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

F-8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16.1
within 40 kilometers of the firing position. A
declinated aiming circle will provide a direction
to an accuracy of +/- 10.0 mils.
The declination constant of an aiming circle may
be affected by the strong magnetic field generated
by the helicopter’s rotors.
Determining Location
The PLGR with valid crypto variable keys loaded
and verified provides a location to an accuracy of
10 meters circular error probable (CEP). The
PLGR is a hand held unit but cannot provide
accurate direction.
The PADS in a UH-1 will provide location using
10 minute zero-velocity updates to an accuracy of
7 meters CEP between 0 to 65 degrees latitude
north or south and 10 meters CEP between 65 to
75 degrees latitude north or south. The advantage
of the PADS is that it provides accurate
direction, location, and height. However, the
PADS/UH-1 must be landed at the OS and the
EOL to establish positioning and orientation.
After determining an accurate direction, a hasty
three-point resection can be performed by using
the BUCS-R, BCS or graphic resection. The
accuracy of a three-point resection depends on
the accuracy of the location of the visible known
points and the angle-measuring instrument available.
The accuracy of a three-point resection is
seldom better than 50 meter CEP.
A map spot is the least preferred method of determining
location. The accuracy of a map spot
depends on prominent terrain features available,
map accuracy, and the proficiency of the individual
performing the map spot. All other means of
determining location will be exhausted before
resorting to this method.
Determining Height (in Preferred Order)
The PADS will provide an accurate height to
3 meters PE. The PADS is more accurate than
the PLGR in location and height. However,
the required logistical support and the fact
that it must be positioned on the OS relegates
this system to the second preferred method.
After determining an accurate direction, a hasty
three-point resection can be performed and the
coordinates used to derive a height from the map.
The map spot method is only used as a last resort
after all other means have been exhausted.
Organization for Movement
Organization of the artillery unit for movement is
an integral part of planning for immediate
employment upon landing. The artillery unit may
be organized into three echelons: assault, resupply
or follow-up, and rear.
Assault Echelon
Composition of the assault echelon varies with
the assigned mission, available aircraft, and
duration of the operation. Notionally, the assault
echelon is composed of the advanced party and a
howitzer section. Generally, the assault echelon
consists of the battery elements essential to the
control or delivery of immediate support. Organization
of the advanced party depends on the
battery’s composition and the time available for
occupation. An advance party is normally led by
the battery commander and consists of enough
personnel to initiate observation, communications,
and survey. The advance party guides the
battery into position. If possible, the advance
party should contain a forklift.
Resupply or Follow-up Echelon
The resupply or follow-up echelon consists of
combat support personnel, supplies, and equipment
to sustain the assault echelon until linkup or
extraction. Personnel, supplies, and equipment
are transported to the assault echelon by air or
surface means.