11th infantry regiment echelonment of fires and support by fire

Target

• An area designated and numbered for future firing

Note: You plan to shoot at this object or point. Can be with direct or indirect fires

Ref. Page 1-151 FM 101-5-1

• An easily recognizable point on the ground (natural or man-made) used to initiate, distribute, and control fires

• Numbered/lettered using different system than indirect fire targets

• TRPs are not always a place/object that you plan to fire at

Ref. Page 1-152 FM 101-5-1

Target Reference Point (TRP)

Sectors of Fire

• Defined area which is required to be covered by the fire of individual or crew-served weapons or the weapons of a unit

- indicate with TRPs

Trigger• Event or time-oriented criteria used to initiate planned actions directed toward achieving surprise and destruction on the enemy

• Designated point or points (along identifiable terrain) in an engagement area used to mass fires at a pre-determined range

Note: Know the reaction time of weapon systems (how long from call to effects on target) and rehearse

Ref. Page 1-157 FM 101-5-1

Restrictive Fire Line / Area (RFL / RFA)

• A line / area established between converging friendly forces

• Prohibits fires or effects of fires across the line / area without coordination with the affected force

• Established by the next higher common commander of the converging forces

• Commonly used in MOUT environment

Note: Must be identifiable to soldiers on the ground (I.e. roads, buildings, hills, etc.)

Coordinated Fire Line (CFL)

• A line beyond which conventional surface fire support means may fire at any time within the zone of the establishing headquarters without additional coordination

Free Fire Area (FFA)

• A designated area into which any weapon system may fire without additional coordination with the establishing headquarters

Ref. Page 1-71, FM 101-5-1

No Fire Area (NFA)• Area in which no fires or effects of fires are allowed. Exceptions are:

– Establishing headquarters approves fires temporarily within the NFA on a mission basis

– Enemy force within the NFA engages a friendly force, the commander may engage the enemy to defend his force

Ref. Page 1-109, FM 101-5-1

Boundaries• Control measures normally drawn along identifiable terrain features to delineate areas of tactical responsibility

• Direct fire may be placed across boundaries on clearly identified enemy targets without prior coordination

• Indirect fire across boundaries requires coordination with unit on other side of boundary

Ref. Page 1-21 FM 101-5-1

Example

• TRPs• Targets• BoundariesAB003

Example

• TRPs• Targets• Boundaries

Echeloning Example

B - A

ATK PSNMARY

155mm MSD

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C

PL BOULDERPL BOULDER

Echeloning Example

B - A

ATK PSNMARY

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


105mm MSD

105mm MSD

Echeloning ExampleB - A

ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA


ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

81mm MSD


ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

81mm MSD

SBF


ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

SBF(-)

81mm MSD

ATK BF

(+)


ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

SBF(-)

ATK BF

60mm MSD

(+)


ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

SBF

60mm MSD

(-)

ATK BF

(+)


ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

SBF(-)

ATK BF

(+)

Echeloning Example

B - A

ATK PSNMARY

PL ASPENPL ASPEN

PL DENVER PL DENVER

PL VAILLD

PL VAILLD

A - C


PL CO SPRINGSLOA

PL CO SPRINGSLOA

SBF

(-)

(+)

• Criteria to call for / what type of rounds / weapons?• What effects do I want on the target?• When should I fire the target?

– Distance from target– Time rounds will reach target – Time troops will reach target– Number of rounds available

• Restrictions / Constraints• Who will observe / call targets?• When should rounds / weapons cease / change?

PL Decisions

• Use PLGR in continuous mode, put in targets as waypoints. • Use identifiable terrain features that are close to the MSD

distance. • Base decisions off the location of the element closest to the

target location• Give element closest to the friendly fire/target means to

communicate with the firing element and means of tracking their location (PLGR).

