text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 7
  COUNTERBATTERY FIRE
  7-67. Counterbattery fire is fire that accomplishes the annihilation or neu-
  tralization of enemy artillery batteries. It enables ground forces to maneuver
  on the battlefield with little to no suppression by enemy artillery. However,
  combat with enemy artillery requires more than counterbattery fire.
  FIRE SUPPORT OF MANEUVER OPERATIONS
  7-68. The fire support of maneuver operations is characterized by the use of
  all available fire support to carry out the commander’s plan. The OPFOR be-
  lieves that fire support must be flexible to meet all contingencies during com-
  bat operations. The OPFOR masses fires against an enemy objective with
  available fire support assets, with the goal of achieving the OSC commander’s
  specified target damage criteria in the shortest time possible.
  OFFENSE
  7-69. Fire support considerations for the offense apply to all types of offensive
  action discussed in Chapter 3. The OPFOR plans and executes fires to sup-
  port the offensive action and complete the destruction of the enemy. The use
  of selected lines or zones controls the shifting of fires, and the displacement of
  fire support units reflects changes in command and support relationships be-
  tween fire support units and maneuver units. Fires are planned to
  • Suppress enemy troop activity and weapon systems.
  • Deny the enemy information about friendly forces.
  • Prevent the enemy from restoring fire support, C2, and RISTA systems
  neutralized during previous fire support missions.
  • Deny the enemy the ability to use reserve forces to conduct a counter-
  attack.
  • If necessary, create favorable conditions for the conduct of a strike.
  • Support the exploitation force.
  DEFENSE
  7-70. Fire support considerations for the defense apply to all types of
  defensive action discussed in Chapter 4. Key is the application of fire support
  as early as possible throughout the AOR in support of the defensive operation
  plan. Emphasis is placed on RISTA assets locating enemy formations and
  attack positions, with the goal of determining the direction and composition
  of the enemy main attack. Carefully analyzing the terrain over which the
  enemy will advance and canalizing his movement into kill zones can create
  conditions for fires in the defense. Fires are planned to
  • Deny the enemy information about friendly forces.
  • Develop the situation early by forcing the enemy to deploy early and
  thus reveal the location of his main effort.
  • Maximize the effect of obstacles as combat multipliers.
  • Create favorable conditions for the conduct of a strike or counterattack.