INDEX

          

APPENDIX A - CRITICAL FIRE TASKS AND THE D3A METHODOLOGY.  



.....Critical Fire Task - STRIKE. 

.....Critical Fire Task - Counterfire. 

.....Critical Fire Task - Fires in Support of Information Operations. 

.....Critical Fire Task - Suppression of Enemy Air Defense. 

.....Critical Fire Task - Close Support. 

The following tables are designed to be a tool that assists the FSO in the planning, preparation and execution of each of the specific critical fire tasks discussed earlier in this manual. Each critical fire task is presented using the Decide, Detect, Deliver and Assess Methodology of targeting as the framework. Each table begins with a specific critical fire task and then lists considerations that should be addressed for each function of the methodology to accomplish the task. The list is not all inclusive but should provide the FSO a departure point and baseline from which to work.

DECIDE:

• Formation or function of the enemy to strike (must be specific and measurable).__________
  
• Capability of fires to support the task. _________
  
• Targeting Objective. ___________
  
• The formation or function of the enemy to strike should be translated into a high-pay off target in AFATDS. __________
  
• The effects specified in the Target Management Matrix of AFATDS. _________
  
• The location of the strike based on IPB. __________
  
• The relation of the strike in time and space to the other critical fire tasks. __________
  
• The indirect fire assets used to deliver the fires. Number of volleys required to achieve the targeting objectives. The duration of those fires.___________
  
• The task is synchronized with the delivery assets maneuver.__________
• If an enemy formation is the focus of the strike, what is its status (fixed, moving, stationary) and what is the method of control?__________
• If the target is moving, will a sensor to shooter link need to be established? If so, what is the specific fire mision thread for that responsiveness, what (if any Ips will be established), and what is the mechanism to positively clear fires?__________
  
• The desired endstate and how it will be measured/assessed.__________
  
• Actions/decision based on the success or failure of the strike__________
• The trigger for the strike. Plan for the trigger during limited visibility._________
• Primary trigger for the strike (who is the backup)__________
• The conditions for clearance of fires__________
• The mission prioritization window in AFATDS will support the target (s) as a critical fire task. (weighting of the target type, on-call targets, priority of fires, and TAIs) The calculated mission value is .__________
• AFATDS is linked with ASAS for ATI/MFR processing?__________

DETECT: (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the detect phase)

• The critical fire task is properly rehearsed__________
• Develop the plan for the selected sensor__________
• Sensor briefed on his responsibilities__________
• Back up sensor established__________
• Assets dedicated to track the target if needed__________
• Trigger established based on the enemy's actions__________
• Established IPs in AFATDS__________
  

DELIVER:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the deliver phase)

• Which delivery assest will provide the fires determined and rehearsed__________
• Paladin battalion employment options considered to accomplish the task (single, pairs, or platoon)__________
• Coordinated for the land required to support the delivery of fires__________
• Considered the synchronization of this task, in time and space, with the other critical fire tasks__________
• Ensured the proper ammunition is in place to accomplish the task__________

                                                                          



ASSESS:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the Assess phase)

• The decision the commander needs to make based on the execution of the critical fire task__________
• How we will measure success (Will the observer be able to report if the targeting objectives have been met)__________
• The information the commander needs to make that decision__________
• When he needs that information__________
• Assets are available to provide the information__________
• How the success or failure of the fire task will be measured__________

• CRITICAL FIRE TASK WITH THE PURPOSE OF: COUNTERFIRE

  

