Direct Fire Planning (Part 11)

Offensive Fire Planning Discussion In the offense, leaders tend to accept the risk of controlling direct fires “on the fly.” CO/TM commanders frequently use only graphic control measures as a method to control fires. There is no fundamental difference between offensive and defensive fire control. Leaders planning offensive operations rarely have the luxury of conducting ground reconnaissance of the objective; they cannot physically walk the ground, or emplace TRPs. The challenge in the offense is to control the focus and distribution of fires on the move against a generally static enemy. Regardless, the CO/TM offensive fire plan must maximize the principles of direct fire and allow the commander to distribute, focus, and shift fires.

Company team commanders can control offensive direct fires with the same tools that are used in the defense, (i.e. EAs, TRPs, fire patterns, and fire commands). The offensive fire plan should provide the CO/TM commander the ability to orient his force and transition it from a moving force to a base of fire and maneuver. There is no definitive answer on how to mass fires in the offense. There are, however, several techniques that may assist the CO/TM commander in planning and controlling his direct fire. We will discuss six of these techniques: Sectors. Quadrants Target Array. Closest TRP. Fire Patterns Grid The first four techniques utilize TRPs to control fires. TRps assist in focusing fires on a point, multiple points, or an area; they may be oriented on either enemy or terrain. They are pre-planned to support the scheme of maneuver. As a result of the estimate process an enemy situational template (SITI’EMP) is developed for the enemy’s most probable course of action. TRPs are planned on enemy positions or surrounding terrain to focus platoon fires against the enemy. Others are planned on terrain features throughout the zone of attack. This allows flexibility controlling fires if the actual enemy disposition does not match the SITTEMP, or in the event of chance contact.

While a unit should cross the LD with a definite plan, it is possible the CO/TM may have to fight where they have not planned. In this event, the commander may decide to use a hasty fire control technique. Hasty fire control must still allow the commander to distribute, focus, and shift the fires of platoons. Designating hasty TRPs in the area of contact may assist in focusing the fires of platoons. Additionally, based on the situation (primarily range), engagement priorities may be effective to aid in focus and distribution.

TRps, whether hasty or pre-planned, may be marked or confirmed to enhance fire control. Several possible methods to mark or confm TRPs are: 0 Illumination round ground burst (vis-0 Smoke (mortar, arty, M203, hand) 0 Spotting round (mortar, arty) 0 Tracers 0 Clearly Identifiable featurn (house, uallthermal) burning vehicle, hill top) A CO/TM commander should never plan to use hasty TRPs as the primary method to control his fires; pre-planned TRPs are always the preferred method.

The first offensive fire control technique is Sectors. This technique is generally terrain oriented. The CO/ TM commander assigns each platoon a sector between two or more TRPs. Platoons then focus their fires within the limits of their sector. Sectors should normally overlap between vehicles and platoons for redundancy. This technique allows the commander to give platoons responsibilities for specific areas. Sectors may also designate areas of responsibility for scanning prior to contact. This technique is particularly useful for security missions, or during initial contact when attempting to ascertain the exact disposition of the enemy. The disadvantage of this technique is that it may not allow the commander to refine the focus of fires between platoons firing in the same sector, or ensure proper distribution for platoons covering different sectors. See Figure 1. The second technique is Quadrants. Quadrants can be either enemy or terrain oriented, but are usually used in conjunction with TRPs. In this technique, the commander designates a readily identifiable feature as the quadrant center, and the quadrant is mentally superimposed over it. The feature the commander uses may be a pre-planned or hasty TRP, an enemy position, or anything else that can be recognized by the platoons (see Figure 2). This allows the commander to use a single TRP to refine focus in four different areas. In a meeting engagement, the quadrant may be centered on the enemy formation for control of focus in the absence of other control measures. The commander may also shift the quadrant to other TRPs or designate multiple TRPs as quadrants. A disadvantage of this method is that the observer angle may differ between platoons, so each platoon may see the quadrant from slightly different angle. In a situation with detailed intelligence available, the commander may use the Target Array technique. This technique is enemy oriented. The commander plots TRPs against specific enemy positions, (see Figure 3). This allows him to use the actual enemy vehicles and positions to control his fires. The greater the detail and accuracy of intelligence, the greater the probability of this technique being effective. For example, if the TF scouts have provided a precise sketch of the enemy positions, the commander may plan TRPs directly on enemy positions or vehicles. It is important that the commander consider whether his platoons will be able to identify enemy vehicles or positions prior to assigning them as TRF's. Disadvantages of this method are that it may only be used with relatively detailed intelligence, and enemy positions are usually more difficult to identify than terrain features.

