The Trained and Equipped Forward Observer

(Editor’s note: Although the fires-oriented forward observer, who holds military occupational specialty 13F, is not an Armor community member, there may be overlap in reconnaissance functions. If an FO is unavailable, for instance, it is feasible that Cavalry scout-obtained information could be used for fires targeting; operational adaptability is required.) The rapid advancement of precision-targeting technology during the last decade has been remarkable. The capabilities and tools available to forward observers and Joint-fires observers has evolved from compass and map to lightweight, handheld laser range finders and advanced pocket-sized handheld devices with precision imagery. Because of these advancements in technology, Soldier and leader training – as well as tactics, techniques and procedures for employment of this technology – also need to evolve. The most important aspect of this precision-targeting capability is providing the FO with enhanced ability to achieve the most difficult aspect of the five requirements for accurate predicted fire — accurate target location — thereby allowing the FO to achieve his primary mission: first-round fire for effect. Precision fires are necessary in today’s complex operating environment, where collateral-damage risks vs. military necessity must be addressed. With the strategic risk associated with unnecessary injury and death of noncombatants, precision fires must be employed effectively. The accurate employment of ballistic and precision munitions allows us to reduce risk of collateral damage while achieving desired effects. Our precision munitions for mortar, cannon and rocket systems offer tactical commanders the option of conducting lethal strikes while mitigating the risks to Soldiers, noncombatants and infrastructure. Precision munitions offer leaders on the battlefield a variety of choices on how to engage a target and a scalable capability to attack it. As the Army continues to develop its coordinate-seeking munitions capability, consideration must be given to the requirements necessary to employ these munitions. One crucial aspect to the effective employment of coordinate-seeking munitions is target location. Accurately determining target location is required for effective employment of precision munitions and is achieved through a process called target-coordinate mensuration. The U. S. Army Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, OK, as the Army-designated functional manager for TCM, has established a Joint recognized and accredited TCM training and certification program. The Fires Center has a clear understanding of the requirements associated with precision fires and has collaborated with the Joint Staff, other services, combatant commands and combat-support agencies to develop a comprehensive training program for TCM, weaponeering and collateral-damage estimation. For the past two years, the Joint and Combined Integration Directorate at Fort Sill has been the Fires Center’s lead agent for development of a precision-fires program. The PFP encompasses institutional training for TCM, weaponeering and CDE. Precision-fires training is designed for FOs, 131A (targeting technicians) warrant officers and 13A fire-support officers. Having trained operators enables tactical units conducting fire support to employ indirect fires accurately and effectively, achieving first-round target effects while mitigating collateral damage. Another critical aspect of employing accurate indirect fires is the FO hardware requirements. Currently FOs have the capability to conduct mensuration using the pocket-sized forward-entry device with precision-fires image. FOs must understand that the PFED is not primarily a digital communication device; it’s a computer that enables the FO to quickly determine a 10-digit grid and then mensurate that grid if circumstances permit. When combined with a handheld laser such as the Mark VII or Vector 21, the PFED is by far the fastest and most accurate means to determine an accurate target location. Once the accurate target location has been determined, the FO can send the call for fire voice or digital through the tactical radio. The PFED is standard issue for dismounted-platoon FOs. Another FO system is the ruggedized handheld computer with FO system software and Precision Strike Suite-Special Operations Force mensuration software. The RHC is a system used at the platoon/company level for fire-support planning and execution that also facilitates digital calls for fire. With its embedded PSS-SOF capability, the trained and certified user can quickly mensurate coordinates. Both systems are highly effective and allow for timely and accurate calls for fire. However, these automated tools have not propagated to the fire-support community due to a lack of capability understanding. Senior-The Trained and Equipped Forward Observer by CW4 Thomas Taccia A Soldier with 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, writes down the location of a simulated enemy target while another uses a Mark VII laser range finder. The two FOs were completing training as part of fire-support team certification in February 2011. (Photo by SPC Kimberly Hackbarth) 11 leader education and command emphasis must occur to fully integrate these capabilities into fire-support operations. Once FOs are trained on proper use of the PFED and RHC, they hold a very powerful weapon system that enables them to effectively support their maneuver formations with timely and accurate fires. Following are a few basic questions commanders should ask their fire-support officers and noncommissioned officers:

• Do we currently have certified operators for TCM so we can employ our coordinate-seeking and ballistic munitions accurately and effectively?

• Do we have the systems and software to conduct TCM?

• Are our JFOs and FOs current on their certification requirements?

• What proficiency or sustainment training do we currently conduct for our TCM-certified JFOs and FOs?

• Are our 13A lieutenants and captains trained and certified in the area of precision fires?

• Where can we get our FOs trained? By asking these questions, commanders will be able to determine their unit’s capability to employ fires effectively and make decisions accordingly. The PFP provides three venues for instruction:

• Primary military education: for 13F, Advanced Leader Course and Senior Leader Course; for 131A, basic and advanced courses; and for 13A, Basic Officer Leaders Course Band Field Artillery Captains Career Course.

• Functional course: open to 13F FOs and 131A targeting technicians who did not receive this training during PME. It is also open to other services, partner nations and individuals in targeting billets who require this training.

• Precision-fires mobile training team: supports Army Force Generation and unit-level training-program development, and supplements current COCOM training activities when requested. MTT support during Fiscal Year 2012 is provided at no charge to the unit. All venues provide training to Joint standards and, in all cases except BOLC Band FACCC, will lead to certification for TCM, CDE, or both. There is no certification requirement for weaponeering at this time. CW4 Thomas Taccia, a 131A targeting technician, is a targeting officer with the PFP at the Fires Center’s JACI Directorate. He was assigned to JACI in 2009 and was a key architect, along with CW5 Robert Tisdale, JACI PFP program manager, in developing and implementing the current Joint PFP. He previously deployed as a fires-brigade targeting officer and division field-artillery intelligence officer in 2008-2009, as an FA brigade targeting officer in 2004-2005 and Q37 radar-section BOLC B – Basic Officer Leaders Course B CDE – collateral-damage estimation COCOM – combatant command FA – field artillery FACCC – Field Artillery Captains Career Course FO – forward observer JACI – Joint and Combined Integration Directorate JFO – joint-fires observer MTT – mobile training team PFED – pocket-sized forward-entry device PFP – precision-fires program PSS-SOF – Precision Strike Suite-Special Operations Force RHC – ruggedized handheld computer TCM – target-coordinate mensuration Acronym Quick-Scan leader in 2003-2004. He served as 75th Fires Brigade targeting officer and developed a unit-level PFP consisting of TCM, weaponeering and CDE. Reprinted with permission from June-August 2011 edition of Infantry magazine.