TTPs for Tracking MSDs

Surface Danger Zone

• The segment of the range area which is endangered by a particular type of weapon firing

• Minimize risk

• Comply with these in combat when possible

Ref. Page 1-3 AR 385-63

Surface Danger Zone

• Impact Area – five degrees of dispersion on both sides of gun target line

• Ricochet Area – five degrees beyond both sides of impact area

• Area A – parallels impact area laterally (contain fragments)

• Area B – downrange side of impact area (contain fragments)

• Area F – rear of weapon (endangered by effects)

SDZ Example

GU

N T

AR

GE

T L

INE

DIS

TA

NC

ES

X

• DISPERSION AREA

• RICOCHET AREA

IMPACT AREA

• AREA F

AR

EA

A

AR

EA

A

AREA B

Surface Danger Zone

• Shifting fires

- 40 degrees

- 15 degrees

Commands

• Shift Fire

• Lift Fire

• Cease Fire

Shift Fire

• Command to move the cone of fire in a direction away from a friendly maneuvering force

• Enemy forces continue to be struck by the beaten zone at the same time the friendly unit moves

Note: Do not “shift” off of the enemy and fire rounds into wood line where no known/suspected enemy exist. Commands should be specific, telling soldiers where to shift to.

Ref. Page 1-140 FM 101-5-1

Lift Fire

• In direct fire, the command to raise the cone of fire so that the beaten zone strikes the target

• The space between the target and the firing weapon is safe for maneuver by friendly forces

Note: Lift fire does not mean the same thing as cease fire! When you lift fire you keep shooting!

Ref. Page 1-91 FM 101-5-1

Cease Fire

• A command given to any firing unit or individual firing any weapon to stop engaging the target

Note: When heard, stop shooting!

Ref. Page 1-24 of FM 101-5-1

Fire Commands• Leaders use to direct fires

AlertDirectionDescriptionRangeMethod of fireCommand to fire

- Subsequent fire commands- Termination of fire

Fire Commands

Gun 1, Fire Mission

Front

Reference: Bunker, Center Mass

Troops

300

Traverse / Sustained

At My Command, Fire

Cease Fire

Rate of Fire• Ref. FM 7-8 App. B/ FM 3-22.68

- Cyclic (M240B: 650-950 per min)

- Rapid (M240B: 200 per min/ 6-9 burst)

- Sustained (M240B: 100 per min/ 6-9 burst)

• Watch and Shoot– Engage TGTs with well-aimed fire within your

assigned sector or PDF (i.e. TGTs of opportunity)

N

SECTOR: L015-R030

• How does the PL establish a SBF?

N

1

2

3

AB0001

AB0002

SecuritySupport By Fire Position provides FOF on EN positions provides cover and concealment observation of maneuver forceEstablish TRPs / Refine TGTs disseminate to SBF and Assault Confirm Route for Assault ElementConfirm Signals / Triggers (Primary / Alt)Position Weapon SystemsAssign sectors of fire crew served (Metal to Metal) engagement prioritiesEngagement prioritiesObservation/ security to flanks and rearMaintains communication with maneuver force to provide updates on EN situation DIRECTION OF

ASSUALT

Support By FireCHECKLIST

SHIFTFIRE

SHIFTEDFIRE

RAPID

SUSTAINED

WSL

Example:

REAR/ FLANK SECURITY

249 TL 203 AG 240 249 TL 203 AG 240

PSG , MEDIC, FO

SBF WEAPON POSITIONING

REAR / FLANKSECURITY

Leader Tasks:1. Gains / Maintains situational understanding2. Receive OPORD and Issues WARNORD3. Plans using TLPs - Enemy Disposition, Composition - Movement times4. Disseminates reports, overlays, pertinent info. - Tentative Positions:RTEs ORP, SBF, ATK POSN, ASLT POSN,

TRPs, TGTs5. Issues orders instructions including ROE6. Conducts rehearsals -Actions On, Signals, Fire Control7. Issues Frago addressing changes identified during rehearsal8. Conducts reconnaissance (based on factors of METT-TC )

- Emplaces security- Selects SBF with good FOF on enemy and observation of maneuver force

