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Military

THE BATTALION FIRE SUPPORT OFFICER
AND MISSION ANALYSIS

by SFC Sean Harris, JRTC
OBSERVATIONS

Mission analysis briefings at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) are usually conducted by fire support officers (FSOs), but at times these briefings lack critical information a commander needs. This information is essential to the commander prior to his issuing guidance for course-of-action (COA) development. One major reason for this lack of critical information is the FSOs are not present or involved in the initial preparation of battlefield (IPB) process during the mission analysis.

Another recurring problem identified with fire support involves the lack of an adequate fire support plan in support of the task force (TF)'s reconnaissance effort. In this instance FSOs had not prepared checklists or standing operating procedures (SOPs) that could guide them through their actions and assist their Fire Support Non-Commissioned Officers (FSNCOs) in the FSO's absence.

Frequently, FSOs fail to gather the necessary information for a thorough mission analysis and are not prepared to go on to the next step in the military decisionmaking process (MDMP). This failure to follow procedures results in late or incomplete fire support (FS) annexes for the Task Force (TF)'s operation order.

FM 101-5, Mission Analysis, p. 5-9.
"Mission analysis is crucial to the MDMP. It consists of 18 steps and results in a formal briefing by the staff to the Cdr. Anticipation, prior preparation, and a trained staff are the keys to a timely mission analysis."

Currently, the FSO is involved in at least 11 of the 18 steps described in the mission analysis (see Figure 1).

FIGURE 1. THE STEPS IN MISSION ANALYSIS
(bold steps are for the FSO)
  1. Review the higher HQ order
  2. Conduct initial Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB)
  3. Determine specified, implied, and essential tasks
  4. Determine the area of interest
  5. Review available assets
  6. Determine constraints
  7. Identify critical facts and assumptions
  8. Conduct risk assessment
  9. Determine initial commander's critical information requirements
  10. Determine the initial reconnaissance plan
  11. Plan use of available time
  12. Write the restated mission
  13. Conduct a mission analysis briefing
  14. Approve the restated mission
  15. Develop the commander's intent
  16. Issue the commander's guidance
  17. Issue a warning order
  18. Review facts and assumptions

Reference - FM 101-5, p. 5-10

In this article, I propose combining these 11 steps into seven steps designed specifically for FSOs and providing suggestions for what needs to done during each step (see Figure 2).

FIGURE 2. SEVEN STEPS OF MISSION ANALYSIS FOR FSO
(recommended)

1. Review the Higher Headquarters FS Annex
2. Begin working with the S2 on the IPB
3. Prepare for the Mission Analysis Briefing (Figure 4)
4. Start the fire planning for the task force's reconnaissance effort
5. Issue a Warning Order
6. Plan the use of available time
7. Recommend and receive the Commander's Guidance for Fire Support

Step 1. Review the Higher Headquarters (HQ) FS Annex.

The first location where the FSO can obtain much of the needed information is in the higher HQ FS annex; however, it does not contain everything the FSO needs for his briefing. Gathering information becomes a collective effort on the behalf of the entire fire support element (FSE). The FSNCO may need to take the lead on this task if the staff begins mission analysis when the commander and FSO are attending the HQ operation order (OPORD). Organizing the information obtained and the FSO needs in advance sets the FSO up for success. FSOs must know what information the commander wants and in what format he wants it briefed. Specified and implied tasks must be identified from the higher HQ FS annex for the TF's FS system. From these, the TF's essential FS tasks are identified. When the FSO briefs, phrases, such as, "Sir, we are at 50-percent strength on 105 HE," are meaningless unless the commander knows what 100 percent is for 105 HE. Therefore, the FSNCOs must ensure they know exactly what information the FSO needs for the mission analysis briefing. A checklist works well for most. See Figure 3 for an example.

art6fi3.gif - 170.99 K

FIGURE 3

Step 2. Begin working with the S2 on the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB).

When the S2 begins the IPB process, the FSO must work with him to help determine high value targets (HVTs*) for the enemy's most likely course of action (COA) and "potential high payoff targets (HPTs**)" (FM 6-20-10). These HPTs are further refined during COA analysis and wargaming. Identification of HVTs and potential HPTs will help the FSO recommend engagement and attack criteria for the commander's guidance (see FM 6-71, p. 3-5 for more information). Additionally, identifying HVTs during mission analysis allows for an enemy-focused COA development. The FSO must also assist the S2 in his templating efforts by identifying the capabilities, limitations, and positioning considerations for enemy fire support systems.

*HVTs are assets the enemy commander needs for successful completion of his mission.

**HPTs are those targets which are critical to friendly success. The key is that they are critical to the enemy commander's needs (HVTs) and the friendly concept of the operation.

Step 3. Prepare the Mission Analysis Briefing.

One technique divides the short briefing into seven subjects:

  1. Assets available
  2. Attachments/allocations
  3. Critical facts and assumptions
  4. Constraints
  5. Specified tasks
  6. Implied tasks
  7. Essential tasks

The FSO should use charts and maps to assist in visually communicating this information. The briefing is designed to pass relevant information as it applies to the situation as per FM 101-5, p. 5-15. For example, an FSO would not brief current FA battery locations if the batteries are going to be moving to support the upcoming mission. However, proposed locations would be very relevant. Figure 4 provides more information and ideas about the mission analysis briefing.

