FIRE
SUPPORT PLANNING
Planning fires in support of the maneuver operation is a continuous process. It begins with the receipt of the mission by the maneuver commander and continues until the mission is completed. Fire support planning is conducted concurrently as the maneuver force conducts its battle planning and determines how, when, and with what means targets will be attacked in support of the maneuver force.
The fire support plan determines the way that the fire support elements will fight the battle along with the maneuver units. The FSCOORD plans the tactical aspects of the battlefield and includes them in the fire support plan.
The fire support plan includes how fire support elements will move and position themselves, their tactical deception and survivability plans, the survey and target acquisition plans, and how the fires will be allocated to the maneuver force.
The secret of successful fire support planning is to design a plan that is simple and flexible. A flexible plan anticipates change in the dynamics of the battlefield. Complex fire support plans are difficult to execute and are fated to fail.
Planning fires in support of a maneuver operation is a complex task that requires both the maneuver commander and FSCOORD to work together throughout the entire process to ensure the commanders intent is realized. There is no stem in the planning process that can be done without the linking of the fire support plan to the maneuver plans.
THE MANEUVER COMMANDER IS THE OWNER OF THE FIRE SUPPORT PLAN
The maneuver commander owns the fire support plan. He must synchronize and concentrate all of his combat power at the critical time and place. Synchronizing and integrating the battlefield operating systems is fundamental to success on the battlefield.
The maneuver commander is responsible for integrating fire support and the scheme of maneuver into the concept of operation.
The FSCOORD and his FSO assist and advise the commander in planning, preparing and executing the fire support plan. The maneuver commander must understand his responsibility for the fire support plan from the very beginning to the end of the process.
WAR GAMING
Upon receipt of the commander's guidance, the commander, FSCOORD, maneuver S-3, and staff set about to develop the operations order. A critical step in building the foundation for the operations order is war gaming of the mission by the commander and staff. War gaming allows the maneuver commander to analyze and evaluate various courses of action to determine how best to defeat and destroy the enemy. This analysis process gives the commander and staff the opportunity to identify the critical points that must be coordinated prior to the start of the operation.
As the maneuver commander war games the operation, the FSCOORD provides the most current information for applying all elements of the fire support system. The FSCOORD recommends options to the maneuver commander and courses of action on how best to apply the fire support system in concert with the other operating systems. The maneuver commander provides the required target effects and the priorities for engaging targets and allocating fires.
War gaming allows the maneuver commander to decide how fire support resources will be used, designates which subordinate echelons will be weighted with fire support, states what targets and target types to attack. and designates what fire support means to use. When the war gaming is complete, the FSCOORD provides the maneuver commander with a fire support plan recommendation to support the selected course of action as well as a positioning and movement plan to ensure firing support elements are able to provide continuous support throughout the operation. The recommended fire support plan will also identify firing support logistical requirements and their impact on the battle.
The process of war gaming integrates the fire support target acquisition systems into the maneuver force battle field intelligence collection plan (operations) and ensures the task force uses the proper fire support means to engage targets.
COMMANDER'S GUIDANCE
Development of a successful fire support plan is dependent on the maneuver commander's guidance. The FSO and the FSCOORD must understand the intent of the commander's concept of the operation. The maneuver commander must state the role that fire support is to play in the overall operation.
If the commander does not clearly define the role of fire support in the concept of the operation, the FSO and FSCOORD must work with the commander until there is no question or doubt as to the role and employment of all fire support assets.
The commander defines the areas where indirect fires are to be planned, engagement areas where fires must support maneuver, and any areas critical to the battlefield that require fire support.
TARGET PRIORITIES
The maneuver commander on today's battlefield faces more targets than he has weapons systems to attack them. To prevent the overloading of the fire support system with targets, a method of prioritizing targets is necessary.
