SECTION
XXIII
PLANNING LESSON LEARNED: THE DIRECT SUPPORT (DS) FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION COMMANDER MUST DEVELOP AND WARGAME THE OPERATIONS ORDER WITH THE BRIGADE STAFF
The DS battalion commander/Fire Support Coordinator (FSCOORD) must be present when the brigade staff develops the operations order and wargame different courses of action. The brigade staff develops the order with the task force (TF) commanders and DS battalion commander. The staff proposes various courses of action based on intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) and commander's intent.
As each course of action is examined to determine its feasibility, the FSCOORD analyzes each from a fire support perspective to identify:
- How much ammunition is required.
- Are the right means in the right numbers of fire support assets available.
- What moves are required to support the plan.
- Are targets and engagement areas within range of available systems.
The estimate is completed during planning to ensure the fire support plan is thoroughly integrated with the scheme of maneuver.
The FSCOORD is responsible for the preparation of the fires portion of the Concept of Operation subparagraph and coordination of the Fire Support Annex of the OPORD. These provide subordinate commanders with what they are to do with fire support assets and what they need to know to use these assets in support of the ground tactical plan. Included is information on limitations, priorities, allocations, and fire support coordination measures.
The FSCOORD and brigade Fire Support Officer (FSO) accomplish the bulk of fire planning at brigade. After the manuever commander approves the plan, it is distributed to the battalion FSO's as a formal fire plan complete with target list and schedules.
A complete fire plan consists of a concept to support the scheme of maneuver with a subparagraph for each fire support means. The plan also includes the Fire Support Execution Matrix, target list, schedules, priorities of fire, priority of targets to be attacked, coordination measures, and coordinating instructions.
Incomplete plans result in inadequate fire support. The FSCOORD can preclude incomplete fire support plans by planning concurrently with the maneuver commander and staff.
Table
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Section
XXII: The Maneuver Commander and the FSO Must Employ the Mortar Platoon Effectively|
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