FIRE
SUPPORT PLANNING SEQUENCE
1. The following planning sequence is a recommended format for use in planning from brigade through platoon level. It is recognized that based on time constraints not all items may be accomplished; however, the intent is to establish a "road map" which provides all fire supporters with a common direction.
a. Long Range Planning. Upon receipt of a mission the following actions will occur:
| ACTION | RESPONSIBILITY | |
| _____ Obtain Enemy Order of Battle and develop Situation Template | Tgting
Off, FA Bn s2, Bde S2 | |
| _____ Check FA Attack Matrix, update as necessary based on current enemy. | Tgting Off | |
| _____ Develop artillery and mortar force ratios to be used in war gaming and planning. | Tgting Off, FA Bn S2 |
b. Planning for the Immediate Battle - BDE FSE.
| ACTION | RESPONSIBILITY | |
| _____ Receive higher headquarters OPORD | Bde FSO | |
| _____
Conduct Mission Analysis (Higher Headquarters mission, intent, area of operations,
tasks, assets available, limitations, risk, time) | Bde Staff (FSO) | |
| _____ Specified/Implied tasks of fire support | Bde FSO | |
| _____ Intent for Maneuver and fire support guidance, including priorities for support. | Bde CDR | |
| _____
Course of Action (COA) Development, War Game, and produce the Decision Support
Template (DST). Conduct initial targeting meeting to determine high pay-off targets and plan for attack. DST documents include: Responsibilities for observing NAI(s), TAI(s), and decision points. Recommendations for attack of TAI(s) by weapon system, and the associated trigger point. Brigade directed obstacles. Initial brigade target list and target overlay. Input for the initial brigade synchronization matrix. | S3, S2, FSO, ALO, ENGR, AVN LNO, Tgting Off, (+) | |
| _____
Formulate Commander's Attack Guidance (based on FA Attack Matrix, and Target
Value Analysis). State priorities for support. | Bde CDR, FSO | |
| _____
Compute number of FA targets available for allocation. Allocate FA volleys,
and targets for planning base on commander's priorities. | Bde FSO | |
| _____ Develop Cdr's Attack Criteria from Cdr's Attack Guidance and enter it into LTACFIRE. | Bde FSNCO | |
| _____ Develop Fire Support Execution Matrix as outlined in Appendix 1. Distribute to subordinate Bn FSO(s) and to Div FSE. | Bde FSO | |
| _____ Conduct Rehearsals. Rehearsals will be conducted with as many members of the Fire Support system present as possible. These should include: subordinate FSE(s) with observers, the DS Bn S3 and FDO, 81mm mortar platoon leader(s), Radar Warrant, ALO, ENGR, AVN LNO, and others as necessary. If time will not allow a face-to-face rehearsal, FM radio may be used as a back-up (dependent on the existing threat). As a minimum, war gaming of the Fire Support Plan will be conducted with the Bde FSO, DS Bn S3, and FDO present. The rehearsal should cover: (1) verification of target grids, numbers, and trigger points; (2) positioning of observers, (3) positioning and movement of FA and mortars, and azimuth of fire; (4) communication nets, and variables; (5) obstacle plan with fire support; (6) Use of CAS and attack helicopters; (7) Maneuver and Fire Support Control measures, including FA, Mortar, and air-delivered weapon MSD(s). | Bde FSO, FA Bn S3, FA Bn Cdr, Bde Cdr |
c. Planning for the Immediate Battle - BN FSE.
| ACTION | RESPONSIBILITY | |
| _____ Receive Fire Support Plan from BDE FSE. | BN FSO | |
| _____ Commander states his fire support guidance, defines areas where indirect fires are to be planned, engagement areas where fires must support maneuver and any critical areas that require support. | BN CDR | |
| _____ Commander states his attack guidance by defining how, when, and with what restrictions he wants to attack different targets and in what priority | BN CDR, FSO | |
| _____ War gaming, identifying key terrain and engagement areas, obstacle requirements, and additional target requirements. Conduct initial battalion targeting meeting to determine high pay-off targets and means for locating and attacking them. Develop target overlay. | BN CDR, S3, S2, FSO, ENGR, ALO | |
| _____ Assign primary and back up observers for each target and supervise the following actions: (1) Each observer knows target responsibilities and trigger points; (2) position each observer to observe targets and trigger points he is responsible for; (3) Observer verifies trigger point on the ground and confirms timing for the trigger point based on enemy anticipated rate of movement; (4) Each observer knows weapon system to be used to attack target and how to call for fire for target attack; (5) Targets are adjusted in as required (as a minimum FPF(s), Priority Targets, and FASCAM minefield locations-for observer adjusted); (6) Observers know the exact location, on the ground, of all Maneuver and Fire Support Coordination Measures. | BN FSO | |
| _____
Ensure target refinement is done by primary observers and disseminated
to Co FSO(s), BDE FSE, the DS BN FDC, 81mm Mortar Platoon, and 60 mm Mortars (through Co FSO(s)) as necessary. | BN FSO | |
| _____ Ensure all FASCAM safety boxes are disseminated to subordinate elements. | BN FSO, ENGR | |
| _____ Conduct rehearsals. | BN FSO |
d. Execution Planning - ALL FSE(s).
