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Military

The PLGR: Techniques and Procedures
Forward Observers Can Use to Bring Rapid,
Accurate Indirect Fires to the Close Fight

by MAJ Joseph F. Napoli and SFC Sean E. Harris, JRTC Fire Support Observer/Controllers

PROBLEM: the inability of Forward Observers (FOs) to rapidly initiate fires because of difficulties determining an accurate target location, a particularly difficult task under the following conditions, all common to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC):
  • restrictive terrain
  • limited visibility
  • restrictive Rules of Engagement (ROE)

RESULTS:

1. Indirect fires are seldom used and/or seldom effective in the close fight because of a fear of potential fratricide and collateral damage.

2. The BLUFOR casualty rate is significantly higher than the OPFOR's, in great measure, because of the lack of effective indirect fires.

This article focuses on some specific How To in using the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) during mission planning, preparation and execution. Additionally, the article covers some training techniques to employ at Home Station to build proficiency with the PLGR prior to deployment.

Specifically, we'll focus on how to best use the PLGR to:

  • locate targets
  • how to best use the PLGR in conjunction with planned targets

Movement to Contact Operations
(Approach March or Search and Attack Missions)

During these missions, FOs, walking with their supported platoons, must be prepared to request and then adjust indirect fires quickly and accurately when the platoon makes contact.

Procedures: applicable to pre-movement planning and preparation

1. Conduct Fire Planning:

  • plan targets along the intended route
  • establish a net to talk directly to one or more fire support assets
  • identify a dedicatedfire support asset to lay on priority targets
  • identify what actions are expected upon contact with each high payoff target
  • confirm the SOP forimmediate suppressionmissions with each fire support asset in support of the company/team

2. Conduct Mission Preparation

  • rehearse the modified call for fire with the fire support asset
  • rehearse theplanned targets along the route with the FDC
  • conduct radio checks with the FDC, Co/TM FSO, Battalion FSO
  • conduct pre-combat checks with the PLGR
  • rehearse the platoon battle drill, React to Contact, including the FO's actions
  • load planned targets as waypoints in the PLGR

3. Specific, additional FO mission preparations:

  • confirms that his PLGR works, prior to leaving the assembly area or patrol base

  • positions the PLGR on his LCE so he can read the screen at a glance
  • the automatic offfunction on the FO's PLGR should be off.
  • calls the supporting fire support asset, instructing them to lay on the first target planned along the route
  • switch to the NAV function; confirm direction and distance to the planned target on his map
  • removes compass from pouch so it is readily available
  • frequently spot-check PLGR data against map data during mission execution

Actions on Contact

PROBLEM: Too many FOs are not mentally prepared to initiate a call for fire when the platoon makes contact.

Technique: From the moment the FO begins moving with his platoon, he must always be thinking what his actions will be if the platoon makes contact. This requires highly trained observers to employ quick thinking and initiative.

As soon as the lead element of the platoon makes contact, the FO immediately takes cover and reports, "L41(the fire support asset) this is X01 . . . CONTACT. My location . . . 43614734, over."

Repetitive Home Station training, coupled with pre-mission execution rehearsal, prepared everyone for their respective actions, based on his contact report . . .

  • the availability and accuracy of the PLGR allowed the FO to immediately self locate (within +/- 30 meters)
  • although the call went to the fire support asset, the FSO monitors and plots the FO's location
  • the FSO then preclears a 400-meter area around the grid (since most contact occurs within close proximity of the platoon, this preclearance should be adequate once the FSO hears the call for fire).
  • the FSO then requests permission from the commander to fire, concerned now only with elements the FO may not be aware of.
  • the FDC (either mortars or field artillery) reads back the FO's initial report and prepares for a fire mission using polar plot data.
  • after deciding the type of mission, i.e., adjust fire or fire for effect or immediate suppression, the FO transmits his call for fire . . . "Immediate suppression . . . polar . . . direction 3570 . . . distance 300 . . . over."
  • next the FO sends a good target description to the FSO (see FM 6-30, pg 4-3, for examples). The FSO should not bother the FO with SALUTE-type questions until the fire mission is finished. The priority must be getting rounds down range.

Use of the Polar Plot

This technique is far superior to any other method of target location, because the FO relies on the FDC to determine the grid to the target.

PROBLEMS:

1. Polar plots are infrequently used in mobile situations in restrictive terrain because of difficulties FOs have knowing their precise location.

2.Too many FOs attempt to determine target location using terrain association and a map, or adjusting from a planned target. Both tasks are extremely difficult in restrictive terrain, especially during limited visibility and/or adverse weather.

RESULTS:

1. Because too many FOs lack confidence in their abilities to call in correct target locations, many opportunities to use indirect fires in the close fight are missed.

