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

Artillery Operations _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2-5
● Report to higher and subordinate elements
battle damage assessment (BDA) and
munitions effectiveness.
Fires Tactical Systems Officer
The regiment fire tactical systems officer (FTSO)
is responsible for tactical and technical information
flow in a digital environment. He should
have detailed knowledge of all fire support tactical
systems (AFATDS, interim fire support
automated system [IFSAS], tactical combat
operations [TCO], theater battle management
core system [TBMCS], etc.). He advises and
recommends to the commander how to use these
tactical data systems. His duties include, but are
not limited to, the following:
● Coordinate with the division target information
office on producing target selection standards,
attack guidance matrix, and HPT list.
● Assist the S-3 in developing the Artillery Fire
Plan based on information from the target
information officer.
● Assist the division FSCC with producing Tab E
(Fire Support Communications/Marine Corps
Fire Support System [MCFSS] Plan) of
Appendix 19, Annex C.
● Develop criteria to implement targeting products
in digital systems.
● Ensure dissemination of fire support information
to appropriate agencies.
Regiment Operations Chief
The regiment operations chief is the principal
assistant to the operations officer. His duties
include, but are not limited to, the following:
● Assist the operations officer in planning.
● Coordinate survey, met, and radar support.
● Coordinate and provide information for the
Fire Support Communications/MCFSS Plan of
the division operation order to the division fire
support/liaison chief with the division FSCC.
Regiment Assistant Operations
Chief/Watch Chief
The regiment assistant operations chief/watch
chief is the principal assistant to the FDO/watch
officer. His specific duties include, but are not
limited to, the following:
● Supervise FDC enlisted personnel.
● Ensure required reports are received and
processed.
● Ensure the situation map (SITMAP) and all
status boards are current and accurate.
● Ensure the journal and missions fire log are
properly maintained.
Tactical Precepts
The following artillery precepts will be followed
when supporting operations:
● Mass fire on deep targets to prevent reinforcement
of threat positions.
● Weight the main attack in the offense/focus of
effort in the defense. Position artillery well forward
to exploit range capability and facilitate
exploitation.
● Provide counterfire. Employ air assets to conduct
counterfire when feasible (quick-fire
channel with radar).
● Configure the regiment main COC to move the
forward (FWD) COC and maintain independent
operations for a limited time. Position the
main COC 2 to 4 kilometers forward of the
division main COC or as dictated by terrain and
tactical considerations.
Tactical Planning Considerations
The tactics, techniques, and procedures in this
chapter apply in a digitized environment. Digital
tactical and technical fire direction and command,
control, and communications (C3) should be emphasized
while maintaining a voice backup capability.