text: Appendix D
  D-120. Target acquisition and engagement ranges are limited to the capabilities of night vision devices.
  Controlling the direct fires is critical at night. Control requires effective communications to ensure
  engagement of the correct targets.
  FIRE SUPPORT
  D-121. The main consideration in supporting night combat with FA, mortars, tactical aircraft, and naval
  gunfire is the ability to detect the target and coordinate the attack. Illumination and smoke assets probably
  will be in short supply. If their use is critical to the success of an operation, the FSCOORD must know the
  specific area in which the commander desires to use smoke and illumination and for what purpose. Plan
  smoke at night to degrade enemy night vision capabilities. If too little ammunition is available, take action
  to alleviate the shortfall well in advance.
  D-122. At night, the adjustment of fires without the aid of radars, artificial illumination, or sound ranging is
  virtually impossible. If adjustment of fires on critical targets is required, do it during daylight if possible. If
  not possible to adjust the target during daylight, allocate TA assets for adjustment of fires.
  D-123. The FSCOORD plays a critical role if CAS, UAS, or attack helicopters are used in night operations.
  These weapon platforms may not be equipped with adequate night vision equipment. Their effectiveness will
  depend on the ability of the force to illuminate targets. Additional coordination between the FSCOORD, G-
  3, G-3 air, and ALO is needed to integrate sorties and plan illumination for their use.
  NIGHT OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS
  D-124. In planning a night attack, the commander must decide what type of attack to conduct. Their decision
  is based on the required FS.
  D-125. Illuminated and non-illuminated attacks. An illuminated attack is used when the possibility of
  achieving surprise is remote, when the enemy has night vision devices, and where control of units overrides
  the need for stealth.
  D-126. Commanders often use non-illuminated attacks when the enemy lacks night vision devices, but
  devices are available to friendly forces. Another reason is when friendly forces plan to use stealth to achieve
  surprise and close on a position before the enemy discovers the attack. Even though the commander wishes
  to conduct a non-illuminated attack, always plan for illumination. It is executed only on the commander's
  authority.
  D-127. Execution of planned fires using stealth and surprise may be more important to the attack objectives
  than the effects expected by preparation fires. Use of preparation fires alerts the enemy to the objectives of
  the attack and may compromise any night advantages. However, always plan for these fires. The non-
  illuminated attack with on-call fires offers a better opportunity for surprise.
  D-128. Night offensive FS considerations include prearranged visual signals such as hand-held flares that
  can be used for initiating or canceling fires of air support and schedules of fire such as groups or series.
  D-129. When fires are shifted, they should be moved beyond the friendly unit limit of advance. Illuminating
  fires may not be fired but should be planned. Time illumination over the objective to burn out approximately
  300 m above the ground. Illumination beyond the objective should be allowed to burn on the ground to
  silhouette the defenders on the objective and to provide a heading reference for friendly forces. Also,
  illumination can be placed on several locations over a wide area to confuse the enemy as to the exact place
  of the attack. Once used, illumination should probably be continuous, because friendly troops will have
  temporarily lost their night vision.
  D-130. Smoke can be used to degrade enemy night vision devices. It should be placed in front of the enemy;
  Smoke also can be used when key terrain is to be bypassed. However, smoke on the objective during the final
  assault conceals enemy locations. Only thermal devices can see through some types of smoke.
  D-131. Place FSCMs on identifiable terrain. Place permissive measures well in front of friendly forces.
  Restrictive measures should be used minimally and must provide the safety required yet not complicate
  clearing fires at night. These measures must be disseminated and understood by all friendly elements. Plan