B2C2797 Fire Support Planning

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

THE BASIC SCHOOL
MARINE CORPS TRAINING COMMAND
CAMP BARRETT, VIRGINIA 22134-5019

FIRE SUPPORT PLANNING

B2C2797
STUDENT HANDOUT

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B2C2797 Fire Support Planning

Fire Support Planning

Introduction The United States Marine Corps is one of the premier

fighting organizations in the world. One of the key reasons
is its ability to successfully integrate its supporting arms into
the total combined arms effort. This handout examines the
essential elements of fire support planning and processing.

Importance We will be discussing the 13 principles of fire support

planning, how to complete a target list worksheet, fire
support coordination measures, and fire support planning in
the offense and defense.

In This Lesson This lesson covers the following topics:

Topic Page
Fire Support Planning Principles 4
Fire Support Planning Agencies 6
Fire Support Coordination Measures 9
Fire Planning Tools and Techniques 16
Target List Worksheet 18
Tactical Missions and Command 21
Relationships
Fire Support Planning in the Offense 21
Fire Support Planning in the Defense 23
The Fire Support Plan 24
Summary 27
References 27
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms 27
Notes 28

Learning Objectives Terminal Learning Objective

Given a scheme of maneuver, fire support available, and

commander's intent, develop a fire support plan to support
the ground scheme of maneuver in accordance with the
commander's intent. (TBS-FSPT-1001)

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Fire Support Planning (Continued)

Learning Objectives Enabling Learning Objectives

Given an order from higher with a scenario, determine

target precedence to best support mission accomplishment.
(TBS-DEF-1002f)

Given a defensive operations order, a unit, and a simulated

combat environment, develop an indirect fire plan for the
defense that supports the mission. (TBS-DEF-2101d)

Given a scheme of maneuver, fire support plan available,

and an order, plan targets on known, suspected, and likely
enemy positions/avenues of approach/avenues of
withdrawal to support the ground scheme of maneuver in
accordance with the commander's intent. (TBS-FSPT-
1001b)

Given a mission, a scheme of maneuver, and a priority

target, plan priority targets to support the scheme of
maneuver. (TBS-FSPT-1001d)

Given a mission and a scheme of maneuver, request

targets to support the scheme of maneuver. (TBS-FSPT-
1001e)

Given an evaluation, describe target, trigger, location,

observer, delivery asset, attack guidance, communication
net (TTLODAC) without omission. (TBS-FSPT-1001f)

Given a mission and updated target information, integrate

updated fire support plan to support the scheme of
maneuver. (TBS-FSPT-1001g)

Given a unit and an order from higher, integrate supporting

arms to best support the scheme of maneuver. (TBS-OFF-
2103e)

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Fire Support Planning Principles

Fire support planning is the continuous and concurrent process of analyzing, allocating
and scheduling fire support to integrate it with the maneuver forces and maximize
combat power. Plan the minimum targets necessary to support the scheme of
maneuver. The targeting process, a critical component of the fire planning process, is
based on the friendly scheme of maneuver and includes an:

• Assessment of the terrain and enemy.

• Identification of those enemy formations, equipment, facilities, and terrain that
must be attacked to ensure success.

The 13 principles to fire support planning that should be considered when developing
the plan are:

• Plan early and continuously.

• Exploit all available targeting assets.
• Consider the use of all available fires.
• Use the lowest echelon capable of furnishing effective fire support.
• Use the most effective fire support means.
• Furnish the type of fire support requested.
• Avoid unnecessary duplication.
• Coordinate airspace.
• Provide adequate fire support.
• Provide rapid coordination.
• Provide safeguards and survivability.
• Establish fire support coordination measures.
• Establish communications support.

Purpose The purpose of fire support planning is twofold:

• To achieve effectiveness and efficiency from fire

support assets in meeting fire support requirements
of the force.
• To determine the proper allocation of fire support.