| ACTION | RESPONSIBILITY |
| _____ FSO positions himself where he can best execute the fire support plan (not always with the maneuver commander). | FSO/PLT FO |
| _____
Communicate with: (1) supported commander; (2) subordinate/higher FSE;
(3) FA Bn FDC, Mortar FDC, other Fire Support assets (TACP, AVN LNO, SALT, etc.). | FSO/PLT FO |
| _____ Call for Fire on Assigned Targets, render Battle Damage Assessment (BDA). | FSO/PLT FO |
e. Provide battle tracking at their level:
| ACTION | RESPONSIBILITY |
| _____
Plt FO(s) should know the location of all their maneuver elements to fire
team level (and their future plans for movement); the location of Fire Support
Assets to include as a minimum supporting 60mm and 81mm mortar locations and
the ammunition status of these assets; their company and battalion FSO locations; and the location of all current and proposed FSCM(s). | PLT FO(s) |
| _____
Co FSO(s) should know the location of all their maneuver elements to squad
level (and their future plans for movement); the location of Fire Support Assets to include as a minimum supporting 60mm and 81mm mortar locations and the ammunition status of these assets; the assigned targets and primary/secondary observers within their responsibility; their battalion FSO location; and the location of all current and proposed FSCM(s). | CO FSO(s) |
| _____
BN FSO(s) should know the location of all their maneuver elements to platoon
level (and their future plans for movement); the location of Fire Support Assets
to include as a minimum supporting 60mm and 81mm mortar and DS FA battalion
locations and the ammunition status of these assets; the assigned targets and
primary/secondary observers within their responsibility; their subordinate
FO and FSO(s) location; the location of the BDE FSO; and the location of all current and proposed FSCM(s). | BN FSO(s) |
| _____
BDE FSO should know the location of all maneuver elements to company level
(and their future plans for movement); the location of Fire Support Assets to include as a minimum: supporting radars; supporting 81mm mortar, 60mm mortars, DS, and Reinforcing FA battalion locations and the ammunition status of these assets; the assigned targets and primary/secondary observers within their responsibility; position of COLT teams; their subordinate FSO(s) location; the location of the DIV FSE; and the location of all current and proposed FSCM(s). | BDE FSO |
| _____ Clear fires rapidly, positively, and safely within their maneuver commander's area of operation. Ensure maneuver commander's approve clearance. | FSO(s)/PLT FO(s) |
| _____ Execute fires in accordance with the next higher level(s) Fire Support Execution Matrix. Fire Support Execution Matrices will be produced at Company level and above. | FSO(s)/PLT FO(s) |
| _____ Change priority targets to support the maneuver commander's scheme of maneuver throughout the operation. | FSO(s)/PLT FO(s) |
2. FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING DOCUMENTS
a. Commander's Fire Support Guidance. The maneuver commander, in specific terms, establishes what, where, and how he wants fire support to influence the battle. This must be tied to specific phases or areas of the battle to allow the FSE to plan for massing of fires and the DS FA BN S# to plan for FA battery positioning, movement, ammunition, and execution of targets.
b. Fire Support Execution Matrix. The fire support execution matrix is tied to the phases of the operation, assigns target execution responsibility (to include series and groups of targets), and allocates fire support resources to the task forces/battalions. Once assigned responsibility for a target's execution, the responsible agency will position a primary and secondary observer for the target, ensure a trigger point is established, and provide target refinement data as necessary. Priority targets, FPF(s), Priority of Fires, and FSCM will also be identified by phase in the Fire Support Execution Matrix.
c. Critical Information. This portion of Annex D provides the maneuver commander and fire support officer with the additional information necessary to execute the plan outlined in the Fire Support Execution Matrix. Not all "blocks" will be required for each operation. Entries should be self explanatory. Note that smoke and illumination available reflect only FA assets, not the organic mortars of the maneuver battalions.
d. Commander's Attack Guidance. Priority will be assigned to each of the target categories; When to attack will be identified as I=immediate, A=as acquired; P=plan; How may include suppress, neutralize, destroy, or capture and may include the means (particularly when non-lethal); Remarks may include restrictions, targets to be nominated for CAS, etc. The Commander's Attack Matrix will be approved by the maneuver commander.
