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

Mission
CHAPTER 6
FIRING BATTERY OPERATIONS
SECTION I. FUNDAMENTALS
The mission of the artillery firing battery is to
provide timely, accurate fires for the artillery
battalion in support of expeditionary/land-based
MAGTF operations. In MEU operations, the
artillery firing battery provides timely, accurate
fires in support of the GCE.
Organization
The firing battery is the firing unit of the artillery
battalion. It possesses personnel and equipment
necessary to shoot, move, and communicate. Its
organization includes a battery headquarters and
one firing platoon. Figure 6-1 on page 6-2 depicts
the sections within the battery. The table of organization
(T/O) includes sufficient fire direction
personnel to establish an FDC and a BOC. Each
artillery cannon section has one howitzer, a prime
mover, and crew.
Functions and Employment
Firing batteries normally operate as integral parts of
the battalion. The firing battery is not normally
assigned a tactical mission unless operating
independent of the battalion. The firing battery can
deploy independently when augmented with appropriate
CSS personnel and when supported by the
infantry battalion to which attached. It can also
function as a provisional rifle company, if required.
Battery operations are normally conducted from a
single firing position. The firing position includes
the firing platoon and sections of the battery
headquarters, as required. The firing battery is
capable of the following:
● C2 through the FDC and BOC.
● Providing artillery liaison personnel, FOs, and
equipment to a supported unit.
● Performing limited maintenance support within
the position.
● Maintaining ammunition and supply for sustained
operations.
Duties of Firing Battery Personnel
Battery Commander
Under the guidance of the battalion commander,
battery commanders will direct battery operations
with responsibilities including, but not
limited to, the following:
● Leading the advance party and conducting RSOP
in accordance with MCWP 3-16.3.
● Ensuring coordination for survey requirements
with higher headquarters or establishing hasty
survey as required by the tactical situation or
organizational structure.
● Directing the layout of positions.
● Ensuring survivability and advising the maneuver
commander on all matters concerning the
employment of artillery fires at this MEU (special
operations capable [SOC]) level.
Executive Officer
The XO commands the firing platoon. He should
be fully capable of assuming control of the battery