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Fire Support Planning Principles (Continued)

Methods The Marine Corps uses a fire support planning process

involving the interaction of top-down and bottom-up
methods:

• Top-down refers to a higher headquarters formally

conducting target acquisition, prioritizing targets and
allocating the appropriate supporting arms to
engage the target. The higher headquarters is
better able to conduct fire planning due to greater
access to more sophisticated intelligence assets.
The higher headquarters staff usually has more
qualified personnel with which to analyze
information and process a fire support plan.
• Bottom-up fire support planning is often used after
the battle has been joined when time is critical. The
maneuver units assume a greater role in target
acquisition (often on leader's reconnaissance),
planning fires, and recommending changes to the
target list.

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Fire Support Planning Agencies

Company Fire Support Coordination. In an infantry battalion, the rifle company

commander is ultimately responsible for fire support coordination at the company level.
Like the battalion Fire Support Coordinator (FSC), many experts assist the company
commander (see diagram below).

Company
Commander

Weapons Platoon Artillery Foward Air 81mm Mortar Naval Gunfire

Commander Foward Observer Controller Foward Observer Spotter

• Weapons Platoon Commander. The weapons platoon commander is the

primary advisor on the employment of the company's 60mm mortars, and
routinely serves as the Fire Support Team (FiST) leader.

• Artillery Forward Observer (FO). The artillery FO, normally a lieutenant from
an artillery battery supporting the maneuver battalion, is responsible for
employment of the FO team. The artillery FO:

o Calls for and adjusts artillery fire.

o Aids with fire support planning.
o Advises the company commander on matters pertaining to integrating all fire
support assets.

• Forward Air Controller (FAC). The FAC, a pilot or naval fight officer (NFO)
captain, is responsible for terminal control of Close Air Support (CAS) and
advises the company commander on matters pertaining to air support. The
presence of a FAC in the company command group is contingent upon one of
the battalion's two FAC parties being attached to the company.

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Fire Support Planning Agencies (Continued)

• 81 mm Forward Observer (FO). The 81mm FO advises the company

commander on matters pertaining to 81mm mortars and is responsible for calling
for and adjusting mortar fire. The 81mm FO is normally an NCO from the 81mm
mortar platoon.

• Naval Gunfire (NGF) Spot Team. The NGF spot team advises the company
commander on matters pertaining to naval surface fire support (NSFS).
Normally an artillery second lieutenant from the artillery battalion in support of
the maneuver regiment, the NGF spot team is responsible for NSFS missions.
The presence of an NGF spotter in the company command group is contingent
upon the attachment of an NGF spot team. The NGF spot team can be split into
two teams to support two separate companies for short periods of time.

Fire Support Coordination Center (FSCC). Organization and Information Required.

This section discusses only the battalion FSCC.

FSCCs in the Ground Combat Element (GCE). All echelons of the GCE, from division
to battalion, will establish an FSCC as an advisory and coordination agency. The FSCC
is:
• The agency where supported units plan and coordinate fire support.
• Located with the combat operations center (COC).

Supporting arms units provide representatives and equipment necessary for conducting
coordination, targeting, and communication functions for their respective arms. Detailed
listings of personnel by grade, military occupational specialty (MOS), and billet
description are found on unit Table of Organizations (T/Os).

Infantry Battalion FSCC. Most fire support coordination in operations is performed in

battalion FSCCs. All fire support requests originating in the battalion are
monitored/received in the FSCC. These requests are checked to ensure that:

• The supporting arms are integrated with the scheme of maneuver.

• Friendly forces are not needlessly endangered.

The battalion FSCC usually coordinates clearances for observers to attack targets
outside the battalion's zone of action. Fire support planning efforts by battalion FSCC
are relatively limited in comparison to the detailed and extensive planning of higher
headquarters. The organization of the battalion FSCC consists of the:

• Fire support coordinator (FSC). The weapons company commander of the

infantry battalion is usually the FSC.

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Fire Support Planning Agencies (Continued)

Infantry Battalion FSCC (Continued).