DECIDE

• Formation or function of the enemy indirect fire assests (must be specific and measurable)__________
• Capability of fires to support the task__________
• Targeting Objective__________
• The formation or function of the enemy indirect fire assets should be translated into a high-pay off target in AFATDS__________
• Effects specified in the Target Management Matrix of AFATDS__________
• The location of the enemy artillery based on IPB__________
• Where the Radar be positioned in order to detect the templated enemy__________
• Where the Radar orient and what zones will the Radar have__________
• The cueing agent and what event will trigger the cueing of the Radar (enemy activity or in response to incoming fires)__________
• The back up to cue the Radar__________
• Communications links between the cueing agent and the Radar__________
• Radar passes digital fire missions to __________
• The relation of the counterfire in time and space to the other critical fire tasks__________
• The indirect fire assets used to deliver the fires. Volleys required to acheive the targeting objectives and the duration of the fires__________
• The task is synchronized with the maneuver of the delivery assets__________
• The desired endstate and how it will be measured/assessed__________
• Actions/decision to take place based on the success or failure of the strike__________
• The conditions for clearance of fires__________
• The mission prioritization window in AFATDS will support the target (s) as a critical fire task. (weighting of the target type, on-call targets, priority of fires, and TAIs) The calculated mission value is __________
• AFATDS is linked with ASAS for ATI/MFR processing__________

 RETURN TO CHAPTER INDEX 



DETECT:

• Develop the plan for the Radar__________
• Plan for the positioning of the Radar__________
• Coordinate with the Radar for the implementation of the zones__________
• Coordinate with the S-2 to focus the collection effort in ASAS_________
• Establish the Cueing agents/plan with the Radar__________
• Establish the sensor to shooter links__________
• Brief the cueing agents of their responsibilities__________
• Brief the sensor of his responsibilities_________
• Establish any back up sensor_________
• Dedicate assets to track the target if needed_________
• Establish the Trigger based on the enemy's actions_________
• Establish IPs in AFATDS_________

  

DELIVER:

• Determine which delivery assest will provide the fires_________
• Consider Paladin battalion employment options to accomplish the task (single, pairs, or platoon)_________
• Coordinate for the land required to support the delivery of fires______
• Consider the synchronization of this task, in time and space, with the other critical fire tasks_________
• Ensure the proper ammunition is in place to accomplish the task________

  

ASSESS:

• The decision the commander needs to make based on the execution of the critical fire_______
• The measure of success (Will the fact that the enemy has stopped their indirect fires be sufficient)_________
• The information the commander needs to make that decision_________
• When he needs that information_________
• Assets available to provide the information_________
• The measure of success or failure of the fire task__________.

• CRITICAL FIRE TASK WITH THE PURPOSE OF: FIRES IN SUPPORT OF INFORMATION OPERATIONS

  

DECIDE:

• Formation or function of the enemy to strike (must be specific and measurable)________
• Lethal or nonlethal fires will be used__________
• Fires will support the counterreconnaissance or reconnaissance effort__________
• Capability of fires or EW to support the task__________
• Targeting Objective__________
• Coordination with S-2 and EW assets for the locating, identifying and tracking the taret__________
• The formation or function of the fires should be translated into a high-pay off target in AFATDS__________
• The effects specified in the Target Management Matrix of AFATDS________
• The location of the fires based on IPB__________
• If the target is moving or time sensitive, will a sensor to shooter link need to be established? if so, what is the specific fire mision thread for that responsiveness, what (if any IPs will be established), and what is the mechanism to positively clear fires__________
• The relation of the fires in time and space to the other critical fire tasks__________
• The indirect fire assets used to deliver the fires. Number of volleys required to acheive the targeting objectives. The duration of those fires.
• The task is synchronized with the delivery assets maneuver__________
• If an enemy formation is the focus of the fires, what is its status (fixed, moving, stationary) and what is the method of control?__________
• If the target is moving, will a sensor to shooter link need to be established? If so, what is the specific fire mision thread for that responsiceness, what (if any IPs will be established), and what is the mechanism to positively clear fires__________
• The desired endstate and how it will be measured/assessed__________
• Actions/decision based on the success or failure of the fires__________
• The trigger for the fires. Plan for the trigger during limited visibility__________
• Primary trigger for the fires (who is the backup)__________
• The conditions for clearance of fires__________
• The mission prioritization window in AFATDS will support the target (s) as a critical fire task. (weighting of the target type, on-call targets, priority of fires, and TAIs) The calculated mission value is__________
• AFATDS is linked with ASAS for ATI/MFR processing?__________