The Closest TRP technique is used exactly the same as discussed in the defensive techniques described in Part I (November-December 1993 ARMOR). The closest TRP is most effective when making chance contact with small elements, or for refinement of focus against small targets. Used in conjunction with "observed fires," this technique may be extremely accurate in directing fires on specific targets. Commands are issued using a direction and distance from the TRP closest to the enemy and is similar to indirect fire adjustments. The mil scale on the BFV turret ring and trunnion also provide an accurate method to shift fires, as does the mil scale in the sight reticle or binoculars for both BFVs and Mls.

Another offensive fire control technique is Fire Patterns. It works essentially the same as discussed in the defense, with the difference that it may be more diffi-Figure 1. Sectors Figure 2. Quadrants in TRPs Figure 3. Target Array Technique cult to identify right, left, far7 or near of a stationary enemy in defensive positions. An approximate location of enemy positions may be determined based on IPB, then refined once in contact by observing weapons signatures or vehicledpositions. In a meeting engagement, COm pattern firing works exactly the same as in the defense.

The last offensive fire control technique is the Grid.

This technique provides the CO/Iu with a method to orient observation or fires in relation to friendly movement. It is like the clock method, but divides the formation into four sectors instead of twelve, and it is oriented on the direction of movement. This technique allows the commander to quickly focus his platoons in a general area (within 90 degrees), and transition from movement to fire and maneuver. The grid divides the formation into four sectors or quarters -right front, left front, right rear, and left rear. Each quarter of the formation is designated by a number, letter, or color for orientation. The commander's vehicle is the center reference, which assists platoons in mentally visualizing the orientation of the grid. Each platoon is assigned areas of the formation for observation and security responsibilities. Figure 4 shows a CORM moving in a wedge formation with platoons in wedge; sections of the formation are labeled Al, A2, B1, and B2. A4 A2 m:m m lim................-.............y............................ Figure 4. CO/TM Wedge in Grid Bi Finure 5. Echelon Riclht in Grid b b I j b 81?

B2 Figure 6. Vee Formation in Grid As a company team maneuvers, each platoon is assigned a sector or area of responsibility to cover by observation or fire if the event arises. In Figure 4, the 1st Plt (Blue) is responsible for A1 and A2, 2nd Plt (Red), for A2 and B2, and 3rd Plt (White) A1 and B1. In addition, sector responsibilities may delineate which platoons can return fire upon enemy contact. Additional uses include: enemy air early warning; location of impacting artillery; and friendly unit locations and movement. For example, as a fratricide reduction measure, the CO/TM commander could warn platoons as a friendly force moves within range of a company’s fires: “Guidons, TM B moving across AI to the breach.” Commanders may use this technique to develop a company-level SOP to support battle drills. Figures 5 and 6 provide further examples of how the grid overlays on other formations. Ultimately the CORM commander may control his platoon using these or other fire control techniques with a company fire command.

Offensive Fire Control Examples Planning direct fire control for the offense follows the same procedure as defensive fire planning. To demonstrate this process, we will discuss offensive fire control using three different enemy situations and friendly missions: actions on contact; support by fire; and seizure of an objective. In all three examples, we are Team C, a mechanized infantry CO/TM conducting offensive operations as part of a heavy battalion task force.