• Liaison section. The liaison section organic to a firing battery of the supporting
artillery battalion has four officers, one observer liaison chief, four scout
observers, and nine field radio operators. The senior officer is the artillery
liaison officer in the battalion FSCC. The remaining three officers are FOs and
each heads an FO team to support a company. The FO team consists of the
FO, one scout observer, and two field radio operators. When required, an FO
team may be divided into two elements, each capable of independent operations
for a limited period. The FO teams call for and adjust artillery fires.

• Tactical air control party (TACP). The organic battalion TACP consists of
three air officers (AirOs) and twelve field radio operators. The senior AirO acts
in a dual capacity as a special staff officer to the battalion commander with
regard to all aviation matters and as officer in charge (OIC) of the battalion
TACP. In the latter capacity, he works within the FSCC as the air officer. Each
of the other two aviators is the leader of a FAC party with four communicators
each. The FAC parties do a majority of the preplanned and immediate requests
for CAS.

• Shore fire control party (SFCP). The battalion SFCP from the HQ battery of
the supporting artillery battalion includes a battalion NGF liaison team and an
NGF spot team. The liaison team performs coordination functions in the FSCC.
The liaison team consists of one Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer (NGLO), one
NGF chief, and five field radio operators. The spot team is usually employed
with a company of the battalion. However, the spot team may be divided into
two elements, each capable of independent operations for a limited period of
time. Spot teams call for and adjust NSFS. The spot team consists of one NGF
spotter (USMC Lt, 0802), two SFCP (0861) men, and two field radio operators.

• Mortar section. The 81mm mortar platoon organic to the weapons company
provides a mortar liaison party to work in the FSCC and four FO teams to
support the companies or man observation posts. The mortar liaison party
consists of a mortar representative, two field radio operators, and one wireman.

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Fire Support Coordination Measures

Fire Support Coordination Measures (FSCMs) are designed to provide safeguards for
friendly forces and at the same time facilitate rapid engagement of targets. FSCMs fall
into two broad categories:

• Permissive. With the establishment of a permissive measure, no further

coordination is required for the engagement of targets affected by the measure.
The primary purpose of permissive measures is to facilitate the attack of targets.

• Restrictive. The establishment of a restrictive measure imposes certain

requirements for specific coordination prior to the engagement of those targets
affected by the measure. The primary purpose of restrictive measures is to
provide safeguards for friendly forces.

The FSC is responsible for recommending the establishment of all FSCMs, with the
exception of boundaries. Recommendations are based on the:

• Maneuver commander's guidance.

• Location of friendly forces.
• Scheme of maneuver.
• Anticipated enemy actions.

Once established, FSCMs are displayed on maps, firing charts, and overlays.
Graphical portrayal will include at a minimum (all in black) the:

• Abbreviation of the FSCM.

• Establishing headquarters.
• Effective date-time-group (DTG).

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Fire Support Coordination Measures (Continued)

The maneuver commander uses boundaries in both the offense and defense to
designate the geographical area for which a particular unit is responsible.

• Boundaries:

o Describe the zone of action or sector of a maneuver unit.

o Are usually assigned along terrain features easily recognizable on the ground.
o Are so situated that key terrain features and avenues of approach are
completely included in the area assigned to a unit.
o Also serve as the basic FSCM. As such, they are both permissive and
restrictive in nature. Boundaries are:

− Restrictive in that no fire support should be delivered across a boundary

unless the fires are coordinated with the force having responsibility within
the boundary. Fires delivered within close proximity to boundaries also
should be coordinated with the adjacent unit.
− Permissive in that within his own boundaries, the maneuver commander
enjoys complete freedom of fire and maneuver.

Boundary Boundary
between 1st between 1st
Marines and Marines and
2d Marines 3d Marines

2 1 1 3

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Fire Support Coordination Measures (Continued)

Permissive FSCMs.

• Free Fire Area (FFA). Specific designated area into which any weapon system
may fire without additional coordination with the establishing headquarters.

• Coordinated Firing Line (CFL). Expedites surface-to-surface attack beyond

CFL without coordination with the ground commander in whose area the targets
are located.

• Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL). Expedite surface-to-surface AND air-

to-surface attack beyond FSCL without coordination with the ground commander
in whose area the targets are located.