  

DETECT:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the detect phase)

• Coordinate with the S-2 to ensure the collection effor in ASAS is focused__________
• The critical fire task is properly rehearsed__________
• Develop the plan for the selected sensor__________
• Sensor briefed on his responsibilities__________
• Back up sensor established__________
• Assets dedicated to track the target if needed__________
• Trigger established based on the enemy's actions__________
• Established IPs in AFATDS__________

  

DELIVER:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the deliver phase)

• Which delivery assest (lethal and nonlethal) will provide the fires determined and rehearsed__________
• Paladin battalion employment options considered to accomplish the task if lethal fires are required (single, pairs, or platoon)__________
• Coordinated for the land required to support the delivery of fires__________
• Considered the synchronization of this task, in time and space, with the other critical fire tasks__________
• Ensured the proper ammunition is in place to accomplish the task__________

  

ASSESS:

• The decision the commander needs to make based on the execution of the critical fire task__________
• The measure of success (Will the fact that the enemy has stopped their indirect fires be sufficient__________
• The information the commander needs to make that decision__________
• When he needs that information__________
• Assets available to provide the information__________
• The measure of success or failure of the fire task_________

  RETURN TO CHAPTER INDEX

• CRITICAL FIRE TASK WITH THE PURPOSE OF: SUPPRESSION OF ENEMY AIR DEFENSE (SEAD)

  

DECIDE:

• Determine known and suspected enemy air defense targets that cannot be avoided and are capable of engaging friendly aircraft along ingress routes, egress routes, and the target area (must be specific and measurable) this includes matching the threat to the type of aircraft he SEAD will support. For example, helicopters may need suppression of ground maneuver units and small arms fire that may pose a threat__________
• Identify who has responsibility for the location, identification, and tracking of the targets to support the continuous SEAD effort and the localized SEAD__________
• Consider maneuvering the aircraft to avoid the most dangerous threats and still accomplish the mission__________
• Capability of fires to support the task__________
• Targeting Objective__________
• Determine an acceptable target decay time based on the target dwell time__________
• The formation or function of the enemy to strike should be translated into a high-pay off target in AFATDS__________
• The effects are specified in the Target Management Matrix of AFATDS__________
• The relation of the SEAD in time and space to the other critical fire tasks__________
• The relation of the SEAD in time and space to the maneuver plan. Consider using procedural control (an H-hour sequence), positive control (initiating fires based on the aircraft passing a predetermined trigger) or a combination of both__________
• Indirect fire assets identified to deliver the fires. Number volleys required to acheive the targeting objectives and duration of those fires?__________
• The task is synchronized with the maneuver of delivery assets__________
• Air space control measures planned (Informal and/or recommended formal ACAs__________
• If an enemy formation is the focus of the SEAD, what is its status (fixed, moving, stationayr) and what is the method of control?___________
• If the target is moving or time sensitive, will a snsor to shooter link need to be established? If so, what is the specific fire mision thread for that responsiveness, what (if any IPs will be established, and what is the mechanism to positively clear fires__________
• The desired endstate and how it will be measured/assessed___________
• Actions/decision that will take place based on the success or failure of the SEAD (Is it part of the abort criteria)__________
• The conditions for clearance of fires__________
• The mission prioritization window in AFATDS will support the target (s) as a critical fire task. (weighting of the target type, on-call targets, priority of fires, and TAIs). The calculated mission value?__________
• AFATDS is linked with ASAS for ATI/MFR processing__________
• Consider the use of FA against planned targets and the use of the attack helicopter's self defense capability to attack targets of opportunity__________

  

DETECT:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the detect phase)

• Coordinate with the S-2 to ensure the collection effort in ASAS is focused (Consider having the aviation task force S-2 responsible for the locating, identifying, and tracking of the ADA targets in coordination with the aviation task force FSO__________
• The critical fire task is properly rehearsed__________
• Develop the plan for the selected sensor__________
• Sensor briefed on his responsibilities__________
• Back up sensor established__________
• Assets dedicated to track the target if needed__________
• Trigger established based on a H-hour sequence, positive control or a combination of both__________
• Established IPs in AFATDS__________

