SECTION
XV
PREPARATION LESSON LEARNED: POSITION FORWARD OBSERVERS WHERE THEY CAN SEE THAT PORTION OF THE BATTLEFIELD FOR WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE
The maneuver commander and FSO must determine the best locations for their platoon forward observers. The most frequently overlooked element of the indirect fire system is location of the forward observer in relation to the targets. The TF and CO/TM FSOs share responsibility for positioning platoon FOs and available COLTs where they can see those targets they are responsible for shooting.
| If a platoon FO has been given responsibility for initiating fire supporting an obstacle, he must be positioned where he can both see the target and communicate with the delivery unit responsible for engaging those targets. |
The maneuver commander's (Co, TF, or BDE) METT-T analysis must drive where observers will be positioned and what functions/responsibilities each has. Platoon FOs and COLTs can be assigned responsibility for target engagement or surveillance of a particular portion of the battlefield at BDE, TF, or Co level. It is incumbent upon the Co FSO to ensure his platoon forward observation parties are positioned to execute their responsibilities regardless of who assigns the tasks.
Observers and Fire Support Officers must maintain effective communications to deliver timely and accurate fires on the enemy. Digital equipment must have electronic line of sight in order to pass traffic. Positioning of observers and FSOs must consider both their need to see the battlefield and to communicate.
Position observers where they can see their targets and maintain communications with their indirect fire assets. Careful consideration must be given when separating a platoon forward observation party from the supported platoon. The platoon observation party has only one radio and cannot maintain contact with the platoon leader and the supporting indirect fire unit. Additionally, the FO party does not have an organic vehicle; therefore, link-up with the platoon leader due to mission changes or battlefield conditions may be difficult. Further, separating the platoon leader from his primary indirect fire planner and executor will inhibit the platoon leaders ability to modify/change his fire plan and to engage targets of opportunity as the battle unfolds.
The forward observer, regardless of assigned tasks or where he is positioned, must be able to see the battlefield to be effective. If this requires separating the FO party from the platoon leader, then careful planning and risk assessment must be done to overcome the disadvantages this creates on the maneuver force.
Table
of Contents
Section
XIV: The FSO and FOs Must Verify the Locations of Obstacles and Plan Fires
on or Around Them
Section
XVI: FSOs Must Be Aggressive
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