• Battlefield Coordination Line (BCL). Expedite surface-to-surface AND air-to-

surface attack beyond FSCL without coordination with the ground commander in

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whose area the targets are located EXCLUSIVELY BY MAGTF FIRE SUPPORT
ASSETS.

Restrictive FSCMs.

• Restrictive Fire Line (RFL). An RFL is a line established between converging

friendly forces (one or both may be moving) that prohibits fires, or effects of fires,
across the line without coordination with the affected force. The purpose of the
RFL is to regulate all fires occurring between converging forces. The common
commander of the converging forces:

o Establishes the RFL.

o May delegate establishing authority to the senior commander of the two
converging forces or to the commander of the maneuvering force in a linkup
operation between a moving and stationary force.
o The RFL should be located on identifiable terrain. In linkup operations, the
RFL is moved as close as possible to the stationary force to allow maximum
freedom of action for the maneuver and fire support of the linkup force.
o Upon arrival, the FSCC disseminates the RFL to the subordinate, adjacent,
and higher headquarters, as required. The RFL is further disseminated at
each level of command, to include the establishing command, and to all
concerned fire control agencies and other services as may be applied.
o The location of the RFL is graphically portrayed on maps, charts, and
overlays by a solid black line with the letters "RFL" followed by the
establishing headquarters in parentheses above the line and the effective
DTG below the line (see diagram below).

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1 RFL
(5TH MAR)

5 081800T-100700T

2 5

RFL

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Fire Support Coordination Measures (Continued)

Restrictive FSCMs (Continued).

• Restrictive Fire Area (RFA). An RFA is an area in which specific firing or

coordination restrictions are imposed and into which fires in excess that exceeds
those restrictions will not be delivered without coordination with the establishing
headquarters. The purpose of the RFA is to regulate fires into an area
according to the stated restrictions. This means that fires or certain types of
ordnance (e.g., limitations on improved conventional munitions (ICM) or family of
scatterable mines (FASCAM)) can be controlled in an area where friendly forces
are or will be located.

o Any ground unit commander may establish an RFA within his zone; however,
an RFA is not normally established below the battalion level. When RFAs are
used to protect a unit from friendly fires (e.g., light armored reconnaissance
(LAR) unit), the size of the RFA should be sufficient to allow the maneuver of
the unit but not so large as to needlessly restrict fire support in other areas.
To facilitate rapidly changing maneuver areas, on-call RFAs may be used.
The dimensions, location, and restrictions of the on-call RFA are prearranged.
The RFA is activated and deactivated when requested by the maneuvering
unit or scheduled by time or event.
o An RFA may be on recognizable terrain expressed either by:

− Grid coordinates.
− Radius from a point.

o The establishing commander disseminates an RFA to the FSCCs of

subordinate, adjacent, and higher headquarters, as required. An RFA is
further disseminated to each level of command, including the establishing
command, and to all concerned fire support agencies.
o The RFA is graphically portrayed on a map, chart, or overlay by an area
bounded by a black line with the letters "RFA", the designation of the unit
establishing the area, and the effective DTGs inside the line (see diagram
below).

RFA
221800R-250700R
BLT 2/2
NO INDIRECT FIRE

RFA
160700Z-181600Z
II MEF
NO ICM

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Fire Support Coordination Measures (Continued)

Restrictive FSCMs (Continued).

• No Fire Area (NFA). An NFA is an area into which no fires or effects of fire are
allowed. The two exceptions to an NFA are:

o The establishing headquarters may approve fires temporarily within the NFA
on a mission-by-mission basis.
o If any enemy force within the NFA engages a friendly force and the engaged
unit leader determines there is no time for coordination, he may "respond in
kind" with fires into the NFA.

The purpose of the NFA is to prohibit fires or their effects in the area, normally to protect
civilians. Typically, the host nation establishes an NFA. On arrival of military forces, the
force commander coordinates the location of an NFA with local authorities.

Normally, an NFA is on recognizable terrain, but its location may also be expressed
either by:

o Grid coordinates.
o Radius from a center point.

