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

Artillery Operations __________________________________________________________________________________________ 10-17
Step 5: List and Graphically Display Known
Critical Events and Decision Points
From the IPB products developed during mission
analysis, a decision support template is used to
relate the event template with decision points that
are significant to the artillery unit.
The event template overlays the operations
graphics to depict time phase lines (TPLs) on the
battlefield. The operations officer will list
EFATs, which may include massing missions,
special munitions missions, unit movement,
survey emplacement, etc. The decision support
template (DST) does not dictate decisions to the
operations officer but identifies critical events
and threat activities relative to time and location
that may require tactical decisions.
Step 6: Select the War Game Method
The four methods used are sequence of essential
tasks, avenue in depth, belt, and box. See MCWP
5-1 for a detailed discussion of each technique.
Step 7: Select Method to Record
and Display Results
One method for recording the results is the
synchronization matrix (see figure 10-13 on
page 10-18). It allows the staff to synchronize
the COA across time and space in relation to the
threat COA. An advantage of this method is that
it can be readily translated into a graphic
decision-making product. The first entry is time
or phase of the operation. The second entry is
the most likely threat action as determined by
the S-2. The third entry is the DP for the
friendly COA. The remainder of the matrix is
developed around selected functional areas or
major subordinate commands.
Step 8: Wargame the Battle
Wargame each EFAT. The intelligence officer
will discuss the timing of the battle off the TPL,
the operations officer addresses EFSTs, and the
FDO briefs mission execution times (time of
flight ([TOF], shift times, first round to last).
Wargame the fire plans to make sure they are
executable. The S-2 describes what the threat is
doing and their rate of march. The S-3 adds the type
of target, artillery impact area (front, rear, center of
formation), and the number of rounds and volleys
required. The FDO then states whether or not units
are laid on the target, who will fire, shift time
required, TOF, and total time. It is critical to use
honest times based on the unit’s level of experience
and not just standard Marine Corps Combat Readiness
Evaluation System times. Using this information
and the TPL, place a decision point (star) on the
operations graphics that represents the final time
that the artillery can attain its greatest effects upon
the threat located at that point. Decision points in
the forward battle area may not be observable by
organic assets. These decision points should correspond
to a trigger point of the supported unit who is
watching the decision point. As the S-2 identifies
threat forces at or near decision points, the S-3/FDO
is alerted and expects calls for fire for the target tied
to the decision point.
Use the DST to determine decision points for
other critical events such as unit movements,
special munitions missions, radar queing times,
logistics operations, etc.
Step 9: Refine Staff Estimates and Contributions
Once the war game is complete and the results
annotated, the staff refines their estimates and
contributions. Examples of contributions are
listed in figure 10-14 on page 10-19.