Using the attack criteria established by the maneuver commander, the FSCOORD and the FSO must prioritize targets in relation to their impact on the battle. The highest priority targets are those that if not defeated can inhibit the execution of the maneuver commander's battle plan. The next priority of targets are those that may seriously interfere with the battle plan. The lowest priority targets are those that might seriously interfere with the battle plan later in the battle, or disrupt future plans, and those targets that have limited impact on the plan or are of very low payoff to the maneuver commander.
The FSCOORD and the FSO recommend the priority of targets to the maneuver commander for his approval. To develop their recommendation, the FSCOORD and FSO, in conjunction with the intelligence and maneuver operations/plans groups, conduct target value analysis for each targets. This process evaluates the potential impact on the battle that each target has and identifies the most critical targets for fire support to attack.
The maneuver commander reviews the recommendation of the FSCOORD along with the available ammunition and delivery means and determines the desired effect by category of suppression, neutralization, or destruction.
The targeting priorities must be disseminated to all levels of the maneuver force, and to the fire support staff to ensure that every target that is engaged during the battle will assist the maneuver commander in achieving his intent. Targets which do not impact on the battle are a waste of a limited resource, and cannot be allowed by the maneuver commander or FSCOORD.
COMMANDER'S ATTACK GUIDANCE
The maneuver commander, with the FSCOORD, develops the attack guidance for use in planning supporting fires. The attack guidance issued by the maneuver commander to the FSCOORD and to the fire support units and observers must define how, when, and with what restrictions the maneuver commander wants to attack different types of targets, and in what priority.
The maneuver commander must specify how fires will suppress, neutralize, or destroy the targets, which types of targets have a higher payoff and higher priority, and what percentage of damage is desired on each type of target.
The attack guidance is used to develop the commander's criteria that is input into the TACFIRE system and will allow it to automatically perform a number of actions upon receipt of a fire mission. The attack guidance allows TACFIRE to automatically select the firing unit, shell-fuse combination, and number of rounds per target.
| TARGET CATEGORY | WHEN1 | HOW2 | CONSTRAINT DESCRIPTIONS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3 | 1 | I | N/EW | Coordinate attackwith EW |
| FS 2 | 2 | I | N | DNE MTLR older than 10 min |
| MAN | 3 | I | 25% | Last volleyRAAMS/ADAM |
| ADA | 4 | P | S/G2 | SEAD program |
| ENG | 5 | P | N | Countermobility program |
| RSTA | 6 | P | EW | |
| REC | 7 | P | N | |
| N/CH | 8 | I | D | Accuracy of 0 to 200 m/TDA req |
| POL | 9 | A | D | |
| AMMO | 10 | I | D | |
| MANT | 11 | P | N | Not high payoff |
| LIFT | 12 | P | N | Not high payoff |
| LOC | 13 | P | N/G3 | Not high payoff |
1Describes when to attack the target: A
- as required 2How target is to be engaged: N
- neutralize LEGEND: ADA
- air defense artillery |
The attack guidance is critical to all elements of the fire support system, not only those with TACFIRE capabilities. Non-mechanized force artillery, mortars, aviation and close air support, naval gunfire, and all other targeting and attack systems must understand how, where, and when they will attack targets in support of the maneuver.
BRIEF BACKS
The most effective method of insuring that the commander's guidance is understood is for the FSCOORD to brief back his understanding of the commander's fire support guidance to the maneuver commander. This ensures that the FSCOORD understands how the maneuver commander sees how fire support will be used in the operation.
Successful units have found this to be an invaluable method of eliminating misunderstandings as to the true intent of the maneuver commander. Only after the commander's guidance and intent is clearly defined and understood can the FSCOORD and the FSO conduct their planning, war gaming, and rehearsing of the operation with the the commander and his battle staff.
FIRE SUPPORT PLAN REHEARSALS
Throughout the planning and preparation phases of the operation, the maneuver commander and the FSCOORD continually work to focus and refine the plans that the organization is preparing to defeat the enemy. The final step in the development of the fire support plan is the combined arms rehearsal.