The force commander disseminates the NFA to all units of the force.

An NFA is graphically portrayed (see diagram below) in black with diagonal lines drawn
through the enclosed area. The letters "NFA" are written inside the enclosed area,
along with the effective DTG and the headquarters of the establishing unit.

NFA
031400R-041200R NFA
I MEF 031400R-041200R
I MEF

NFA

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Fire Planning Tools and Techniques

Targeting • The process of selecting targets and matching the

appropriate response to them taking into account
operational requirements and capabilities.
• An integral part of the planning process based on a
detailed estimate of the situation (METT-T).
• Designed to support the scheme of maneuver.

Target A target is a geographical area, complex, or installation

planned for capture or destruction by military forces.
Targets can be planned in advance or, due to the dynamic
nature of the battlefield, can be engaged as they appear.
What we target in order of precedence are:

• Known enemy positions - enemy units that we have

located with a great degree of certainty.
• Suspected enemy positions - enemy units that have
been located without a great degree of certainty or
that have been accurately located but are very
mobile and may move.
• Likely enemy positions. Where would you put your
units if you were the enemy?

List of Targets Subordinate units submit a list of targets to higher with

targeting information. The list contains all targets the
subordinate commander feels are necessary to be engaged
with indirect fires in order to support his scheme of
maneuver.

Target List • A formal document created at the highest level of

command.
• The consolidation of all the list of targets submitted
with all redundancies removed.
• Then disseminated to all subordinate commands on
a Target List Worksheet.
• Targets on the target list will always have a target
number assigned.

Target Numbering The target number consists of six characters: two letters
System and four numbers. The two-letter group may be used to
indicate the originator of the target number and/or the level
holding the target data.

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Planned Targets. Planned targets are prearranged targets against which fires (surface
or air delivered) can be delivered quickly. By planning ahead and determining what you
wish to target, you can give the supporting arms agencies time to work up firing data or
plan missions for air. Planned targets can be subdivided into the following four
categories:

1. On-call targets are targets:

• On which certain supporting arms will deliver a predetermined type and amount
of munitions when requested.
• That provide responsiveness and flexibility on time of delivery, such as in the
defense when we do not know when the enemy will attack.

2. Scheduled targets are:

• Simply on-call targets with a timeline associated with them.

• Fired at a specific time, for example at H-hour or L-hour in support of a landing.

3. Priority targets are primarily used in the offense when rapid response is needed.
When requested, priority targets take priority over all other requests. When not
engaged in a fire mission, supporting units assigned a priority target set the priority
target data on their guns and lay on that target. A priority target has a planned type and
amount of munitions to be expended. Priority targets are designated at the discretion of
the maneuver commander and may be shifted or changed as the supported unit moves
forward. A firing unit can have a priority target or an final protective fire (FPF) but not
both.

4. FPFs offer an immediately available prearranged barrier of fire designed to impede

enemy movement across defensive lines or areas (JCS Pub 1-02). FPFs are used only
in the defense. When not engaged in fire missions, artillery and mortar units set FPF
data on their guns and lay on their assigned FPF targets. A firing unit (battery or 81mm
mortar platoon/section) will have only one FPF.

Fire Planning Tools and Techniques (Continued)

Target Symbols The basic symbol used in fire planning is the target.
Targets relate to personnel, material, or pieces of terrain
that are designated and numbered for reference and/or
firing.

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• If you plan a target, that doesn't mean you have to

shoot it. The target can be used to shift from the
target as a known point, which is most expeditious
for an FO in a highly mobile environment.
• The fundamental symbol used for a point target is a
cross (tick mark). The point target symbol (see
diagram below) is:
o Used for targets that are less than or equal to 200
meters in length and width.
o Drawn and labeled in black.
o Identified by a six-digit alpha-numeric number in
the upper right quadrant.
The location of this target is normally given by a six-digit
grid coordinate.