2. Because of poor results from FOs trying to use terrain association or trying to adjust from a planned target, many maneuver commanders have lost confidence in the ability of indirect fires to support the close contacts.

Techniques: employing a fire direction computation computer (MBC) and a PLGR designed to increase the accuracy of fires.

1. Using the call-for-fire example cited earlier, when the FO calls in a direction of 3570 mils and a distance of 300 meters, the FDC inputs this into the computer, and a 10-digit grid is produced. Compare this accuracy to that when the FO attempts to do terrain association, on the move, during limited visibility.

2. If necessary and time permitting, the FO can use the PLGR himself to determine the target grid, based on direction and distance from his current location.

  • effective only when the FO has time to input data into the PLGR
  • even more effective and accurate when using a laser range finder to determine the exact distance to the target

Procedure: to determine a grid with PLGR as an observer

1. In the WP mode, select RNG-CALC.

2. Determine the waypoint you want the direction and distance to be from.

3. The PLGR's current position is always WP00. (NOTE: before using this function, the observer must ensure the PLGR is reporting an accurate grid location.)

4. Input the distance to the target (RNG), the direction to the target (AZ), and the estimated target altitude/elevation (EL).

5. Press the down arrow (No. 5 key) and the PLGR calculates the grid.

Remember, when the FO is in contact, and the platoon is attempting to fix the enemy, the FO doesn't have time to lase a target or input data into the PLGR. LET THE FDC DO WHAT IT DOES BEST! The priority is to get rounds down range fast enough to influence the current fight. Using polar plot data with the PLGR is the quickest method and doesn't sacrifice accuracy.

Use of Planned Targets

Using planned targets with the techniques and procedures above allows the fire support asset to follow the maneuver element as it moves to its march-order objective or moves through its assigned sector.

PROBLEMS:

1. Seldom will the enemy appear where the planned target is located.

2. Determining the exact location of planned targets on the ground is difficult, even using the PLGR.

3. Most planned targets will not be fired during "chance" contact situations.

4. Attempting to determine shift from a known point datum based on planned target data during contact in 25 seconds or less is an extremely difficult task.

Techniques: to ensure the fire support asset is most responsive once contact is made

1. With the fire support element following the maneuver by shifting from sequenced planned targets along the maneuver route of movement, the FO knows the fire support can range targets in the area, and only minor deviation and quadrant/elevation changes will be necessary when the FO transmits his call for fire.

2. The FO can have planned targets fired.

  • use the PLGR to help determine the planned target location
  • remember the 6-digit planned target grid the fire support asset has because the planned target may be quite different from the actual grid to the planned target on the ground.
  • the FO then must account for this potential difference when firing planned targets, and send refinements as necessary.

Home-Station Training

Success in employing these techniques and procedures for fire support in the close fight requires significant Home-Station training. Maneuver commanders, Fire Support Officers and their NCOs must realize that calling for fire from an OP or training at a TSFO/FOTS is helpful, but very limited in preparing for calling for fire in actual combat situations.

PROBLEMS:

1. FOs must be able to quickly locate a target that is moving or maneuvering on the platoon.

2. The FO will most likely not have a terrain sketch and will not be standing in a hole or bunker.

Techniques: to use to enhance Home-Station training

1. First answer the question, "How does this training prepare my FOs for the tasks they're expected to accomplish with their platoons?" FOs must train on tasks they'll be expected to perform when they deploy with their task force.

2. Integrate fire support training routinely with maneuver company and platoon training, particularly emphasizing the company mortars and the battalion mortar FDC.

3. Use maneuver platoon lane training in restrictive terrain:

    have a small OPFOR, with a PLGR-equipped firemarker team, initiate contact
  • train FOs to initiate calls for fire as discussed earlier
  • a controller, with the mortars, then asks what grid is being shot (based on polar plot data from the FO), and the controller relays the gird to the firemarker with the OPFOR.
  • the OPFOR firemarker marks the fires with an artillery simulator.
  • continue the contact until the OPFOR is neutralized.

This type of lane training is extremely beneficial. It can be done with or without an infantry platoon. It is very cost effective FO training that can be executed in a variety of terrain, to further challenge the FOs.

FOs are critical players in supporting the close fight. Their ability to provide responsive, effective fire support can the combat multiplier necessary to win. FOs must overcome their demonstrated hesitancy to initiate calls for fire in restrictive terrain when contact is made.

Training and then using the techniques and procedures we've discussed will allow FOs to regain the confidence of the maneuver commanders and platoon leaders they support. Effectively using the PLGR can enhance significantly the FOs ability to provide rapid, accurate fires regardless of the conditions.

Table of Contents
"Black 6, this is Red 6 ... contact ....", Part 2
Acknowledgements



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