text: Development of Essential Fire Support and Essential Field Artillery Tasks
  each effect must accomplish. Effects provides a measure of when the task is accomplished. It also provides
  the basis for the assess function in targeting and determines if there is a need to reengage the target.
  Table A-3. Sample matrix for each fire support task
  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) (T) (L) (O) (D) (A) (C)
  Target Trigger Location Observers Delivery Attack Communications
  System(s) Guidance
  List the List the State the Give the State the State the State the State the
  task target trigger location of observer of delivery attack frequency and
  number number tactical or the target. the target system for guidance or communication
  the target or type technical (primary the target method of network the
  supports. of target. for the and (primary engagement target will be
  target. alternate). and for the target. called in on
  alternate). (primary,
  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.