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

Artillery Operations _____________________________________________________________________________________________ F-9
Rear Echelon
The rear echelon includes all personnel, supplies,
and equipment not included in the assault and
resupply echelons. The rear echelon supports the
assault and resupply echelons by providing
administrative, maintenance, and supply support
in the rear area.
Loading
Loading artillery for movement may commence
during the planning phase and continue through
the movement phase. Internal and external loads
transport artillery personnel, vehicles, equipment,
and supplies. Piggyback loads permit the
howitzer and ammunition to be moved by one
helicopter. Establishing loads requires flexibility
in planning the operation, loading of supplies and
equipment, and conducting the operation.
Aircraft Load Data
The proposed load must be within the allowable
cargo load limit of a particular aircraft. The artillery
unit obtains the allowable cargo lift from the
helicopter unit.
Pickup/Landing Zone Organization
The artillery unit is responsible for pickup/LZ
organization. Preparing the pickup zone includes
rigging loads, positioning marking devices,
positioning equipment for rapid pickup, and
controlling incoming aircraft. Initial load preparation
should begin at least 2 hours before the first
aircraft arrives. Artillery personnel inspect loads
for completeness and compactness. Loose articles
should be secured by artillery personnel; e.g.,
tents within 50 to 75 meters of the landing site or
along the approach path should be lowered and
secured. The battery retains its firing capability as
long as possible. In organizing the pickup/LZ, the
artillery unit will perform the following:
● Reduce air-to-ground transmissions required
for coordination.
● Position loads to reduce flights over the battery,
particularly resupply flights.
● Position loads so the aircraft can approach the
LZ into the wind.
● Facilitate rapid orientation of passengers debarking
from the aircraft by using clock direction
with reference to the helicopter’s nose.
Terminal Control
Terminal control and responsibility are established
in the planning phase. Normally, the HST
provides helicopter control. In the absence of HST,
the artillery unit controls incoming aircraft in the
pickup zone. The unit provides threat situation,
wind direction and velocity, surface conditions,
landing direction, and clearance information to the
flight. Landing site azimuth, field elevation,
landing information, and other information may
also be provided, when available.
Movement
Final coordination and briefings are completed
before lift-off of the advance party. Confirmation
is made on the exact location of the LZ, radio
frequencies, call signs, flight route, order of
march, and number of sorties. The interval
between the arrival and departure of helicopters
depends on the plan of maneuver, conditions in
the LZ, and number of helicopters the LZ will
accommodate. Ideally, the advance party should
have enough time on the ground to prepare the
site while the battery awaits the order to move
forward. However, in fast-moving situations, the