Aug25 FiST Cert

Observers equipped with nothing more than a map, binoculars, and compass typically have a mean target location error of

250m

Target of opportunity

A target identified too late, or not selected for action in time, to be included in deliberate targeting that, when detected or located, meets criteria specific to achieving objectives and is processed using dynamic targeting.

Scheduled target

a planned target upon which fires or other actions are scheduled for prosecution at a specified time

On call target

a planned target upon which fires or other actions are determined using deliberate targeting and triggered, when detected or located, using dynamic targeting

Priority target

a target, based on either time or importance, on which the delivery of fires takes precedence over all the fires for the designated firing unit or element

Final protective fire

an immediately available prearranged barrier of fire designed to impede enemy movement across defensive lines or areas

Things to remember about an FPF:

1. Fire an FPF at the maximum rate of fire until told to stop, ammunition is exhausted, or the firing unit must move.

2. The Brigade commander normally allocates field artillery FPFs to the battalion, which may allocate FPFs to company or troop level.

3. The Battalion commander normally allocates heavy mortar FPFs to company or troop level.

4. The authority to shoot an FPF belongs to the lowest maneuver commander in whose area the FPF is placed or his authorized representative.

5. The company or troop FIST has the responsibility to adjust in the FPF when the tactical situation dictates.

6. Cancel the FPF when it is no longer required.

120-mm mortars, 4 tubes

length- 300m, width 75m

120-mm mortars, 2 tubes

length- 150m, width- 75m

81-mm (M252) mortars, 4 tubes

length- 200m, width- 50m

81-mm (M252) mortars, 2 tubes

length- 100m, width- 50m

60-mm mortars, 2 tubes

length- 60m, width- 30m

155-mm , 6 tubes

length- 300m, width- 50m

155-mm, 3 tubes

length- 150m, width- 50m

group of targets

consists of two or more targets on which fire desired simultaneously. A group of targets is designed by a letter and number combination or a nickname

series of targets

a number of targets or group(s) of targets planned to be fired in a predetermined sequence to support a maneuver operation

program of targets

consists of a number of planned targets of a similar nature that are planned for sequential attack

Fire support coordination

the planning and executing of fires so that targets are adequately covered by a suitable weapon or group of weapons

Type 2 control

used when the JTAC/FAC (A) requires control of individual attacks and is unable to visually acquire the attacking aircraft at weapons release or is unable to visually acquire the target

Type 3 control

used when the JTAC/FAC (A) requires the ability to provide clearance for multiple attacks within a single engagement subject to specific attack restrictions

radio telephone operator (RTO)

operates and maintains the digital and voice communications equipment of the FIST or a forward observer party. As a member of the FIST or the forward observer party, he must be able to perform the duties of the fire support specialist in the FIST or of the forward observer

joint fires observer

a trained Service member who can request, adjust, and control surface-to-surface fires, provide target information in support of Type 2 and 3 close air support terminal attack control, and perform autonomous terminal guidance operations

fire support team

a field artillery team organic to each maneuver battalion and selected units to plan and coordinate all available company supporting fires, including mortars, field artillery, naval surface fire support, army attack aviation, and close air support integration

Fire Support Team Options

1. Option 1 Battalion Fire Support Team

2. Option 2 Company or Troop FIST

3. Option 3 Platoon Forward Observer

Forward Observer Control Options

1. Option 1 Decentralized

2. Option 2 Designated

3. Option 3 Centralized

Vehicle Control Options

1. Option 1 Control

2. Option 2 Observation

3. Option 3 Independent Observer

Communication

e number one priority for the team. Establish communications during the security and location phases of the memory aid SLOCTOP

What does SLoCTOP stand for

Security Location Communication Targeting Observation Position Improvement

The terrain sketch should include the following

1. The Skyline

2. Intermediate Crest

3. Other natural terrain features

4. Manmade features

5. Labels

observer-target line

an imaginary straight line from the observer to the target. It is the most commonly used direction for locating targets and conducting adjustments

gun-target line

an imaginary straight line from gun to target

observer-target factor

the distance in meters from the observer to the target expressed to the nearest thousand and in thousands

Methods of Target Locations

1. Grid Coordinate (mensuration)

2. Laser Grid

3. Laser Polar

4. Grid Coordinate using Map Spot

5. Polar Plot

6. Shift From Known Point

When greater accuracy is required (for precision-guided munitions, registration points, and known points) the observer should send target locations, at a minimum, to the nearest ____________ to include altitude.

