text: Chapter 6
  based on risk estimate distances (see ATP 3-09.32) and weapons system range capabilities, as the supported
  force moves toward an objective. Echelonment of fires helps to ensure that ground forces are able to move
  to an objective without losing momentum, helps set the conditions for the direct fire fight, and reduces the
  risk of friendly casualties. Echelonment of fires is accomplished when the supported commander wishes to
  conduct preparation fires on an objective.
  6-72. Echeloning a preparation is a 9-step process. The process is described in greater detail in ATP 3-09.42
  the 9-steps are:
  * Determine what assets, to include ammunition, are required and what assets are currently available
  or allocated.
  * Verify risk estimate distances and attack criteria with the commander.
  * Plan targets.
  * Develop a communications plan.
  * Determine what the rate of movement will be.
  * Develop the schedule of fires and decide how the preparation schedule will be initiated.
  * Brief the plan and confirm the method with the commander.
  * Complete the target scheduling worksheet.
  * Rehearse and refine the plan.
  COMMON OFFENSIVE CONTROL MEASURES
  6-73. Orders for the offense include the minimum control measures required to coordinate the operation.
  Control measures describe and illustrate the plan, maintain separation of forces, concentrate the effort,
  provide subordinates freedom of action, assist the commander in the mission command of forces, and add
  flexibility to the maneuver plan. At a minimum, control measures prescribe a line of departure (LOD), a time
  of attack, and the objective. In addition, commanders could assign AO and an axis of advance, routes, phase
  lines, checkpoints, and FSCMs. They optimally allow subordinates the maximum freedom of action
  consistent with necessary synchronization. Below are offensive control measures that every FS leader should
  understand in order to best support the supported commander. For more information on offensive control
  measures see ADP 3-90.
  6-74. Axis of advance is the general area through which the bulk of a unit's combat power must move (ADP
  3-90). A commander uses an axis of advance:
  * First, to direct the bypass of locations that could delay the progress of an advancing force, such as
  known contaminated areas. Plan fires along the route to engage enemy observation posts and direct
  fire systems.
  * Second, to indicate that a force is not required to clear the AO as it advances. The force will need
  to clear the axis in accordance with specified bypass criteria.
  * Third, to indicate to a unit involved in offensive encirclement, exploitation, or pursuit operations
  the need to move rapidly toward an objective.
  6-75. Battle handover line is a designated phase line where responsibility transitions from the stationary
  force to the moving force and vice versa (ADP 3-90). The common higher echelon commander of two forces
  establishes a battle handover line after consulting both commanders. The stationary commander determines
  the location of the line. The battle handover line is forward of the forward edge of the battle area in the
  defense or the FLOT in the offense. The commander draws it to keep the passing unit in the supporting range
  of the forward combat elements of the stationary unit until the passage of lines is complete. The area between
  the battle handover line and the stationary force belongs to the stationary force commander. The stationary
  force commander may employ security forces, obstacles, and fires in the area. Other FS considerations
  include changes to priority of fire and FSCM changes as units cross the battle handover line.
  6-76. Direction of attack is a specific direction or assigned route a force uses and does not deviate from when
  attacking (ADP 3-90). It is a restrictive control measure. A commander's use of a direction of attack
  maximizes control over a subordinate unit's movement, and it is often used during night attacks, infiltrations,
  and when attacking through obscurants. Unit commanders establish a direction of attack through a variety of