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

Artillery Operations _____________________________________________________________________________________________ F-5
augmentees to gun crews, security forces, etc.,
must be addressed.
Firing Data
Firing data for all howitzers will be precomputed
using BUCS-R if possible. All available
information affecting ballistic computations will
be inputted before the raid. Data will be
computed from each LZ using the lowest charge
to limit any site-to-crest problems. Data will be
given to the section chiefs in advance and will
be based on a map spot grid unless survey
control is established.
Go/No-Go Criteria
Certain criteria must be established before the
mission starts and to aid in deciding if the
mission should continue under duress. These
criteria serve solely as guides with the mission
commander having final deciding authority. Use
the following techniques when determining go/
no-go criteria:
● If both advance party helicopters are lost.
● If the raid element loses more than 50 percent
of its howitzers/ammunition.
● If the minimum number of helicopters required
to conduct the mission is unavailable.
● Loss of communications with the mission commander.
Duties of Key Personnel
Raid Force Commander
● Determine viability of raid.
● Direct the mission planning process.
● Select firing positions maintaining dispersion
between howitzers.
● Ensure the advance party is in the correct LZ.
● Determine the OS and FDC and howitzer locations
upon arrival at the LZ.
● Ensure the LZ is secure.
● Supervise the smooth operation of all aspects
of the raid.
● Supervise LZ marking.
● Ensure accountability upon extraction of personnel
and equipment.
Executive Officer/Platoon Commander
● Inspect artillery raid personnel, equipment, and
ammunition.
● Ensure communications are maintained with the
RFC and the helicopter mission commander.
● Set up and orient the aiming circle.
● Lay the howitzers.
● Assist in hasty survey, met data, and computing
data as required.
Battery Gunnery Sergeant
● Emplace the local security force.
● Ensure accountability of personnel and equipment.
● Ensure rapid emplacement of howitzers.
● Ensure preparation for rapid extraction.
Operations Chief
● Supervise FDC planning and ensure all BUCS-R
have pre-computed data loaded.
● Set up GPS at aiming circle if survey team is
unavailable.
● Collect data for technical fire direction and
supervise fire controlman computations.
● If time permits, input data in back up computer
system.
● Set up chart and check firing data.
● Supervise issuing of fire commands.
● Ensure all maps, records, and FDC equipment
are extracted.