In each situation, the commander utilizes the estimate process to develop his scheme of maneuver and direct fire plan. Many key enemy considerations are different for the offense than they are for the defense. For example, the commander must analyze the amount of time the enemy has had to prepare his defensive positions. This can help predict the degree of resistance he can expect. He develops the enemy defensive position, detailing the location and orientation of enemy vehicles, dismount positions, weapon ranges (which define the EA), obstacle composition, etc. He identifies terrain around the enemy BP that can be used to support his scheme of maneuver and enhance fire control. These considerations are important as he plans his fires to accomplish the intended terminal effect. With this information, the commander then finalizes his fire plan to best accomplish the mission.

Actions on Contact In the first example, our TF is conducting a movement to contact type operation, and Team C is the advance guard company. The S2 has templated enemy locations, but the template is not confirmed. There has been no significant contact with the enemy for 36 hours. The enemy has transitioned to the defense. In our TF zone, we will face an MRC at 90 percent strength with three T72s and nine BMPls. Our estimate of the enemy’s most probable course of action is that the first echelon MRCs will defend with one MRP forward as a CSOP. A portion of the S2’s SIl’l’EMP, templating the CSOP, is shown at Figure 7, (with the addition of TRF% added by the COm commander). Team C’s task and purpose is to destroy or force the withdrawal of all MRP size elements forward of the main defensive kit in order to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of the TF main body. Based on the lack of information about the enemy, and because TM C is the advance guard of the TF, the commander decides tc move in a CO/TM wedge using traveling overwatch and leading with his tank platoon. He plans to use the grid method to orient his platoon fires as he moves; additionally, along his axis of advance, he plans six TRPs on key or identifiable terrain to assist in controlling his platoon fires. The commander issues the following instructions in the OPORD:

03rd PR tank (Blue) in platoon wedge will lead, observe, and orient fires in A1 and A2. olst Plt mech (White) in platoon wedge will move on the left and observe and orient fires in B1 and Al. Figure 7. Unconfirmed Template Flgure 8. Actions on Contact - Sectors M B2 Fiaure 9. TRP 1 Marked as Quadrant obsewed fires off TRP 6 to destroy the enemy.

Team C crosses the line of departure and leads the TF along the assigned axis. Prior to reaching the templated enemy position, the lead platoon receives fire and reports: B h k 6, this is Blue 6. Enemy contact A2.

The enemy is not located as templated, so the commander adjusts his plan using the planned TRPs in the area of the suspected enemy signatures, initially orienting the CO/TM using the grid, (see Figure 8).

Black elements, contact drill A2!

Blue and Red bound on line to covered positions vicinity quadrant A2, returning suppressive fire toward enemy signatures. White automatically assumes responsibility for the remaining three sectors (Ell, B2, Al). Simultaneously, the commander issues a company fire command to focus the CO/TM’s fires: Blue - Red, this is Black 6; MRP, between TRPs 2 and 3; simultaneous fire, HE, fire! White this is B h k 6; primary observation TRP 4; out!

The platoons issue their commands; Blue - Blue 6; MRP between TRPs 2 and 3; volley fire, 2ra3 HE; frontal; fire!

Red - Red 6, MRP between TRPs 2 and 3; volley fire, HE; frontal; fire!

The commander continues to develop the situation. Blue and Red continue to suppress the en-will move on ‘the ‘right and obseie and orient firem in 82 and A2. emy in the Sector between TRPs 2 and

3. Blue’s Mls lase and the platoon oPlatwns with security responsibilRies leader sen& the range to the corn-in the sector where enemy Contact is mander. The comma&r adjusts his made will move on line and initiate simultaneous fire to suppress. On order. the comnanv will use the closest position to gain stand-off and remain out of the enemy kill sack- The corn-

-.

- -.,... -TRP technique and platoons will use pany’s fires achieve suppression on the enemy. One BMP is destroyed The commander decides to use the burning BMP as a TRP with a quadrant overlayed to more accurately focus platoon fires. He designates the destroyed vehicle as TRP 1. The TM commander issues the company fire command to destroy the enemy rather than suppress. Figure 9.

