text: Fire Support and the Operations Process
  formation. Ensure that target information from all sources are evaluated and routed to the
  appropriate attack means to include information from all echelons and from adjacent and
  supporting elements.
  * Consider the use of all lethal and nonlethal attack capabilities. The FSCOORD considers the full
  range of fires and other capabilities available at all levels. This includes coordinating for
  attack/delivery assets from available joint and multinational forces.
  * Use the lowest echelon capable of furnishing effective support. FS is delivered by the lowest level
  that has the effective means to accomplish the mission. Planners decide what is needed and, if
  their assets are inadequate, coordinate for additional support from the appropriate echelon.
  * Furnish the type of support requested. The fire support requester is in the best position to determine
  what is needed. However, the FSCOORD is in a position to weigh the request against the
  commander's guidance and the current and future needs for fire support. If a request for fire support
  is disapproved, the FSCOORD notifies all concerned. If possible, a new fire support means is
  substituted, and all affected agencies must be informed.
  * Use the most effective fire support attack/delivery system. The FSCOORD considers the nature
  and importance of the target, the engagement time window, the availability of attack assets, and
  the effects desired. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to sequence the attack by fixing
  the enemy with immediately available fire support assets while coordinating a subsequent, more
  detailed attack by more effective assets. An example of this is a situation in which air support is
  the most desired means but is about 20 minutes away. In this case, indirect-fire attack/delivery
  systems can fix the target until aircraft arrive.
  * Avoid unnecessary duplication. A key task for the FSCOORD is to ensure that duplications of fire
  support requests are resolved when possible while the desired effects are achieved.
  * Consider airspace coordination. The FSCOORD at the BCT and higher levels provides input
  concerning fire support use of airspace to those agencies and personnel engaged in airspace
  management to ensure that conflicts between surface-based indirect fire and air operations are
  minimized. For more information on airspace control see FM 3-52.
  * Provide adequate support. The commander's guidance determines the amounts and types of FS
  needed for success. The FSCOORD must inform the supported commander when fire support
  requirements exceed capabilities.
  * Provide for rapid and continuous coordination. The FSCOORD must know the capabilities of the
  various fire support attack/delivery systems and have immediate information on their availability.
  The FSCOORD must be aware of changes as they develop in order to attack both planned targets
  and targets of opportunity and to ensure that coordination channels are functioning smoothly. For
  rapid coordination, the following must be considered:
   Exact locations of all friendly forces.
   Scheme of maneuver of the supported force.
   Supported commander's guidance and SOP.
   Active FSCMs.
   Rules of engagement.
  * Provide for flexibility. FS personnel anticipate and provide for future contingencies. On-order
  missions and careful positioning of assets give the commander the flexibility to respond to
  changing battlefield conditions.
  * Use of FSCMs. A fire support coordination measure is a measure employed by commanders to
  facilitate the rapid engagement of targets and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly
  forces (JP 3-0). They ensure that FS will not jeopardize troop safety, will interface with other fire
  support means, and will not disrupt adjacent unit operations. Any change to a FSCM must be
  communicated to all units affected. For more information on the use of FSCMs see appendix B.
  3-38. In large-scale combat operations, FS planning is a top-down process with bottom-up refinement and
  continual coordination. FS planning at echelons above brigade involve deep operations, coordination of FS
  for future and current battles, and allocation of resources to subordinate units. At brigade and below levels,