How the rehearsal is conducted is a function of the time and resources available to the force. Rehearsals range from a full scale dress rehearsal with all units, to a simple sand table on the ground using rocks as units and having boundaries of spray paint or engineer tape, to leaders and key personnel of an organization sitting down at a map and talking through how they will fight the battle.
How the rehearsal looks is not as important as what it accomplishes. The rehearsal will be more effective if all of the battlefield operating systems are included. The maneuver commander and subordinate commanders, as well as the FSCOORD, must rehearse the fire support plan at the same time as the maneuver plan.
A rehearsal is an effective tool for identifying and refining battle plans. The keys to an effective rehearsal are that:
- the positioning and movement plans of the artillery units are exercised.
- the target acquisition plan under the supervision of the field artillery S-2 is verified.
- the fire support plan is validated with the scheme of maneuver, the commander's intent, and attack guidance.
- the obstacle/barrier plan of the maneuver force is part of the fire support plan.
- the fire and maneuver control measures for protecting and controlling aerial and ground forces do not disrupt the fire support plan and are not violated by the plan.
- the plans for close air support and arms aviation are integrated into the scheme of maneuver and the fire support plan.
- other key or special aspects of the maneuver plan are integrated with the fire support plan.
- target grids and trigger points are verified.
- Redundant observers identified to initiate fires if the primary observer fails to execute.
The rehearsal provides the FSCOORD and FSO with an opportunity to identify gaps in the fire plan, potential engagement areas that were not found during the initial planning and war gaming process, and obstacles or barriers that are not covered with fires. The FSO should also use the rehearsal to identify targets that cannot be observed without the use of remote sensors.
The FSCOORD uses the rehearsal to verify the reposition times for the artillery units developed during the estimate process, as well as to determine windows for massing fires or periods of reduced fire support to the maneuver force. Rehearsals provide the maneuver commander and the FSCOORD the opportunity to synchronize the fire support plan with the scheme of maneuver.
THE FSCOORD
The driving force behind an effective fire support system is the Fire Support Coordinator. The FSCOORD is the maneuver commander's expert on the employment of all parts of the fire support system. The FSCOORD must be technically proficient with the fire support systems and doctrine. He must also know and understand the doctrine, tactics, and techniques of all of the other operating systems, especially the maneuver system.
The FSCOORD must know and anticipate the fire support needs of the maneuver commander and plan ahead to provide the force with the fire support needed at the critical time and place on the battlefield. The FSCOORD must know when to seek additional guidance or clarification from the maneuver commander.
POSITIONING OF THE FSCOORD
Opinions among professionals differ over where to locate the FSCOORD on the battlefield. Each opinion has merit, but when reduced to its simplest terms, the FSCOORD must be positioned where he can best execute the fire support plan. The situation must determine where the FSCOORD is positioned.
To achieve effective fire support, the FSCOORD must maintain a close working relationship with the maneuver commander and his operations officer throughout the planning, preparation, and execution of an operation.
During the initial planning it is essential that the FSCOORD be located where he can best determine the needs of the maneuver force as he, the maneuver commander, and his staff plan the battle together. Doctrine dictates that the maneuver commander include the FSCOORD in every step of his decision making process. The FSCOORD begins his own planning when the maneuver commander announces the mission to the staff.
In the preparation phase the FSCOORD must be able to ensure that the fire support elements properly understand and are prepared to support the maneuver force.
During the execution phase, the FSCOORD must position himself to respond to the dynamics of the battlefield and to immediately influence fires in support of the operation. During the execution phase, field artillery units have found that when the operations officer directs the action in the operations center and the executive officer manages the administrative and logistics operations, the FSCOORD can concentrate on fighting the immediate battle and anticipating the changes that result from the dynamics of battle.