  

DELIVER:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the deliver phase)

• Which delivery asset (lethal and non lethal) will provide the fires determined and rehearsed__________
• Ensure aircraft are aware of the delivery systems locations and the gun target line__________
• Implement formal and/or informal airspace control measures__________
• Paladin battalion employment options considered to accomplish the task if lethal fires are required (single, pairs, or platoon)__________
• Coordinated for the land required to support the delivery of fires__________
• Considered the synchronization of this tsk, in time and space, with the other critical fire tasks__________
• Ensured the proper ammunition is in place to accomplish the task__________

  

ASSESS:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the Assess phase)

• What is the decision the commander needs to make based on the execution of the critical fire task__________
• How will we measure success? (Will the observer be able to report if the targeting objectives have been met)__________
• What information does the commander need to make that decision__________
• When does he need that information__________
• What assets are available to provide the information__________
• How will success or failure of the fire task be measured__________.

• RETURN TO CHAPTER INDEX
• CRITICAL FIRE TASK WITH A PURPOSE OF: CLOSE SUPPORT

  

DECIDE:

• Formation or function of the enemy to support (must be specific and measurable)__________
• Capability of fires to support the task__________
• Targeting Objective__________
• The formation or function of the enemy to deliver fires on should be translated
• into a high-pay off target in AFATDS__________
• The effects specified in the Target Management Matrix of AFATDS________
• The location of the fires based on IPB__________
• The relation of the fires in time and space to the other critical fire tasks__________
• The indirect fire assets used to deliver the fires. Number of volleys required to
• acheive the targeting objectives. The duration of those fires__________
• The task is synchronized with the delivery assets maneuver___________
• If an enemy formation is the focus of the fires, what is its status (fixed, moving,
• stationary) and what is the method of control?__________
• If the target is moving, will a sensor to shooter link need to be established? If so,
• what is the specific fire mision thread for that responsiveness, what (if any IPs will be established), and what is the mechanism to positively clear fires__________
• The desired endstate and how it will be measured/assessed__________
• Actions/decision based on the success or failure of the fires__________
• The trigger for the fires. Plan for the trigger during limited visibility__________
• Primary trigger for the fires (who is the backup)__________
• The conditions for clearance of fires___________
• The mission prioritization window in AFATDS will support the target (s) as a critical fire task. (weighting of the target type, on-call targets, priority of fires, and TAIs) The calculatd mission value is __________
• AFATDS is linked with ASAS for ATI/MFR processing?__________

  

BREACHING AN OBSTACLE 

• Consider the use of smoke to support the breach_____
• The Assault by fire force may be in the best position to trigger, observe and adjust smoke__________

  

DETECT:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the detect phase)

• The critical fire task is properly rehearsed__________
• Develop the plan for the selected sensor__________
• Sensor briefed on his responsibilities__________
• Back up sensor established__________
• Assets dedicated to track the target if needed__________
• Trigger established based on the enemy's actions__________
• Established Ips in AFATDS__________

  

DELIVER:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the deliver phase)

• Which delivery asset will provide the fires determined and rehearsed__________
• Paladin battalion employment options considered to accomplish the task (single, pairs or platoon)__________
• Coordinated for the land required to support the delivery of fires__________
• considered the synchronization of this task, in time and spaace, with the other critical fire tasks__________
• Ensured the proper ammunition is in place to accomplish the task__________

  

ASSESS:  (All of these actions are planned in the decide phase and

executed in the assess phase)

• The decision the commander needs to make based on the execution of the critical fire task__________
• How we will Measure success (will the obwerver be able to report if the targeting objectives have been met)__________
• The information the commander needs to make that decision__________
• When he needs that information__________
• Assets are available to provide the information__________
• How the success or failure of the fire task will be measured__________

  RETURN TO CHAPTER INDEX

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