3394
3-180. The ultimate goal of direct fire control is to mass fires, but the concept of massing direct fires is widely 3395
misunderstood. Frequently, it is mistaken for volume. Volume of fires does not equal massing of fires. Massing 3396
of fires is defined by the terminal effect on the enemy, not the number of systems firing or the number of rounds 3397
fired 3398
Principles of Direct Fire Control 3399
3-181. Effective fire control requires a unit to rapidly acquire the enemy and mass the effects of fires to 3400
achieve decisive results in the close fight. In addition, there are several principles of direct fire that the CAB 3401
commander and his subordinate leaders must know how to apply during tactical operations. The purpose of 3402
these principles of direct fire is not to restrict the actions of subordinates. Applied correctly, they help the CAB 3403
to accomplish its primary goal in any direct fire engagement: to acquire first and shoot first. They give 3404
subordinates the freedom to act quickly upon acquisition of the enemy. (Refer to ATP 3-90.1 for more 3405
information.) This discussion focuses on the principles listed below:
3406
Mass the effects of fire.
3407
Destroy the greatest threat first.
3408
Avoid target overkill.
3409
Employ the best weapon for the target.
3410
Minimize friendly exposure.
3411
Prevent fratricide.
3412
Plan for extreme limited visibility conditions.
3413
Develop contingencies for diminished capabilities.
3414
D
IRECTF
IREP
LANNING 34153-182. Leaders plan direct fires in order to be able to distribute and control their fire. Determining where and 3416
how the company team can mass fires is an essential step in this process. Based on where and how they want to 3417
focus and distribute fires, leaders can establish the weapons ready postures for their elements as well as triggers 3418
for initiating fires. During mission preparation, leaders plan and conduct rehearsals of direct fires (and of the 3419
fire control process) based on the estimate of the situation.
3420
D
IRECTF
IRES
TANDARDO
PERATINGP
ROCEDURE 34213-183. A well-rehearsed direct fire TACSOP enhances quick, predictable actions by all members of the CAB.
3422
The commander bases the various elements of the TACSOP on the capabilities of his force and on anticipated 3423
conditions and situations. TACSOP elements should include means for—
3424
Focusing fires.
3425
Distributing fire effects.
3426
Orienting forces.
3427
Preventing fratricide.
3428
F
IREC
ONTROLM
EASURES 34293-184. Fire control measures are the means by which the commander or subordinate leaders control fires.
3430
Application of these concepts, procedures, and techniques assists the unit in acquiring the enemy, focusing fires 3431
on him, distributing the effects of the fires, and preventing fratricide. At the same time, no single measure is 3432
sufficient to control fires effectively. Fire control measures are effective only if the entire unit has a common 3433
understanding of what they mean and how to employ them.
3434
3-185. The commander can use terrain-based fire control measures to focus and control fires on a particular 3435
point, line, or area, or he uses threat-based fire control measures to focus and control fires by directing the unit 3436
to engage a specific enemy element rather than on a point or area. Fire control measures are listed in Table 3-1.
3437
Table 3-1. Common offensive fire control measures 3438
Terrain-Based Fire Control Measures Threat-Based Fire Control Measures Target reference point (TRP) Rules of engagement (ROE)
Sector of fire Weapons ready posture
Direction of fire Weapons safety posture
Terrain-based quadrant Weapons control status Friendly-based quadrant Engagement priorities Restrictive fire line (RFL) Fire patterns
Maximum engagement line (MEL) Engagement techniques
Engagement area (EA) Triggers
Final protective line (FPL) Target array
Note: Likely offensive fire control measures are in bold print; other control measures are less likely in the offense.
SECTION V – TRANSITIONS
3439
3-186. The CAB spends minimum time after concluding an engagement or actions on the objective to 3440
consolidate and reorganize before continuing the attack. If the CAB must consolidate and reorganize, the 3441
commander decides the best time and location; this facilitates future operations and provides force protection.
3442
The CAB must maintain local security when performing consolidation and reorganization activities.
3443
CONSOLIDATION
3444
3-187. Consolidation of position is organizing and strengthening a newly captured position so that it can be 3445
used against the enemy. (FM 3-90-1) The CAB may need to reorganize, avoid culmination, prepare for an 3446
enemy counterattack, or allow time for movement of adjacent units. The CAB commander makes consolidation 3447
plans before every mission, updates them during the attack, and passes them to units as the attack is completed.
3448
Consolidation actions include:
3449
Establishing contact (electronic, physical, or both) with adjacent friendly units.
3450
Reestablishing communications (if required).
3451
Eliminating pockets of enemy resistance.
3452
Establishing security consistent with the threat.
3453
Preparing defensive positions.
3454
Clearing obstacles or improving lanes to support friendly movement and reorganization activities.
3455
Planning and preparing for future operations.
3456
Conducting site exploitation and processing any detainees.
3457
Maintaining contact with the enemy and conducting reconnaissance.
3458
Cross-leveling ammunition and other supplies and conducting emergency resupply.
3459
3-188. The CAB maintains contact with the enemy by redirecting the scout platoon, directing small-unit 3460
patrols, pulling the latest intelligence from the BCT S-2, and by conducting limited objective attacks.
3461
REORGANIZATION
3462
3-189. Reorganization planning begins before and continues during the attack as losses occur. Reorganization 3463
includes all measures taken by the commander to maintain unit combat effectiveness or return it to a specified 3464
level of combat capability. Companies must feed reports to the battalion as losses occur so movement of needed 3465
resupply or replacements can begin promptly. If extensive reorganization is required, the CAB conducts it 3466
during consolidation. (Refer to FM 3-90-1 for more information.) Reorganization tasks include the following:
3467
Reestablishing the chain of command, key staff positions, and command post facilities.
3468
Treating and evacuating casualties.
3469
Recovering and repairing damaged equipment as necessary.
3470
Reestablishing digital connectivity if required.
3471
Conducting resupply and refueling operations.
3472
Repositioning mission command facilities, communications assets, and logistics for future 3473
operations.
3474
Reorganizing company teams and platoons if required.
3475