The Canadian Army Journal

system. However, the development of close fire would require simulation scenarios to
encompass the full spectrum of operations against conventional and asymmetric
enemies. By varying the weapons mix within scenarios, better close fire systems can be
narrowed down for final validation in the field.
Traditionally seen as characteristic and competing factors in AFV design, firepower, mobility and
survivability must be balanced in the development of all close fire systems including the soldier.
In many cases this firepower concept reinforces a downward diffusion of
capabilities. Not only does an infantry company require a NLOS capability to support its
machine guns at full range but the combat team also requires some heavier NLOS
capability to support tank fire at full range. Thus both light and medium mortars can be
seen as a key element of the sub-unit close fire system. Rocket and missile artillery are
doctrinally described as division to corps assets, 37 yet far fire will increasingly call on
such systems to provide brigade commanders with pervasive fire through the contested
zones of a non-contiguous AO. This downward diffusion of capability is only one light in
which this firepower concept must be viewed.
Future Fire
Together, close and far fire must be viewed within their place in the larger
operational functions because there are reciprocal implications between firepower and
other doctrinal constructs, both in terms of requirements and definition. Firepower is an
element of Act and so firepower produces synergies when integrated with other
capabilities that can achieve effects. 38 Additionally, “Act is tightly linked to the functions
of Command and Sense.” 39 Therefore, firepower will depend on the MBNS, Sensor
Fusion and Knowledge Management40 to accelerate the time from detection to kill. To
accelerate time to detection, improved sensing must also allow detection and
identification of targets in places we cannot see today. This will place greater emphasis
on distributed autonomous systems, 41 UAVs and other integral systems. Therefore,
firepower with Command and Sense will aim toward very rapid detection and immediate
engagement by the most appropriate system.
Viewed within Act and surrounded by the remaining operational functions, the close
and far fire concepts provide a doctrinal construct that is more relevant to current
operations and ADO than are distinctions based on direct and indirect or on organic and
support. As a whole, these new concepts do not represent a radical departure from
current thinking, but they do provide a better approach for force development through a
systems approach to looking at fleets of weapon systems. Lessons from Afghanistan
are incorporated with future concepts to stress stand-off detection and engagement of
the enemy with a close final destruction. If implemented today, the change in
terminology would not greatly impact the soldier on the ground. However the small
impact on planners would result in significant improvements delivered incrementally
(through projects such as SARP II, FFCV, and FIFC) for the soldier of tomorrow.
Made by Author with photos from Army webpage
and MS Office clip art
Canadian Army Journal Vol. 11.1 Spring 2008
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