• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

FIELD ARTILLERY BATTERY
TROOP-LEADING PROCEDURES

by CPT Scott Westley and CPT Tom Kelly

---

FA batteries often are not effective at the NTC because the commander does not efficiently focus his unit's efforts on the tasks required to accomplish the mission.

The commander never identifies the battery Critical Field Artillery Tasks (essential tasks), issues unclear or battalion-level orders, makes poor use of available time, fails to specify sub-unit tasks or checks that must be done, and poorly supervises rehearsals and execution. Although current FA battery doctrine as outlined in FM 6-50 does not provide TTPs to address these problems, maneuver doctrine as outlined in FM 71-123 does. It provides Troop-Leading Procedures (TLPs).

TLPs provide a mental framework to ensure complete preparation, dissemination and execution of the battery's mission (see Fig 1). The process, as outlined in FM 71-123, p1-11, can be modified for artillery battery operations. It provides a checklist for the commander from receipt of the mission to execution. The steps are not sequential and may occur out of order or simultaneously after receipt of the mission.

Figure 1. Troop-Leading Procedures

RECEIVE THE MISSION Mission Analysis Critical Field Artillery Tasks (Task, Purpose, Method, Endstate) Prioritize PCC/PCI Make Timeline

Upon receipt of the FA support plan (FASP) or a WARNO, the commander must analyze the mission to identify and define his battery's Critical Field Artillery Tasks (essential tasks). The commander defines the task, purpose, method and end state (success) for each critical task to determine specific ammunition, logistics and unit preparation requirements. Using this framework to describe the battery Critical Field Artillery Tasks also helps the commander to restate the battery mission and his intent. As part of receiving the mission, the commander should identify the Pre-Combat Checks (PCCs) in priority that the sections must accomplish. A battery TACSOP should have PCC checklists that support the routine, reoccurring METL-based tasks. Having these checklists streamlines mission preparation and ensures a common understanding of preparation requirements. Finally, the commander needs to set a timeline for all critical events from issuing the WARNO to execution.

ISSUE THE WARNING ORDER Battery Mission Critical Field Artillery Tasks PCC/PCI Prioritize Timeline

The commander takes his battery mission, Critical Field Artillery Tasks, PCC priorities and timeline and issues a WARNO ASAP to maximize battery preparation time. Even incomplete information can allow the sections to accomplish most of their required preparations. There is no doctrinal WARNO format, but a modified five-paragraph field order works well.

MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN Battery IPB METT-T Considerations Critical Log Requirements Rehearsal Plans

The BC must gather information to make his plan by focusing on battery-level IPB and METT-T information. Checklists can focus his efforts (See Figures 2 and 3). The commander is concerned with positioning, movement, logistic support, rehearsals and defense as he makes his plan.

INITIATE MOVEMENT PCCs/PCIs Rehearsals Movement Order

If the mission requires repositioning, the commander should start his battery movement as early as possible (IAW METT-T) to make use of available time. Even if no repositioning is required, the use of PCCs and rehearsals allows the battery to "move" toward mission accomplishment even before a final plan is ready.

CONDUCT RECONNAISSANCE Survey Advance Party Operations PCIs, PCCs, Rehearsals (Cont) Leaders' Reconnaissance Route Reconnaissance

Depending on METT-T, the reconnaissance can be a simple map analysis combined with battery IPB information gathered from the S2. Ideally, it will consist of ground reconnaissance, establishing and verifying survey control, fully preparing the position to receive the battery, and the developing the battery defense plan. Coordination for survey, engineer support, route security, adjacent unit coordination and fires support can be accomplished.

COMPLETE THE PLAN Prepare Verbal Order Organize Brief/Rehearse Terrain Board/Sketch/Overlays

The commander must organize information into a coherent order to issue to his sections. The level of detail is METT-T dependent but, as a minimum, must convey the essential situation, mission, execution, logistic and command and signal data needed to accomplish the Critical Field Artillery Tasks. Prepare (or have the FDC or BOC prepare) a terrain or map board to use when issuing the order. Rehearse to ensure a focused and clear delivery.

ISSUE THE ORDER

Gather the key players for the brief. Ensure the headquarters and BOC personnel attend so they understand their role. Be concise but specific in the sub-unit missions to each section. Once complete, use backbrief techniques to make sure your orders and priorities are understood. Have the XO and other key leaders backbrief you after they have had time to analyze and implement their part of the plan. State the specific items you will check or have another leader check PCIs. Update your timeline and rehearsal schedule.

SUPERVISE

The most important, but the least accomplished, step is supervision. Leaders must conduct the PCIs identified. Similarly they must spot-check the plan to ensure standards are met. In the defense especially, leaders must ensure weapon range cards and positioning, survivability and fighting positions, OP positioning and knowledge are to standard. The commander must "close the loop" on his plan to ensure success. Use subordinate leaders to assist, but you should conduct the priority PCIs. The requirements for effective PCIs are outlined in FM 7-123, pg 33 and 35.

BTRY FA SUPPORT PLAN CHECKLIST (From the S2) 1. Position Area Terrain and Weather Data __ Where are intervisibility lines? __ What is the slope, soil conditions, trafficability? __ Site-to-crest or intervening-crest problems? __ Illum %, moonrise, moonset, NVG window? __ Precipitation, wind, temperature? 2. Enemy __ What is the primary enemy threat to the btry? Ground Attack __ What type of ground forces? __ Number and type of vehs and wpns? __ How will the enemy find the btry? Where are the avenues of approach? __ What is the enemy's objective? How will he react to me? __ When and where can I expect to see this threat? Air Attack __ What type/number/capability of acft? __ Where are likely enemy air routes? __ How will he locate the btry? __ What is his objective? How will he react to me? Counterbattery __ How will the enemy locate the btry? (DF, radar, observation, air) __ When in the battle will the btry be the enemy's priority target? Other __ When and where will the enmy use chemicals (type, effects, best defense)?

Figure 2

BTRY FA SUPPORT PLAN CHECKLIST (From the S3)

1. __ What bn critical fire support tasks are my responsibility (by priority)?

2. __ Which btry is my backup?

3. __ Does my btry back up another btry?

4. __ How much ammo of what type/lot do I need to achieve effects?

5. __ When and how will I get the ammo?

6. __ What are the observers/callsigns/freqs/backup/GVLLD/OBCO?

7. __ When will task be executed, trigger, and frequency?

8. __ Where are the positions I must fire from? Are they cleared? What is my trigger for occupation?

9. __ What units will be around me (Freq, callsign, and actions)?

10. __ What is the friendly situation?

11. __ What is my movement priority, approved routes?

12. __ What event triggers my movement?

13. __ What is my IPRTF NLT time?

14. __ In what rehearsals must I participate?

Figure 3

---

Radar Zone Management in the Close Fight
Acknowledgements