text: Development of Essential Fire Support and Essential Field Artillery Tasks
  Table A-5. Sample matrix for fire support tasks (memory aid PLOT-CR)
  Phase: State the phase of the operation or descriptor if required.
  Task (what): State the supported or maneuver commander task and the type(s) of effects the fires unit must provide
  for that phase of the operation (suppress, neutralize, interdict, divert, exploit, deny, delay, deceive, disrupt, degrade,
  destroy, obscuration, or screening)
  Purpose (why): State the supported or maneuver commander purpose and the desired end state for the targeted
  enemy formation, function, capability. (There may be more than one task or purpose per phase).
  Priority of fire: State the priority of fire to subordinate units for all fires assets under the unit’s command or control.
  Allocations: List any additional assets assigned to subordinates for planning. Examples are priority targets, radar
  zones, attack aviation.
  Positioning guidance: Provide positioning guidance to assets such as mortars or observers required for execution.
  Restrictions: List all restrictions for the phase.
  FS Task (T) (P) (L) (O) (T) (C) (R)
  Target Purpose Location Observer(s) Trigger Communications Resources
  List the List the Purpose of Give the State the State the State the frequency State the
  task Target the planned location observer of trigger and delivery
  number number fires and the of the the target (tactical or communications system for
  the or type desired end target. (primary technical) network the target the target
  target of target. state. and for the will be called in on (primary and
  supports alternate). target. (primary, alternate, alternate).
  contingency, or
  emergency).
  Notes: This is an alternate location that may include allocation of resources, positioning guidance, restrictions, and
  coordination information. List information deemed necessary. Describe the scheme of cannon, rocket, and missile fires
  in support of operations. Include specific tasks to subordinate FA headquarters. Address any potential requirements for
  massing fires that may affect organic, direct support, or reinforcing fires units. Identify the timing and duration of
  specific identified fire plans, such as counterfire, preparations, suppression of enemy air defenses, or joint suppression
  of enemy air defenses. Refer to Appendix 4 (FA Support) to Annex D (Fires) as required.