- Provides adequate cover and concealment

1 of 3

CONDUCT OVERWATCH SUPPORT BY FIRE ARTEP 7-8 MTP 07-3-1252 (OCT 2001)

CONDUCT OVERWATCH SUPPORT BY FIREARTEP 7-8 MTP 07-3-1252

Leader Tasks:8. Reconnaissance (Cont.) - Confirms / Selects TRPs, Refines TGTs - Develops plan to take SBF by force if occupied by

enemy - Returns to platoon 9. Adjusts plan with updated intelligence10. Updates enemy situation11. Disseminates updated information12. Tactically moves to and occupies SBF position

- Uses cover and concealed routes - Maintains security - Emplaces weapon systems

- Observes (continually) movement of assault element13. Leader positions himself to control the battle14. Conducts overwatch

- Keeps supported element informed of enemy situation15. Employs indirect fires - Calls for adjustments to suppress, obscure, destroy or

screen movement of assault element 2 of 3

Leader Tasks:16. Employs direct fires - Repositions as necessary to maintain observation and

effective fires on enemy - Assigns priority targets to each weapon system (Javelin : Armored vehicles, fortified positions) (240B : Light skinned vehicles, exposed positions) - Shifts / Ceases fires on order or by predetermined signals - Doesn’t hinder or block mvmt of assault element through

direct or indirect fire17. Moves to OBJ if ordered or required 18. Conducts consolidation reorganization19. Secures EPWs20. Treat / Evacuates casualties21. Processes captured documents and or equipment22. Continues operations as directed

3 of 3

CONDUCT OVERWATCH SUPPORT BY FIREARTEP 7-8 MTP 07-3-1252

SUPPORT BY FIRE

PSG , MEDIC, FO

REAR / FLANKSECURITY

AG 240BAR GG BTL ATLAR

AG 240BREAR / FLANKSECURITY

SQUADM240B Teams

HEADQUARTERSIN A DEFENSE, WITH DUG-IN POSITIONS AND OVERHEAD COVER, A SQUAD OCCUPIES 80-100M OF GROUND. FM 7-8, PG 2-80

80 – 100 m

VOLUME VERSUS ACCURACYDynamics of Firing Effectiveness

Accuracy of Fire

Vo

lum

e o

f F

ire

Assault. See Note 2

Initial Contact. See Note 1

Note 1: Leaders control the rate and distribution of fires. After the initial contact and a high rate of fire with low accuracy, leaders gain control of the fires and increase accuracy while decreasing volume.Note 2: Increase volume just before assault.

CYCLIC

RAPID

SUSTAINED

N

SECTOR: L355-R005

• PL has received contact and sees an open area. What now?

TGT AB0001

TGT AB0002

• A-FSO this is A16, shift priority target AB0001 and prep new target AB0002 – over

• New grid for AB0001 GL 12345678 – over• Grid for AB0002 GL 12345678 – over • Fire targets AB0001 and AB0002 at my

command – over

Prepping Target

N

SECTOR: L015-R030

• PL is establishing SBF. What now?

• A-FSO this is A16, fire AB0001, troops in the open, danger close – over

• A-FSO this is A16, fire AB0002, intersection in woods, danger close – over

• Shift targets accordingly

Firing Target

N

SECTOR: L015-R030

60 mm

250 m

81 mm350 m

N

SECTOR: L015-R030

SHIFT FIRE SIGNAL

• PL is ready to maneuver ASSLT element. Can fires continue? 60 mm

250 m

81 mm350 m

40 deg SDZ

N

DOF: 005 DEG

ASSLT POS

SECTOR: L315-R325

CEASE FIRE SIGNAL

• Do IDF cease or shift? What should leaders watch for?

40 d

eg S

DZ

40 deg SDZ

60 mm

250 m

N

DOA: 315 DEG

N

DOA: 315 DEG

SECTOR: L010-R060

N

LOA

LOA

N

• PL is cons. and reorg. What can be established during this process?

60 mm FPF250 m

N

• How would this differ during a deliberate attack?

Questions

11th infantry regiment echelonment of fires and support by fire

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