text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 7
  • Requirements and distribution of ammunition by missions.
  • Organization of coordination and command and control.
  • Preparation of appropriately detailed fire support plans at various levels.
  7-28. In the OPFOR’s “top-down” approach to the planning and allocation of
  fire support, fire support planning occurs at the highest level possible. The
  IFC commander at the OSC or theater level plans and coordinates fire sup-
  port, always under the direction of the maneuver commander. The highest
  level of participating units coordinates and approves the fire support plan,
  with input from subordinate units. The OSC headquarters performs general
  fire support planning. Detailed planning occurs in maneuver units, IFCs, and
  fire support units. The fires of all indirect fire support units within a brigade
  or brigade tactical group (BTG) are incorporated into the brigade or BTG fire
  support plan. In turn, brigade or BTG fire support plans become part of divi-
  sion or DTG fire support plans. Division or DTG fire support plans become part
  of OSC fire support plans.
  7-29. In its simplest form, fire support planning is the process of determining
  the best way to engage all of the enemy’s units with firesensuring that the
  required level of damage is inflicted in a manner consistent with the com-
  mander’s concept of the operation. Above all else, this means that the fire
  support plan must match his concept for the sequence with which the opera-
  tion will develop. The focus of fire support planning is on establishing and
  maintaining fire superiority over the enemy. Therefore, timing is critical.
  ESTIMATE OF SITUATION
  7-30. The planning process begins with an estimate of the situation. This
  estimate includes the following:
  • Scheme of maneuver of supported forces.
  • Locations and type of enemy targets.
  • Required level of damage.
  • Delivery means and ordnance available.
  7-31. The OSC commander, his IFC commander, and other staff members
  establish the basis for fire support planning during the commander’s
  reconnaissance of the area of anticipated action. During this reconnaissance,
  the commander refines the organization of forces for combat and the
  means of coordination. The OSC commander gives the IFC commander the
  information base to determine the following:
  • Targets for fire support weapons to engage and fire upon.
  • Priority of each target.
  • Sequence in which to attack targets.
  • Time to attack each target.
  7-32. The commander of a fire support unit at any level coordinates the fires
  under his control. He determines new requirements and missions and, with
  the IFC commander, makes suggestions to the maneuver commander about
  adjustments in organization of forces as the situation develops.