FIRE
SUPPORT REHEARSALS
1. FM 7-20, page 2-24. Combat rehearsals are conducted to help a unit gain agility, to ensure synchronization, to increase initiative, and to improve depth of a force through practice. Both fire support and maneuver actions should be rehearsed, which
reinforce the scheme of maneuver and fire plan.
2. FM 6-20-1, pages 3-12 to 3-15. Rehearsals are an integral part of the planning process. It should both practice and test the plan. If at all possible it should be combined with maneuver.
a. Rehearsal procedures should be established as a part of unit SOPs. As a minimum SOPs should identify the following:
(1) Who will participate in the rehearsal?
(2) What should be rehearsed?
(3) What the sequence of the rehearsal should be?
(4) What the priority of methods for rehearsals will be (suitable or actual terrain, model, map, sand table, wire, or radio).
b. Two types of rehearsals are normally successful. They are a combined maneuver and fire support rehearsal, and a FSCOORD/FSO fire support rehearsal. Often units must conduct both rehearsals to ensure that maximum synchronization is gained in supporting the scheme of maneuver with fires. Normally, time is not available during the combined maneuver and fire support rehearsal to allow for a "technical rehearsal".
3. Combined Maneuver and Fire Support Rehearsal.
a. Key players include the maneuver staff, all fire support cell members, mortar platoon leader, chemical officer, aviation liaison officer, CEWI company commander, and engineer officer.
b. Normally the unit S3 directs the rehearsal using a synchronization matrix and/or execution checklist; the FSCOORD/FSO should use his Fire Support Execution Matrix. In doing so, the rehearsal is normally executed by reciting and/or performing:
(1) Actions to occur.
(2) Possible friendly initiatives.
(3) Possible reactions to enemy initiatives.
(4) Control measures.
(5) Significant events that are to occur in relation to time or phases of the operation.
c. As a minimum for each phase or time period of the operation the FSCOORD/FSO should cover the following:
(1) Grid locations for critical targets.
(2) Trigger points are verified for each target.
(3) Target engagement criteria are established (such as: "Initiate fires on target AD3001 when five enemy dismounts pass trigger point 6").
(4) A primary and backup observer are established for each target.
(5) Primary and backup communications links are identified for each observer.
(6) Establish for each target a priority and purpose (what effects are to be achieved). The FSO must address why fires are needed in relation to specific maneuver events & what he intends to accomplish with the fires; for example: "As Alpha Company crosses Phase Line Bucs, Alpha Company FSO will initiate fires on AE2003 to suppress the combat outpost located vic hill 200."
(7) Determine the method of engagement (at my command, time on target, or when ready).
(8) Establish attack guidance, such as shell-fuze combination, number of volleys, and unit(s) to fire is specified for each target.
(9) Discuss the movement plan specifying when and where units will move.
4. FSCOORD/FSO Fire Support Rehearsal
a. Since often, even when units conduct combined maneuver and fire support rehearsals, all members that are involved in the provision of fire support from platoon FO level to tube section level can not be present combined rehearsals are normally followed by a "technical rehearsal". These serve to refine the fire support plan, ensure understanding by all fire support personnel, and prove the feasibility of executing the current plan.
b. This rehearsal is executed using the Fire Support Execution Matrix (FSEM) as a script for executing fires to support the scheme of maneuver. The FA battalion uses and verifies the FA Support Plan.
c. The FSCOORD/FSO knowing the friendly scheme of maneuver and having a valid FSEM (which serves as a script for the rehearsal establishes the time for all key participants (same as a combined rehearsal, except for the maneuver staff) to be ready to conduct the rehearsal. The FSCOORD/FSO then begins the rehearsal by announcing key times or phases of the operation. Each participant then executes the actions he will take (normally, short of actually delivering fires on the appropriate target). These are:
(1) FSOs (to include the FSO conducting the rehearsal): verify they can observe their assigned targets and trigger points, fire their assigned targets, place fire support coordinating measures into effect, and make the reports the fire support system depends on for its combat information.
(2) Forward Observers (FO): Do the same as FSOs, while ensuring that high priority missions (such as FPFs or priority targets) are loaded in the buffers of their DMD/FED, and ensuring that signals for lifting and shifting fires are understood.
(3) The ALO monitors airspace coordination, clears aircraft to depart from their Initial Point, calls for target marking and marking of friendly locations, and requests initiation of SEAD.
(4) The DS battalion or mortar platoon/section leader monitors and ensures that:
(a) Units are displaced to support the plan.
(b) FDC issues fire orders and passes message to observers.
(c) Transfer of control of fires for displacement of the battalion FDC (FA battalion only).
(d) Radars are cued on assigned azimuths (FA battalion only).
(e) Firing unit FDC(s) compute firing data and issue fire commands, acknowledge FSCM(s), and ensure it can fire its assigned mission.
(f) Howitzer and mortar section leaders determine if ammunition is on-hand and if mission is within traverse limits.
d. If a combined maneuver and fire support rehearsal has not been conducted the FSO should also cover those items in paragraph four above. Alternative friendly courses of action (branches and sequels to the plan) may also be rehearsed if time permits; however, be careful not to allow these to become the focus of your rehearsal.
e. The important features of the rehearsal are:
(1) It presupposes the plan is complete.
(2) It uses actual players, not stand-ins, down to the lowest level.
(3) Correct any problems as they arise.
(4) Rehearses the plan as it will be executed.
(5) Update the fire support matrix on the spot w/ any changes.
5. It is suggested that rehearsals are concluded with a summary of each units status (to include firing unit ammunition status) and location. This will facilitate planning of future operations.
Table
of Contents
Fire
Support Annex Briefing
Rehearsal
Sequence
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