10 meters (8 digit grid)

.When it is necessary to verify observer-target distance, the flash to bang technique is helpful. Sound travels at a speed of approximately___ meters per second

350

What are the CEs for CAT I

CAT I 0-6m

What are the 6 Elements of Call for Fire

Observer Identification

Warning Order

Target Location

Target Description

Method of Engagement

Method of Fire and Control

4 mission types in the Call for Fire

Adjust Fire, Fire for Effect, Suppression, Immediate Suppression

Target Description contains the following:

• What the target is

• What the target is doing

• Number of elements in the target

• Degree of Protection

• Target size and shape

Two types of Adjustments

Area Fire

Precision Fire

DANGER CLOSE is included in the method of engagement when the target is (or rounds will impact) within ____ of any friendly troops for mortars and artillery, _____ for 5 inch naval guns and tomahawk land attack missile (also TLAM)

600m, 750m

converged sheaf

a special sheaf in which each piece fires a unique time, deflection, and quadrant elevation to cause the rounds to impact at the same point on the ground

14 Methods of Control

1. Fire when ready

2. At my command

3. Cannot observe

4. time on target

5. time to target

6. coordinated illumination

7. continuous illumination

8. cease loading

9. continuous fire

10. check firing

11. repeat

12. request splash

13. do not load

14. duration

FiST Option 1 BN FiST

FiST Option 2- Company or Troop FiST

FiST assets remain at the company or troop level

FiST Option 3- Platoon FO

most platoons in the maneuver companies or troops receive a forward observer

FO Control Option 1 Decentralized

use for a more experienced and highly trained FO team, allowing them to CFF from support assets available to support the operation

FO Control Option 2- Designated

use to assign a particular fire support asset to an FO from which they may request fire support

FO Control Option 3- Centralized

use for maximum control that requires the FO to contact the FiST for each CFF

Vehicle Control Option 1- Control

positions the FSO in the fire support vehicle

Vehicle Control Option 2- Observation

positions the FSV on terrain to maximize use of the laser designator and rangefinder while the FSO rides in the CDR vehicle

Vehicle Control Option 3- Independent Observer

maximizes assets available to the BN or Brigade CDR but might degrade the supported unit

adjust fire

When the observer believes the situation requires an adjusting round (because of questionable target location or lack of registration corrections), the observer announces ADJUST FIRE

fire for effect

The observer should always strive for first round fire for effect. The accuracy required to fire for effect depends on the accuracy of target location and the ammunition chosen. When the observer is certain that the target location is accurate and that the first volley should have the desired effect on the target so that little or no adjustment is required, the observer announces FIRE FOR EFFECT.

Suppress

To quickly bring fire on a target that is not active, the observer announces SUPPRESS (followed by the target number). Normally, suppression missions are fired on planned targets, and a length of time to continue firing (duration) is associated with the call for fire.

Immediate Suppression or Immediate Smoke

When engaging a planned target or target of opportunity that has taken friendly maneuver or elements under fire, the observer announces IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION or IMMEDIATE SMOKE (followed by the target location). When conducting an immediate mission the CFF is sent in one transmission

Fire When Ready

This method is standard without request.

At My Command

If the observer wishes to control the time of delivery of fire, the observer includes AMC. When the pieces are ready to fire, the FDC announces PLT (or BTRY, or BN) IS READY, OVER. The observer announces FIRE when ready for the pieces to fire.

This only applies to adjusting rounds and the first volley of a fire for effect. AMC remains in effect throughout the mission until the observer announces CANCEL AMC, OVER.

The observer can further specify at my command with additional instructions. BY ROUND AT MY COMMAND controls every round in adjustment and every volley in the fire for effect phase

Cannot Observe

CANNOT OBSERVE indicates the observer cannot see the target (because of vegetation, terrain, weather, intensity of the conflict, or smoke)

Time on Target

The observer may tell the FDC when the rounds are to impact by requesting TIME ON TARGET, 0859, OVER. The observer must ensure that both the FDC and their time are synchronized prior to the mission

Time to Target

The observer may tell the FDC when the rounds are to impact by requesting TIME TO TARGET (so many) MINUTES AND SECONDS, OVER, STANDBY, HACK, OVER. Time to target is the time the observer can expect rounds to hit the target. Express time to target in minutes and seconds after delivery of the "hack" statement

Coordinated Illumination

• Coordinated illumination informs the FDC that the observer is going to attack targets with fires under the illumination. The idea is to have the HE rounds impact during the period of best illumination.

• The observer can accomplish this by using normal AT MY COMMAND procedures, directing an interval, in seconds, between illumination and HE projectiles, or by identifying the period of best illumination and allowing the FDC to compute when to fire the HE. The command ILLUMINATION MARK is used to tell the FDC when the illumination round is providing the best visibility on the target

Continuous Illumination

the unit fires illumination projectiles at specified time intervals to provide uninterrupted lighting on the target or specified area. The observer may specify the time interval (in seconds). If the observer does not provide a time interval, the FDC determines the interval by the burning time of the illumination ammunition in use. If any other interval is required, indicate the desired interval in seconds.

Cease Loading

Use the command CEASE LOADING during the firing of two or more rounds to indicate the suspension of loading rounds into the gun(s). The gun sections may fire any rounds that have already been loaded.