Blaek, Black 6; burning vehicle marks TRP I.

Blue - Red, Black 6; ship TRP 1; TOW - Sabot; Blue Q2 &4, Red Ql & 3; observed fire; at my com mad... fire!

By SOP, the wingmen fire and section leaders observe. Blue reports one BMP destroyed and Red reports one T72 destroyed. The remaining enemy BMP displaces. Team C reports withdrawal of the CSOP and continues the mission.

Support by Fire In the next example, the TF conducts a hasty attack against the enemy’s first-echelon defensive belt. The TF is to breach in order to pass the follow-on TF. The enemy has been in position for at least 48 hours with significant engineer support. The enemy’s most probable course of action is that he will defend and conduct local counterattacks to block penetration. TEAM C’s task and purpose is to destroy the eastern MRP(+) from SBF 1 in order to allow TM B, the task force main effort, to conduct a breach. The enemy situational template is shown at Figure 10. The commander further refines the MRP position and determines its strength: one T72, three BMPs, and 32 infantrymen. The commander plans this SBF position as an assigned position similar to a battle position. He plans its location to achieve maximum stand-off, based on gunner proficiency. He decides to use sectors to initially have his platoons locate enemy positions, and then use the closest TRP method to focus and distribute his platoon fires. 18 The commander issues the following instructions in his OPORD: each, while the other section of each platoon pulls back and begins reloading ready racks and continues to maintain flank security for the Observing the movement of other ammo boxes. Second platoon Upon occupation of SBFl 1st Plt (Red) scan between TRPs 3 and 4 and 3rd Plt (Blue) scan between TRPs 2 and 3. Attempt to locate enemy vehicles and positions. Once we locate the enemy positions, we will switch to the closest TRP method, observed fires, to destroy the MRP.

1st and 3rd platoons are initicllly responsible for their sectors, then expect to shift based on where we locate the enemy. We will use TOW and 120-mm sabot once we change to observed fires.

2nd Plt (White) secure the right fIank of the SBF position, and be prepared to assume 1st platoon's mission to maintain TOW fires on the enemy.

The company team crosses the LD and moves along the desired axis in the desired TF formation. As planned, the COm bounds into SBF #1,2800 meters from the objective, (see Figure 11). Platoons scan their sectors and inform the commander that the template is generally correct. The commander observes the enemy signatures and determines the approximate location of the enemy vehicles. He issues the initial fire command to focus platoons, (see Figure 12): Figure ll.

Using Sectors to Scan and Quadrants to Control Fire This is Black 6; Blue, TRP 3, left 50, TRP 2 right 100, drop 100; Red, TRP 3, right 200, drop 100; observed fires, TOW and Sabot, at your command!

The platoon leaders issue their fire commands: Red-TRP 3, right 200, drop 100; Alpha Section, right BMP-Bravo Section Left BMP; TOW, observedfires, at your command!

Blue-Blue 6, Alpha Section, TRP 3, left SO; Bravo Section, TRP 2, right 100, drop 100; 2rds Sabot, observed fires, at your command!

The platoons engage. Blue reports one BMP and one T72 destroyed and Red reports one BMP destroyed. No further targets are observed in Blue's sector between TRPs 2 and 3. The CO/TM commander shifts the tank platoon fires to assist Red. Blue, Black 6; shift TRP 3, right 200 drop 100; Sabot; observedfires; at your command! The tank platoon leader shifts the fires of one section to assist Red. The platoon leaders cross-talk during the engagement, and the combined fires of 1st and 3rd platoons destroy the remaining vehicle. Blue reports one BMP destroyed, and the CO/TM commander issues: All Black elements cease fire, Blue scan TRP 2 to 3, Re4 TRP 4 to 3. Execute platoon reload plans.

Platoons assume their original sectors of scan with one section n....

I......._.....'",..... I.:..'..