AB 3215

Point Target Symbol

• A linear target symbol is:

o Used for targets greater than 200m, but less than
600m, in length.
o Labeled above the target symbol.
o Drawn and labeled in black.
Identifying the center grid, attitude, and length identifies the
location of this target.
AB 3335

Linear Target Symbol

Measure the angle of the long axis of the target from grid
north (GN) to determine the attitude of rectangular and
linear targets (see diagram below). The figure is then
expressed to the nearest 100 mils. An attitude will always
be between 0 and-3200 mils.
1° = 17.777778 mils

Target List Worksheet

The target list worksheet (see diagram on next page) is a:

• Document that facilitates fire planning by the FSC.

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• Preliminary listing of all targets and their descriptions from which the FSC can
select and plan.

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Target List Worksheet (Continued)

TARGET LIST
WORKSHEET SHEET____OF___

SIZE C
LINE TARGET DESCRIPTION LOCATION ALTITUDE ATTITUDE SOURCE REMARKS
LENGTH WIDTH A1 A2H
NO NO ACCURACY
C C EV

1 AC2000 EN PLT IN 657592 440 2400 300

2 AC2001 BN ASSEMBLY 723464 480 1000

3 AC2002 POL SITE 738575 430 1100 400 200 HE/WP

4 AC2003 BN CP 725458 490

Size.
5 AC2004 ZSU 23-4 728461 500 Point Target: no dimensions
Linear Target: length only
Rectangular target: length and width
6 AC2005 D30 769541 420 Circular Target: width (radius) only

Remarks.
7 Additional target
description or
specific ammunition.
8
Target Number. Assigned to each
from the block of target
numbers given to Location and Altitude.Determine
9the planning source. grid (at least 6 digits) and altitude
(always in meters) as accurately as
These columns are used to help in planning
possible. Grid zone may be
10 fires in a schedule. When creating the target
required if operating off multiple
list, place a "/" in the block opposite the target
map sheets.
Description. Use the best Attitude. Attitude is the orientation of if it is to be fired in a schedule. Once it has
11 available target description. This a linear or rectangular target on the ground. been scheduled (scheduling worksheet),
is key for determining the right It is always a direction in mils. Attitude is place a "\" in the same box to form an "X".
ammunition requirements and Line No. An administrative always between 0-3200mils. Determination
12 firing agencies. control measure for internal to the nearest 100 mils is sufficient.
use for transmitting data by 0 mils = N or 0 degrees,
radio/wire. Each target is 1600 mils = E or 90 degrees,
13 assigned a line number. 3200 mils = S or 180 degrees
Line numbers are assigned 4800 mils = W or 270 degrees
consecutively from page
14 to page.

15

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Tactical Missions and Command Relationships

General Support. That support which is given to the supported force as a whole and
not to any particular subdivision thereof. Requires a unit to support the force as a whole
and be prepared to support any subordinate element. This provides the ability to
influence widely separated actions.

Direct Support. Tactical mission requires a force to support another specific force and
authorizing it to answer directly to the supported forces’ request for assistance. This
requires the unit to furnish close and continuous fires to a single supported unit.
Commander will position his firing units to deliver fires in the zone of action of the
supported unit. Supported unit has priority of fires.

Attached. The placement of units or personnel in an organization where such

placement is relatively temporary.

Fire Support Planning in the Offense

Provide support in the offense by using all available fire support means to accomplish
the essential fire support tasks (EFSTs) that the maneuver commander designated.
Plan to provide fire support:

• Preparation phase.

o Attacking targets as part of a deception effort.

o Using smoke to screen the movement of friendly forces preparing for the
attack.
o Softening enemy defenses before the attack by engaging enemy indirect fire
weapons, observation posts (OPs), reserves (or second echelon forces),
command and control centers, logistic and assembly areas, or front line
defenses.

• Conduct phase.

o Supporting the movement/maneuver and potential meeting engagements by:

− Providing responsive fires to leading elements.

− Implementing an aggressive counter fire plan to prevent enemy indirect
fires from unnecessarily delaying the advance.

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• Consolidation phase.

o Protecting friendly units during reorganization.

o Breaking up enemy counterattack.
o Preventing enemy reinforcement, disengagement, or resupply.

