCIF, Intelligence Production Section (IPS), to select and expedite critical target information to the fire support system.
- Specifies the most important and perishable targets in such a way that the intelligence analysts (usually E5s and E6s) immediately recognize and take action on them.
- Provides detailed information on required target location accuracy and works with the Collection Manager on appropriate sensor selection.
- Advises on aircraft allocation and provides expertise on USAF attack assets.
- Coordinates recommended MRR targets with all ground force elements.
- Recommends deep targets for chem/nuc.
- Recommends scatterable mine usage deep.
- Assists in the analysis of terrain, obstacles and other mobility aspects of TAIs.
- Provides impact of attacking targets.
- Coordinates and provides info on air defense status.
PIRs were jointly developed by the AFSCOORD G2, G3, and based on CG guidance.
Attack guidance matrix and target attack and acquisition priorities (originally published in OPLAN then updated daily) were approved by division commander daily as part of the fire support plan.
The FAIO provided a key link for responsive flow between SCIF and FSE.
The attack of second echelon regiments, enemy FA, and enemy ADA provided a good payoff.
If attack helicopters were to be used, a representative from the aviation unit should be brought to the division main early on.
Table
of Contents
Maneuver
BOS
Mobility/Countermobility/Survivability
BOS
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