text: Appendix D
  infantry on streets or in open areas. Other direct fire considerations include adequate communications,
  protection, and positions. A dedicated radio frequency for the supported HQ communicating directly to the
  howitzer section is necessary to control fires and prevent fratricide.
  D-32. A Bradley fighting vehicle and a squad of dismounted mechanized infantry, or a squad of light infantry
  with anti-armor weapons should protect each howitzer, regardless of weapon type. The infantry must provide
  local security and prevent enemy ground assault, sniper fire, and antitank fire (for example, rocket-propelled
  grenades).
  D-33. The infantry must reconnoiter and occupy positions where the howitzer can provide FS. These
  positions must be free from enemy direct fire, but still allow direct fire by the howitzer on the target. Although
  self-propelled artillery systems seem formidable, they provide less crew protection than the Bradley fighting
  vehicle, and they contain large amounts of onboard ammunition and propellant. Self-propelled howitzers are
  susceptible to catastrophic destruction by heavy automatic weapons, light cannon FA, and antitank fire. The
  howitzer should provide the necessary support and then move to an alternate position to avoid being identified
  by the enemy. Overwatching infantry should always move ahead of and with the howitzer to prevent enemy
  ambushes.
  POSITIONING AND MOVEMENT
  D-34. The urban area may affect the positioning of artillery. Sufficient space may not exist to place battery
  or platoon positions with the proper unmasked gun line. This may mandate moving and positioning artillery
  in sections while still massing fires on specific targets. Commanders protect artillery systems, particularly
  when task organized into small sections. Threats to artillery include raids and snipers. Therefore, firing units
  will have to place increased emphasis on securing their positions.
  D-35. Use of observation posts and listening posts is more important, as terrain allows the enemy to infiltrate
  and get closer to artillery positions. Personnel in the open or in vehicles moving through restricted areas are
  particularly exposed to fires from snipers in tall buildings.
  D-36. FA should be positioned outside of town on the edge of the urban area, if possible. Existing structures
  should be used to harden positions. Barns and other large buildings can be occupied for concealment of
  weapons and equipment. Units should also be aware of the dangers presented by overhead and underground
  power lines, gas and water pipelines, and similar hazards, especially when combined with the danger of
  enemy counterfire.
  D-37. When placement in the urban area is necessary, howitzer positions among buildings should, at a
  minimum, allow for high-angle firing. Masking should be minimized. Positioning of indirect fire assets is
  difficult because of the predominance of concrete surfaces. Spades can be emplaced against a curb or base
  plates can be sandbagged if ground is not suitable for normal emplacement.
  D-38. Airports, parks, athletic fields, and such may offer good firing positions. Cultivated fields may be too
  soft and muddy for use.
  D-39. Reconnaissance is more difficult. Armed reconnaissance parties may need to clear an area physically
  before occupation is possible. Maneuver or military police assistance may be required.
  D-40. Range requirements must be considered. Counterfire targets outside the urban area may be difficult to
  range from positions in the city needed for high-angle, close-supporting fires. Firing positions outside the
  urban area that allow excellent low-angle fires may be too distant to range counterfire targets on the far side
  of the city. Supplementary positions may be needed for counterfire and other missions.
  D-41. FA weapons may be placed in buildings or damaged structures for protection. However, building
  collapse and fire are possibilities. Overpressure can significantly increase the noise hazard for crews. A 105-
  mm howitzer battery may have better mobility than larger self-propelled howitzers in confined areas and may
  be quickly moved by helicopter, unhindered by ground obstacles.
  SURVEY AND MAPS
  D-42. Map spotting may be difficult in large cities. The maps and diagrams used in urban operations are often
  a mix of available documents that do not use common datum. Existing survey datum and markers, especially