FIGURE 4. Mission Analysis Briefing

1. Assets Available:

  • Status of troops, LRFs, PLGRs, FISTV, G/VLLD, digital
  • Status of tubes, troops, proposed locations, ranges, ammunition problems
    General Support (GS) Artillery, 155s, 105s, 81s and 60s
  • Mortar ammunition and resupply requests
  • Availability of naval gunfire and close air support (CAS)

2. Attachments and Allocations:

  • COLTs, SALTs, FCTs, TACPs, ETACs
  • Priority targets, FPFs, volleys of ammunition, min. of smoke and illumination, all by asset
  • We can plan a 400x400 LD ADAMS/RAAM minefield

3. Critical Facts and Assumptions:

  • Assumption: i.e., resupply of mortar ammunition will occur prior to H-hour
  • Fact: i.e., the Q-36 WLR will not be available until H+2
  • Assumption: i.e., the Objective will be pinpointed prior to the prep being shot*
*NOTE: Do not assume away potential problems. Assumptions must be tracked.

4. Identify Constraints (requirements and prohibitions):

  • ROE: All indirect fires must be approved by the Joint Task Force Commander
  • FSCMs: There is a RFA on the FLS no crater producing munitions
  • Special Munitions: FASCAM use approval by the Division Commander

5. Identify Specified Tasks:

  • Provide a Forward Observer (FO) for the Brigade rear quartering party
  • Observe TAI #20*
*NOTE: The Brigade's target syn matrix may be another source of these types of tasks

6. Identify Implied Tasks:

  • Suppress enemy ADA during the air assault
  • Suppress and obscure the breach

7. Identify Essential Fire Support (FS) Tasks:

  • Suppress and obscure the breach on the OBJECTIVE
  • Shoot in the ADAMS/RAAM minefield to block the counterattack
  • Execute the SEAD for the Air Assault

Step 4. Begin Fire Planning for the TF's Reconnaissance Effort.

FM 101-5 states that "reconnaissance assets should be launched as soon possible" (p. 5-14). Often this involves scouts, teams from the brigade's MI company, or elements from one of the line companies. Positioning may prevent the battalion's mortars from providing indirect fires so the FSO will need to seek support from the DS Field Artillery Battalion. Quick fire planning works well (see FM 6-20-50). The FSO should also consider communication problems and anti-fratricide measures.

Step 5. Issue a Warning Order.

The FSO should send a warning order to his fire support teams (FISTs) and the TF mortars as soon as possible. Any information the FSO can include with the TF warning order should be done to allow subordinate FSOs time to begin planning with their commanders.

Step 6. Plan Use of Available Time.

The executive officer (XO) creates the timeline during this step of mission analysis. The FSO ensures the FS rehearsal and targeting meeting is placed on the timeline. Targeting will occur as a part of the MDMP but a targeting meeting may be necessary to refine the Target Synchronization Matrix. Refinement is necessary based on changes in the enemy situation. The FSO must also consider FS specific events such as registering the mortars or adjusting on key obstacles during defensive operations.

Step 7. Commander's Guidance for Fire Support.

The FSO recommends and receives guidance for fire support after the commander has received the formal mission analysis briefing and has given his guidance to the staff. Although the FSO works closely with the S3, it is critical that he receives guidance from the commander. FM 6-71 suggests commander's issue guidance concerning: attack criteria; engagement criteria; priorities; guidance for special munitions; and how, when and where fire support will be employed in the development of COAs. See FM 6-71, p. 3-5, and Appendix G for additional information. FSOs should be prepared to make recommendations that are understood or that can be modified by the commander.

CONCLUSIONS

The mission analysis procedure is only the first step in the Military Decisionmaking Plan (MDMP). It sets the stage for the overall plan development and for a synchronized fire support plan. It also lays the ground work for a thorough fire support annex and ultimate mission success. FSO's input, cooperation, and expertise are essential for the Task Force to succeed in its mission accomplishment. But the FSO cannot do it by himself. There are too many places to be, too many details to think of, and too many things to set in motion to be successful trying to do it alone. The FSO can only succeed with the help of his entire FSE team and with the cooperation and support of the entire battlestaff.

* * *

GLOSSARY for Figure 4

ADA - Air Defense Artillery
ADAMS/RAAM - Area Denial Artillery Munitions/Remote Anti-Armor Mine System

COLT - Combat Observation Lasing Team

ETACS - Enlisted Terminal Attack Controllers

FASCAM - Family of Scatterable Mines
FCTs - Fire Control Teams
FISTV - Fire Support Team Vehicle
FLS - Flight Landing Strip
FPFs - Final Protective Fires
FSCMs - Fire Support Coordination Measure

G/VLLD - Ground/Vehicle Laser Locator Designator

LRF - Laser Range Finder

PLGRs - Precision Lightweight Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver

Q-36 WLR - Weapons Locating Radar

RFA - Restrictive Fire Area
ROE - Rules of Engagement

SALTs - Supporting Arms Liaison Team
SEAD - Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses

TAI - Target Area of Interest
TACPs - Tactical Air Control Party

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