Fire Support Planning

Question 1

Purpose of fire support planning (twofold)

Answer 1

1) To achieve effectiveness and efficiency from fire support assets in meeting fire support requirements of the force.
2) To determine the proper allocation of fire support.

Question 2

Fire Support Planning Theme #1

Answer 2

THEME #1: THE FIRE SUPPORT PLAN MUST SUPPORT THE SCHEME OF MANEUVER

Question 3

Fire Support Planning Theme #2

Answer 3

THEME #2: THE MANEUVER ELEMENT LEADER MUST PROVIDE BOTTOM UP REFINEMENT

Question 4

Fire Support Planning Theme #3

Answer 4

THEME #3: THE FIRE SUPPORT PLAN MUST BE EXECUTABLE

Question 5

Planned Targets

Answer 5

Targets planned in advance before execution of an operation. Typically done in AA or ORP or any safe area

Question 6

Targets of Opportunity

Answer 6

Not expect but appear on the battlefield

Use CFF

Question 7

Four types of planned targets

Answer 7

1) On-Call Targets
2) Scheduled Targets (“set time on TGT # for ___)
3) Priority Targets
4) Final Protective Fires (FPF)

Question 8

Final Protective Fires (FPF)

Answer 8

• the FPF is the only priority target in the defense
• an immediately available prearranged barrier
• always linear targets
• Only one FPF can be assigned per firing unit
• Only ordered by CO or most senior

Question 9

Types of Enemy Positions

Answer 9

• Known: loc w/ great degree of certainty w/ current vis
• Suspected - loc with a degree of certainty, but mobile and may move away; loc at certain time, but may have recently moved
• Likely - relies solely on the Maneuver Commander’s METT-TC analysis; where would EN place his forces?

Question 10

Linear Target Lengths

Answer 10

MORTARS
- 60 mm (3 tubes in mortar section) x (30 meters ECR) = 90 meter length

• 81 mm
  (8 tubes in mortar platoon) x (35 meters ECR) = 280 meter length
  OR
  (4 tubes in mortar section) x (35 meters ECR) = 140 meter length

ARTILLERY
- 155 mm (6 howitzers in battery) x (50 meters ECR) = 300 meter length

Question 11

Fire Support Plan

Answer 11

• Essential Fire Support Tasks (EFST) by phase of the operation
• four main parts: Task, Purpose, Method, and Effects
• Method - TTLODAC: target, trigger, location, observer, delivery system, attack guidance, comm nets