Seizure of an Objective In this final example, the TF conducts a deliberate attack against the enemy's second echelon defensive belt. The TF mission is to destroy the final MRC(-) and complete the penetration of the main defensive belt in order to pass the follow-on BN TF. The enemy has been Figure 12. Using Closest TRP Method to Control Platoon and CO/TM Fires in position for at least 56 hours with significant engineer support. The enemy's most probable course of action is that he will defend from an MRC(-) strongpoint (with two T-72s and seven BMPs) and conduct local counterattacks even after he is bypassed or encircled. TEAM Cs mission is to seize the easternmost MRP, (OBJ Orange), in order to complete the destruction of the MRC(-) and pass the follow on BN TF. Team C is the TF main effort. The enemy's positions have been under friendly scout observation since the initial penetration of the first echelon approximate!y 20 hours ago. The SITIEhIP of OBJ Orange is shown in Figure 13. Based on scout reporting, the commander knows the MRP position contains three BMPs and eight reinforced bunkers interconnected with trenches approximately 3OOm by 2OOm in depth; additionally, he knows the location of each. The commander develops his direct fire plan using the point target TRP technique because he determines that the intelligence about the enemy is detailed enough to target enemy positions. The COm commander plans TRF'son the known enemy bunker and vehicle positions. He further plans to divide the MRP position, to control his supporting platoon fires, (this method is a hybrid of quadrants and fire patterns, whereby the commander divides the graphic control measure of the objective to control fires). He divides the MRP position into four parts, and labels the areas A-north, A-south, B-north and B-south, (see Figure 14). This will provide him the ability to designate specific areas for the supporting platoons to suppress as the assault element clears OBJ Orange, while avoiding confusion between elements shooting from different directions. The corn; mander issues the following instructions: 1st Plt (Red) will support by jire from SBF C right, to suppress enemy infantry positions. Use 25-mm HEIT fires in the B-south quad against TRPs 1,5,6 -on order, shifr to A-south against TRP 4.

3rd PLT (Blue) will support by fire fiom SBF-C lefr to destroy enemy armored vehicles. Use 120-mm fires in the B-south quad against TRPs 9 & 11 and on order shifr 120-mm fires to A-south against TRP 10. 2nd Plt (White) will assault to clear the enemy positions on OBJ Orange.

The TF crosses the LD as planned and makes contact with the MRC(-). The lead teams seize their respective objectives and are in position to support the main effort. The TF Commander commits TM C. Team C crosstalks with the lead companies and begins its assault on OBJ Orange, (see Figure 14). As the team bounds into SBF-C the commander marks TRP6 with a pre-planned mortar illumination round to orient the CO/TM as it moves in. He issues the initial fire command Blue-Re4 Black 6; B-south quad; volley fire, 25-mm HE and 120 sabot; at my command! The platoon leaders issue their fire commands: Blue-Blue 6; B-south quad; vob ley fie, one round sabot, fiontal; At my command!

Red-Red 6;, B-south quad; volley jire, HE, frontol; At my command!

Fire!

With the BMPs at TRPs 9 and 11 destroyed and the enemy infantry positions suppressed, the commander commits the assault element (White). The assaulting platoon begins its dismounted assault 62 7). White 6 reports nearing the (IAW ARTEP 7-7J-Drill, drills 5 Agure 13. SllTEMP of Objective Orange 8 Figure 14. Supporting the Assault B-south quad and the commander shifts his supporting platoons to the SW quad. See Figure 14.

Blue - Re4 Black 6, shift, A-south, volley fire, 25mm and sabot, at my command.

The assaulting platoon assumes responsibility for the eastern half of the objective. Using the point target TRP method, its BFVs begin to provide close-in supporting direct fires (Figure

15) with Alpha Section covering the Figure 15. Entering the Trenches assault squads entering the trench. The platoon leader issues the following fire command Alpha Section, TRPs 1 and 5; volley jire, HE, frontul; at my command!