e. Field Artillery (and Mortar) Attack Matrix. The Attack Matrix is an unclassified tool for the maneuver commander and his FSO to use in determining commander's attack guidance. It allows the maneuver commander and FSO to assess the cost in terms of fire support assets to attack various target types. The Attack Matrix will be updated as necessary based on the Enemy Order of Battle.
f. Coordinating Instructions. Self-explanatory.
g. Service Support. Will include as a minimum the CSR for DS FA BN, 81mm and 60mm Mortars.
h. Command and Signal. Any entries as determined by the FSO to support the current operation.
i. BN FSO(s) will prepare a Fire Support Execution Matrix in accordance with page D-1-5 and D-1-6. Co FSO(s) will prepare a Fire Support Execution Matrix in accordance with page D-1-7 and D-1-8.
j. The following Fire Support Documents will be prepared and maintained in accordance with the following matrix:
| BDE FSE | BN FSE | CO FSE | PLT FO | |
| Situation
Map _____ with maneuver boundaries (at least one level up) | X | X | X | X |
| _____ with all FSCM plotted in their area of interest (current and proposed) | X | X | X | X |
| _____ location of maneuver units (at least two levels down and one level up) | X | X | X | X |
| _____ location of 60mm mortars | X | X | X | X |
| _____ location of 81mm mortars | X | X | X | X |
| _____ location of DS and Reinforcing FA BN (and associated batteries) | X | X | ||
| _____ Copy of OPORD | X | X | ||
| _____ Current Fire Support Execution Matrix | X | X | X | X |
| _____ Current Target List and Overlay | X | X | X | X |
3. TARGETING
a. The initial Brigade Target List will be developed (for each new operation) by the FA Targeting Officer, working in conjunction with the maneuver brigade S2 and the FA battalion S2. In most instances these targets will be the result of the initial targeting meeting conducted during course of action analysis to determine the brigade's initial high pay-off targets. Further additions/refinement of this list may be provided by the brigade FSO during war gaming and coordination with other staff agencies (ALO, ENGR, etc.) as necessary. This target list should not normally exceed 20 targets.
b. Critical targets identified on the Fire Support Execution Matrix will have a primary and secondary observer assigned by the responsible battalion or by the brigade FSE. These primary and secondary observers will be positioned to observe both the "trigger point" and target itself. Plan ahead for periods of limited visibility to ensure targets are covered during these critical periods also.
c. Battalions will normally be allocated up to 10 targets for planning at their level. These targets, as well as target refinement data will be provided to the brigade FSE prior to the established target refinement cutoff time. Total targets on the final Brigade Target List will normally not exceed 40 targets.
d. Both the initial and final target lists will be provided to subordinate and higher FSE(s) by the brigade FSE. LTACFIRE will be the normal means of exchanging target information. Backup will be secure voice, and face-to-face coordination. Target overlays will normally be provided, but will be produced at each FSE as needed from the appropriate target list.
e. Target Refinement. Primary observers will provide target refinement data to better support the scheme of maneuver (refined location, target description, etc.). When target refinement data is provided concerning target location, the old target number will be deleted and a new target number assigned. New target numbers will be assigned by the establishing agency from their block of numbers.
4. FASCAM OPERATIONS (For more information see App I, FM 6-20-50.)
a. When FASCAM is available, it will be planned and executed primarily at the brigade and battalion level.
b. Planned minefields will be requested a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Include safety box corners, commander's intent for the minefield, whether the minefields will be MET+VE or observer adjusted (preferred), and the type of observation each minefield will have once it is fired.
c. Target of opportunity (unplanned) minefields will be initiated with a call for fire. Although aimpoints for an unplanned minefield can be computed the same as for a planned minefield, this is time consuming and may not meet the demands of the tactical situation. Therefore, units should consider establishing a "standard minefield" that will be delivered when the tactical situation requires immediate delivery. For example, the unit SOP may call for a 400X400 minefield, high angle, medium density with two aimpoints be used for unplanned minefields.
d. FASCAM safety will be computed by the requesting FSO. Safety for planned minefields will always be computed prior to firing. Safety for target of opportunity minefields will be computed as soon as possible.
e. An FA Delivered Minefield Planning Sheet (DA Form 5032-R) will be completed in the following sequence:
(1) Section A: Completed by the requesting FSO and Engineer, and sent to the Bde FSO and firing unit FDC.
(2) Section D: Completed by the firing unit FDC and sent back to the requesting FSO through the Bde FSE.
(3) Section B: Completed by the requesting level Engineer.
(4) Section C: Completed by the requesting FSO. One copy will be retained by the Engineer, and another will be sent to the firing unit.
Table
of Contents
Fire
Support Planning - Operations Other Than War (OOTW)
The
Targeting Process (Script)
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