ASSIGN EXPERIENCED ARTILLERYMEN AS FIRE SUPPORT OFFICERS
There has never been a question about the need for a well trained and qualified Fire Support Officer (FSO) with the maneuver force. Fire support planning requires an extensive knowledge and understanding of friendly maneuver and threat tactics to be effective. Unsuccessful units can frequently attribute the failure of their fire support system to complex. incomplete, or inadequate fire plans from inexperienced Fire Support Officers and maneuver commanders.
The FSO represents the FSCOORD at the maneuver force. Units with mature, experienced fire support personnel routinely have greater success integrating the fire support system with the other battlefield operating systems.
Like the FSCOORD, the FSO must understand maneuver doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures for all battle field operating systems. He must communicate the capabilities and limitations of fire support to the maneuver force commander and staff. The FSO must articulate the ability of the indirect fire systems to support each course of action to the maneuver commander and the maneuver commander must listen.
The FSO with previous firing unit experience is better able to understand the complexities associated with the tactical employment of indirect fire systems. He is better prepared to provide a maneuver force with the decisiveness that is needed to defeat the enemy on the battlefield.
Due to the complex nature of the fire support system, it is essential that the FSCOORD seeks only the best for assignment as Fire Support Officers. The FSO must be mature and decisive, and should have the following experience:
- brigade FSO: major with experience as a field artillery battalion operations officer (S-3), battery commander, and as a task force FSO.
- task force FSO: a field artillery advanced course graduate with previous experience as company FSO and battery commander.
- company FSO: senior lieutenant with previous experience as battery XO, platoon leader or FDO.
An experienced fire support officer, coupled with a properly manned fire support element is a essential element of the fire support system.
THE DECISION SUPPORT TEMPLATE
As the maneuver commander and staff form the operations plan and order during the war gaming process, another product, the Decision Support Template (DST), is developed. This tool identifies and displays the critical decision points on the battlefield. The DST is an aid to the commander and staff in synchronizing the battlefield operating systems.
The war gaming process identifies the decision points for the commander. The DST graphically portrays the decision points and the options available to the commander if an action occurs. The Decision Support Template provides the FSCOORD with the critical information that is required to provide timely and accurate fires in support of the maneuver force.
| PRIORITY | CATEGORY NUMBER | SHEET NUMBER | TARGET DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 5 | Div arty comd btry |
| 2 | 2 | 1,2, and 18 | Arty bn, FDC, CP, FA btry |
| 3 | 1 | 25 and 30 | Regt main CP, div fwd CP |
| 4 | 3 | 46, 48, 50 and 51 | Bn assy area, march column,MR or tk co |
| 5 | 10 | 120 and 121 | Div arty ammo depots |
| 6 | 8 | 76 to 82 | nuclear weapons storage and firing positions |
| Note:
The sheet numbers (1 to 128) are from the source book which desrcibes the target. LEGEND: ammo
- ammunition |
FIRE SUPPORT EXECUTION MATRIX
In the past few years a number of effective tools have been developed to assist the fire support community with the planning and execution of fires. One of these is the Fire Support Execution Matrix. Although many units attempt to use this tool at all levels of fire support, it is most effective at the battalion or brigade task force level.
The matrix, when linked to the maneuver execution matrix, provides both the fire support staff and the maneuver commander with a method of controlling indirect fire during the battle. Use of the matrix provides a system of controlling fires, a target list and target numbers that are common throughout the force.
The fire support execution matrix, like the maneuver execution matrix, is event, not time, driven. It works like a musical score to bring mortars, field artillery, rocket and all fire support systems in concert with the other operating systems on the battlefield at the needed time and place.
| PL RED TO FEBA | FEBA TO PL SABER | PL SABER TO PL INDIGO | COUNTER- ATTACK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDE FSE | Counter-preparation | AB 1109(FASCAM) | Gp A3B AB2047 (CPHD) | Interdiction program |
| 1-13 INF | Series ROGER | Priority Series BOB AB2017 (CAS) | Priority FS Gp A1B | Series TOM Gps A4B and A5B |
| 2-50 | Gp A2B | AB3321 (smk) | ||
| 3-37 | AB3033 (CAS) prior FS series CURT | |||
| SCOUTS | Priority mort CAS AB2011 |
| LEGEND: CPHD
- Copperhead |
The FSO develops and distributes the fire support execution matrix to the key players on the battlefield. This includes maneuver commanders, staff officers, scouts, fire support personnel, mortar and artillery fire direction centers, and anyone in a position to call for indirect fire during the battle.