Bravo Section, B-north quad; ob-servedjires: at your command! Bravo Section continues past the initial point of entry. The section establishes an overwatch position and orients its fires in the B-north quad, to n Figure 16. Clearing the Trenches suppress TRP 8 and protect the flank of A-Section. Also, Bravo Section's infantry squad is prepared to reinforce or assume the 1st squad's task in clearing the trenches. As the operation progresses, the platoon leader dismounts. The platoon leader uses the closest TRP technique to shift and adjust his M2 supporting fires off the point target TRps and along the trench lines. The platoon leader issues the following fire command, (see Figure 15): White 1, White 6, Ceasefire. White 2, TRP I, add 50, HE, bunker, at your cornmad The enemy infantry begins to move along the trench systems. The platoon leader decides to turn TRP 6 into a quadrant to destroy the enemy infantry in the trenches as they attempt to displace. The platoon leader asks the BCs if they can identify TRP 6. They are unable to see it. The platoon leader directs the lead squad to mark TRP 6 with a green M203 smoke round. The squad leader fires the round, and the BCs identify it, (Figure 16). The platoon leader issues the following fire command This is White 6; A-section, TRP 6 is a quudmnt; White-1 Q4, White-2 Ql and 3; HE, frontal; at your command.

The vehicles in Alpha section suppress the trenches in the quadrants assigned by the platoon leader. The dismounted element assists by providing observed fire corrections to the BFVs. The platoon continues to clear the objective and the platoon leader reports TF Responsibilities:

- Assigns CO/TM missions (task/purpose)

- Determines Decisive Point (TF Level)

- Plans the desired effect of COnM fires

- Develops task organization for mission

- Determines where and how to kill on the ground (i.e. effects of a variety of fires)

- Arrays forces and shapes the battlefield

- Develops graphic control measures to

- De-conflicts C 0. a fires as necessaly

- Synchronizes directlindirect and other

- Produces TF IBP products, and con-control the battle combat multipliers firms or denies IPB for COnMs CO/TM Responsibilities:

- Performs CO/TM IPB to determine how forces will enter the COlTM EA and what formation/method

- Designates decisive point and assigns main effort

- Develops plans and controls the distribution of COnM fires and focus of PLT fires

- Develops and shapes COnM EA

- Assigns missions to PLTs (taskfpurpose)

- Assigns platoon responsibilities for com-

- Physically positions PLTs

- Identifies threat array (confirms or debat multipliers nies IPB) PL T Responsibilities:

- Physically positions individual vehicles and crew-sewed weapons

- Supervises and disseminates CO/TM fire plan --Distributes and controls PLT, section and SQD through application of fire commands, fire patterns, and engagement techniques Crews and Dismount Leaders:

- Identiiies enemy vehicles based on en-

- Ensures squad/vehicle can see the EA

- Ensures understanding of the control

- Executes simple crew/squad-level fire

- Executes fire pattem/technique

- Sends accurate spot reports using gagement priorities measures and fire plan commands SALTSALUTE, etc.

ARMOR - passing TRP 6 and entering quad A-south. The supporting fires from Blue and Red are ceased by the CO/TM commander and the assault element (White) continues and completes the clearing operation with close cooperation between the dismounts in the trench and the mounted supporting fires of the M2s.

Major Derek Miller is currently a student at CGSC. He graduated from USMA in 1982. He served his first tour in Germany with the l-16th Infantry as a rifle platoon leader, scout platoon leader, and support platoon leader. Fo!lowing IOAC, he served at Ft. Stewart, Ga., from 1986 to 1991, where he commanded a Bradley Infantry company and an HHC. Following DESERT

STORM, he served for two years as an observer/controller on the Mechanized Infantry TF Trainer Team at the National Training Center. Captain Richard Avema is currently an observer/controller on the TF Live Fire Combat Training Team at the National Training Center. He received his commission as an infantry officer from the New Mexico Military Institute and a BA from the University of Nebraska. He served in Germany with 4-41 st Infantry (M2), 2d AD (FWD) as a rifle platoon leader and assistant S3. He commanded a Bradley Infantry company in 2-7th Infantry, 24th ID (Mech) during both Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT

STORM.