• Exploitation phase.

o Providing mobile, flexible fire support for maneuvering units.

o Placing fires on bypassed enemy pockets of resistance to fix them for attack
by a more suitable means of fire and/or by follow-up forces.
o Providing fires to slow enemy retreat.

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Fire Support Planning in the Defense

Provide support during the defense by using all available fire support means to
accomplish the EFSTs that the maneuver commander designated. The defense is
organized into the:

• Long range fires.

• Close defensive fires.
• Final Protective Fires (FPF).

• Long Range Fires.

o Engage the enemy with deep fire to create confusion and cause him to deploy
forces early.
o Provides fire for security units such as patrols.
o Use all available fire support to support the security force fight.

• Close Defensive Fires. When planning fire support in the MBA, plan to:

o Mass fires to canalize and slow enemy forces.

o Fire on obstacles to disrupt breaching effort and to inflict maximum casualties.
o Use fire support to isolate enemy forward echelons.
o Use smoke and other fires to assist supported units in disengaging and
moving.
o Fire to separate infantry from armor.

• Final Protective Fires. An immediately available prearranged barrier of fire

designed to impede enemy movement across defensive lines or areas

o Priority target in the defense

o Placed on most likely dismounted avenue of approach
o Lengths of FPFs

− Artillery Battery - 300m

− 81MM Platoon - 280m
− 60MM Section - 90m

o Danger Close distances:

− Mortars and artillery– 600m

− NSFS (5”/127mm)– 750m

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The Fire Support Plan (MCWP 3-16)

Fire Support Plan. “A tactical plan containing information necessary for the
employment of fire support in the operation.”

• Located in Paragraph 3 (Execution) of the 5 paragraph Order.

I. Tasks: Describes the targeting objective fires must achieve against a specific
enemy formation’s function or capability.

Disrupt: Means to preclude efficient interaction of enemy combat or combat

support systems. Simplified, it means to not let an enemy formation perform a
specific function: not to do what it is supposed to do.
Example: Disrupt the AT battery long range fires against the TF flank companies.

Delay: Means to preclude efficient interaction of enemy combat or combat support

systems. Simplified, it means to not let an enemy formation perform a specific
function: not to do what it is supposed to do.
Example: Delay the ability of the advance unit to support the security element with
direct fires.

Limit: Applies to reducing the options or courses of action available to the enemy
commander. To limit capabilities implies we also disrupt enemy plans by precluding
effective interaction or the cohesion of enemy combat and combat support systems.
Example: Limit the ability of the enemy air assault company to establish an LZ in the
high ground west of the firebase.

Divert: Addresses the commander’s desire to tie up critical enemy resources. Divert
indirectly reduces the enemy commander’s capability to continue his plans.
Example: Divert the logistics convoy from resupplying the enemy maneuver force
on Co Obj A.

II. Fire Support Effects: Attempts to quantify successful accomplishment of the

task. It provides the looker with a measure of effectiveness (MOE) for the task.

Suppress: To suppress is to temporarily degrade the performance of a force or

weapons system below the level needed to accomplish the mission. Suppression
usually lasts only as long as the fires or their effects continue. Usually involves a
specified amount of time for the target to be suppressed (i.e. Enemy MG squad
suppressed for 3 minutes)

Neutralize: To neutralize is to render enemy personnel or material incapable (10 %)

of interfering with a particular operation. (Enemy MG squad is neutralized, (1) MG
incapable of placing fires on our support by fire position).

Destroy: Apply lethal combat power on an enemy capability (30%) so that it can no
longer perform any function and cannot be restored to a usable condition without

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being entirely rebuilt. (LP/OP is destroyed and 1st Platoon able to reach the
assault position)

Screen/Obscure: Friendly forces are screened and/or enemy positions are

obscured. This applies when using smoke to mask movement to a specific objective
or tactical control measure.

