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

Artillery Operations __________________________________________________________________________________________ 10-31
Threat Maneuver Forces
Figure 10-24. Overlay Depicting Critical Targets and Range Fans.
Formations of threat maneuver forces are graphically
depicted at each point where the artillery
will mass or fire special munitions missions. This
is particularly important for the artillery staff
because the FSC must understand the type of
target that best supports the maneuver
commander’s fire support guidance; e.g., group,
series or linear target. The FSC must also advise
the maneuver commander on the engagement
criteria to use against each formation, disposition,
and purpose (neutralization, suppression or
destruction). An accurate SITEMP assists in
making these critical decisions.
Threat Avenues of Approach and Objectives
The threat’s avenues of approach and objectives
are graphically depicted. The S-2 predicts the
avenues of approach the threat will use based on
information from the formations he templated for
each phase of battle. Threat objectives are
predicted from the S-2’s knowledge of threat
doctrine. This is important when continuing COA
development so the S-3 does not position batteries
on avenues of approach and objectives.
Threat Chemical Strikes
The artillery NBC defense officer becomes
involved in templating the threat’s possible persistent
and nonpersistent strikes, and can advise on
burst radius and downwind hazard effects. The S-3
must avoid positioning batteries in likely chemical
strike and downwind hazard areas.
Rear Area Threats
The rear area insertion sites that the threat
airborne/air assault units may infiltrate are
templated. If possible, NAIs are nominated on
these sites for artillery to watch. Since it may be
difficult to avoid these areas, covering them with
reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) may be
the best available option. This will impact on the
execution and support of rear area operations.