In a time sensitive operation, the fire support execution matrix can stand alone to portray graphically the support needed to achieve the commanders intent.
TOP-DOWN PLANNING
The FSCOORD or FSO do not have the luxury of time to develop a "bottom-up" fire support plan. Operational requirements do not allow the observers to develop, identify, and plan targets or fires in support of the maneuver force, and forward them up through fire support channels for consolidation at each higher level.
The lack of available planning time requires the FSCOORD and FSO to conduct the planning for their subordinate units and to disseminate the plan down to the units for refinements, adjustments, and execution.
The key to effective employment of "Top Down" fire planning is the redundant check of the plan before execution. This is not to imply that company FSOs should not be developing their own fire plans prior to receipt of the task force fire plan and target list. The company/team FSO should use their fire plan to provide the "Bottom-up" refinement to the task force fire support plan and target list.
The most critical aspect of the refinement is the verification of target locations by the observer to ensure the accuracy of the fires. Using resection, intersection, or registration, the observers must verify the location of planned targets and coordination measures to ensure the fires support the intent of the maneuver force commander.
Failure to verify target locations can result in planned targets emplaced at the wrong tactical locations or map-spotted locations so inaccurate that indirect fires are ineffective.
Units with the TACFIRE capability have been very successful in developing and disseminating fire plans via digital formatted message. Many successful units have found the Non-Nuclear Fire Plan; Fire Command (NNFP; FC) to be the best formatted message for transfer of technical fire plan information between agencies. This method can reduce the probability of error in transmission of fire support plans.
USE A COMMON TARGET LIST
To achieve successful fire support, it is essential that every participant in the fire support system use a common target list. A common target list allows the mortars, artillery, aviation, and maneuver to reference and call fires on the same set of targets.
The FSO must develop and distribute the target list to maneuver commanders, staff officers, scouts, fire support personnel, mortar and artillery fire direction centers, and anyone in a position to call for fire during the battIe.
Many units have experienced success by tying planned targets to critical maneuver control measures, target reference points, and checkpoints. This technique strengthens the link between the fire support plan and the maneuver plan.
SHORTER TARGET LISTS
The days of the "measles sheet" should be over. Target lists with scores of "just- in-case" targets are not a recipe for success. Too many targets overload the fire support system and result in confusion and duplication on the battlefield. Automated fire control systems are quickly overburdened with targets if target selection is not managed correctly.
Many units have found that 45-60 targets per brigade are very effective and easy to manage. The FSCOORD and FSO should aggressively manage the selection and recommendation for planned targets.
The FSO should use the S2's situational template to develop and refine the target list to include only targets that support the operation. Measles sheets are usually an attempt to make up for poor fire planning.
A target list with fewer targets is easier for the observer, commanders and other key personnel in the fire support system to employ. With fewer targets, observers are better able to shift fires from planned targets to new target on the battlefield. Target lists made up of quality targets, not just quantity, are better. The FSCOORD and FSO must insist that every target have a purpose and be tied to the scheme of maneuver and the commander's intent. Shorter target lists accomplish several key things:
- The FSO can ensure that planned targets are based on the target engagement priorities established by the maneuver commander.
- The FSCOORD and FSO can quickly consolidate and disseminate the fire support plan and target list.
- The FSO can resolve or eliminate duplication of targets.
- Executing a "Shift from a Planned Target" is quicker that initiating a new call for fire.
Table
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Principles
of the Fire Support System
NCO
Corner
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