III. Process of developing the Fire Support Plan:

• Determine the critical event for the phase
• Determine the conditions that must be set for that phase
• Identify the conditions that cannot be set through maneuver
• Identify the assets available
• Develop your FSP based off this analysis

IV. Briefing the Fire Support Plan:

• Execution
– SOM
• The Plt commander will brief fires in his SOM only as much as
they set conditions for maneuver
– Fire Support Paragraph
• The platoon commander will brief each EFST through TPME
– Each TPME may have multiple targets and will be
briefed in the Method through Target, Trigger, Location,
Observer, Delivery System, Attack Guidance, Comm Net
(TTLODAC)**

V. Task-Purpose-Method-Effect (TPME)
• Task: Divert, Delay, Disrupt, & Limit (Enemy focused)
• Purpose: IOT support the friendly SOM (Sets the condition)
• Method: Priority, Allocation, & Restrictions (Company Level). Plt Cmdr locates
targets available and refines from Company (Method) and briefs TTLODAC as
his/her Method.
• Effect: Destroy, Neutralize, Suppress, Screen, & Obscure (Quantifiable based
on enemy)

VI. TTLODAC
T arget (Target # or type of target)
T rigger (When to fire the target)
L ocation (Minimum 6 digit grid)
O bserver (Primary & Alternate)
D elivery System (Mortars, Arty, Air)
A ttack Guidance (Ammo, special instructions)
C omm Net (Co Tac, Arty COF)

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SUMMARY OF FIRE SUPPORT PLAN:

After the unit leader develops his/her SOM, the unit leader must decide how many parts
fires will need to be implemented (Preparation, Conduct, Consolidation/ Exploitation for
Offense and Long Range, Close Range, Final Protective Fires for Defense). Once
he/she decides how many parts based on the SOM, the unit leader reads his/her
higher’s Fire Support plan to ensure that his/her Fire Support plan is in concert with
higher. Specifically, the unit leader reads the METHOD to find out where they fit in the
priority, allocation, and if there are any restrictions. Then, the unit leader develops
his/her own Fire Support Plan (using the TPME format), and develops the appropriate
amount based on how many parts the unit leader feels supports his/her SOM. The unit
leader writes the appropriate TASK (Divert, Delay, Limit, Disrupt) that goes after the
enemy; the PURPOSE that satisfied his/her elements reaching a specific piece of
terrain/objective/TCM; the METHOD which is briefed through TTLODAC for each target
in that phase; and the EFFECTs (Suppress, Neutralize, Destroy, Screen/Obscure) that
he/she wants achieved to that enemy during the movement.

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Summary

The effective use of supporting arms can mean the difference between victory and
defeat. The tools presented in this lesson, along with the practical application training
you will execute are the first steps in understanding how to best use this force multiplier.

References

Reference Number or Reference Title

Author
FM 7-90 Tactical Employment of Mortars
FMFM 2-7 Fire Support in MAGTF Operations
MCWP 3-16 Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element
MCWP 3-16.6A Supporting Arms Observer, Spotter, and Controller (FMFM 6-8)
MCRP 3-16A TTPs for the Targeting Process
MCRP 3-16.2 Techniques and Procedures for Fire Support Coordination
MCWP 3-23.1 Close Air Support
FMFM 6-9 Marine Artillery Support
FMFM 6-18.1 TTPs for the Marine Corps Fire Support System

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Term or Acronym Definition or Identification

AirO Air officer
CAS Close air support
COC Combat operations center
DTG Date-time-group
EFST Essential fire support task
FAC Forward air controller
FASCAM Family of scatterable mines
FiST Fire support team
FO Forward observer
FPF Final protective fire
FSC Fire support coordinator
FSCC Fire support coordination center
FSCM Fire support coordination measure
GCE Ground combat element
ICM Improved conventional munitions
LAR Light armored reconnaissance
MBA Main battle area
METT-T Mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and fire
support available, and time
MOS Military occupational specialty
NFA No fire area
NFO Naval fight officer
NGF Naval gunfire

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NGLO Naval gunfire liaison officer

NSFS Naval surface fire support
OIC Officer in charge
OP Observation post
RFA Restrictive fire area
RFL Restrictive Fire Line
SFCP Shore fire control party
TACP Tactical air control party
T/O Table of organization

Notes

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