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SECTION XI

EXECUTION LESSON LEARNED: THE FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE BRIGADE INTELLIGENCE EFFORT

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The intelligence gathering capabilities of the field artillery battalion provide the maneuver commander with a significantly enhanced ability to see and know the intentions of the enemy. Maneuver units and FA units that do not share their gathered intelligence are preparing themselves for failure. The DS battalion must run a comprehensive, dynamic reconnaissance and surveillance effort that meets the PIR of the FSCOORD and maneuver commander and maximizes the intelligence gather capabilities of organic resources. Field artillery assets/sources are:

• Forward observers: attached to each infantry platoon in the supported brigade.

• Fire support officers: attached to each maneuver headquarters in the supported brigade down to company level.

• Combat Observation and Lasing Teams (COLT's): additional forward observer teams equipped with a G/VLLD and commonly used at brigade level.

• Fire support elements: in each TF and brigade TOC.

• Survey parties: normally two PADS parties and a survey platoon headquarters. Each of these teams equates to a mounted patrol. They are particularly useful in getting information about the terrain.

• Battery observation posts: established by each battery for local security.

• Battery advance parties: sent to prepare positions for occupation.

• Weapons locating radars: an AN/TPQ-36 is often attached to a field artillery battalion, especially if that battalion has been assigned a counterfire role.

Collection should confirm the maneuver force decision support template. The DS Bn S-2 assigns each asset intelligence acquisition tasks to address the PIR appropriate to their capabilities and limitations. The DS Bn can have as effective a reconnaissance and surveillance plan as anyone on the battlefield.

The commander of the maneuver force and the FSCOORD must aggressively ensure their respective staffs are passing and receiving vital combat information. The FA battalion should send estimates and combat information to the brigade.

The maneuver S-2 should actively seek input from the FA battalion S-2. An added benefit of this cooperation is the second analysis of intelligence each organization provides the other.

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Table of Contents
Section X: FSCOORD/FSO Should be Where He Can Contribute Most to the Success of the Operation
Section XII: Management of FIREFINDER Radar When Attached to a Field Artillery Battalion