MCWP 3-16.1 Artillery Operations.pdf - Marine Corps Community ...

General
Reliable communication is a basic requirement
for the maximum employment of artillery.
FMFM 6-18.1, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
for the Marine Corps Fire Support System,
outlines procedures for configuring nets for data
transmission with automated systems.
Forms of Communications
The two original forms of communication—written
and voice—have been augmented by automated
systems with a third form of
communication—data. Data communications
increase the speed of communicating on the battlefield,
transmitting large amounts of information
while reducing signature and enhancing
survivability. Data communications require prior
integration to succeed in information processing
and dissemination.
Means of Communications
There are three primary means of communications:
radio, wire, and messenger. Whenever possible,
units should plan to use all means of
communication to provide redundancy. Proper
planning and unit SOPs should provide guidance
on when to employ primary, secondary, and tertiary
means of communication; i.e., if primary is
data communications over a radio net, will a separate
voice net be employed until data communication
is established or under what contingencies
will voice be or not be used?
CHAPTER 8
ARTILLERY COMMUNICATIONS
Radio
Single channel radio is the primary method of communications
in artillery operations. Normally, it is
used between observers and artillery units. Single
channel communications can be secured and used for
transmitting voice and data communications.
Radio nets must be specified as voice or data. A
net cannot sustain both forms of communication.
However, procedures should exist for data nets to
use voice transmissions when establishing or reestablishing
communications. Data radio nets have
a lesser range capability than voice nets. Properly
maintained and configured equipment and directional
antennae help minimize this limitation.
Figures 8-1 through 8-4 (pages 8-6 through 8-9)
show fire support radio nets and net control,
guard, and monitor responsibilities. Figures 8-5
and 8-6 (page 8-10) show communication connectivity
for regiments and DS battalions.
Wire
Wire is most often used to connect cells within a
COC and connect multiple automated terminals
within a cell. Where the tactical situation permits,
wire provides a redundancy for some radio
nets. Often, an FSC may want a direct wire link
that does not pass through a switchboard (hotline)
to the supporting artillery FDC or the TPC. Wire
communications can be secured and used for both
voice and data communications.
Messenger
The use of messengers must be planned. They provide
a secure, reliable means of communications.
If time permits, they may be the most effective
means for sending fire support plans and overlays.