Check Fire

Use CHECK FIRING to cause an immediate halt in firing. Use this command only when necessary to “immediately” stop firing (for example, for safety reasons) as it may result in cannons being out of action until any rammed or loaded rounds can be fired or cleared from the tubes

Continuous Fire

In field artillery, mortars, and naval surface fire support, continuous fire means loading and firing as rapidly as possible, consistent with accuracy, within the prescribed rate of fire for the equipment. Firing will continue until suspended by the command CEASE LOADING or CHECK FIRING.

Repeat

• REPEAT can be given during adjustment or fire for effect missions. During Adjustment, REPEAT means firing another round(s) with the last data and adjust for any change in ammunition if necessary. Do not send the command REPEAT in the initial call for fire.

• During fire for effect, REPEAT means fire the same number of rounds using the same method of fire for effect as last fired. If the unit is firing four rounds in effect, requesting REPEAT will result in an additional four volleys. The observer may request changes in the number of guns, the previous corrections, the interval, or the ammunition. For example, RIGHT 200 REPEAT.

Request Splash

Send SPLASH at the observer's request. The FDC announces SPLASH to the observer 5 seconds prior to round impact. The FDC must send SPLASH to aerial observers and during high angle fire missions

Do Not Load

DO NOT LOAD allows the section to prepare ammunition and lay on the target without loading a projectile. When the command, CANCEL DO NOT LOAD is given the section automatically loads and fires the weapon (except for an at my command mission)

Duration

The observer normally uses DURATION for suppression and smoke missions. DURATION will tell the FDC the total time to engage a target

4 things listed on Message to Observer

• UNIT(S) TO FIRE

• CHANGE TO CALL FOR FIRE

• NUMBER OF ROUNDS

• TARGET NUMBER

4 additional information listed in the Message to Observer

• PROBABLE ERROR IN RANGE

• ANGLE T

• PULSE REPETITION FREQUENCY CODE

• TIME OF FLIGHT

What is Line 4-8 used in the JFO Target Brief?

line 4: target elevation: (in feet, mean sea level)

line 5: target description

line 6: target location (latitude and longitude or grid coordinates or offsets or visual)

line 7: type mark/ terminal guidance (description of the matrix, if laser handoff, call sign of lasing platform , and laser code)

line 8: location of friendlies (from tgt, cardinal location, and distance in meters)

What is the 5 Line Rotary-Wing Request

line 1- observer and warning order

line 2- friendly location and mark

line 3- target location

line 4- target description and mark

line 5- remarks

The FDC transmits the term ____ after the gun(s) have been laid on the firing data but the round has not been fired. The FO will receive this command after sending a CFF as “Do Not Load” or after establishing a priority target. The observer acknowledges with _______.

“LAID”

“LAID, OUT”

What are the 4 HOB spottings?

1. air

2. graze

3. mixed

4. mixed air

5. mixed graze

Air

A round or group of rounds that bursts in the air. The number of mils also is given. For example, spot a burst of 10 mils above the ground as AIR 10

Graze

A round or group of rounds that detonates on impact.

Mixed

A group of rounds that results in an equal number of airbursts and graze bursts.

Mixed air

A group of rounds that results in both airbursts and graze bursts when most of the bursts are airbursts

Mixed graze

A group of rounds that results in both airbursts and graze bursts when most of the bursts are graze bursts

What are the 8 Range Spottings?

1. over

2. short

3. target

4. range correct

5. doubtful

6. lost

7. unobserved

8. unobserved over or short

What are the 3 Deviation Spottings

1. line- round impacts on line with adjusting point in relation to OTL

2. left- round impacts left of adjusting point in relation to OTL

3. right- round impacts right of adjusting point in relation to OTL

What are the 15 Subsequent Correction in order?

 Observer Target Direction.  Danger close and cancel danger close.  Trajectory.  Method of fire.  Distribution.  Projectile.  Fuze.  Volume.  Deviation.  Range.  Height of burst.  Target Description.  Mission type and method of control.  Splash.  Repeat.

.What are the 4 adjustment techniques?

1. successive bracketing

2. hasty bracketing

3. one round adjustment

4. creeping fire

Successive bracketing

best when observers are inexperienced or when precise adjustment is required, such as precision registrations and destruction missions. It mathematically ensures fire for effect rounds will be within 50 meters of the target.

Hasty bracketing

best when responsive fires are required and the observer is experienced in the adjustment of fire

One round adjustment

provides the most responsive fires but generally requires either an experienced observer or an observer equipped with a laser range finder

Creeping fire

best used on danger close missions and other missions requiring the observer to make small adjustments to bring fires onto the target in order to minimize collateral damage

T/F: The registration point should be accurately located (within 10 meters), near the center of the zone of fire, semi-permanent, located on fairly level terrain if possible, and on common grid with the firing unit

true

The objective of a registration is to get spottings of ______along the observer-target line from rounds fired with the same data or from rounds fired with data______________

• four rounds (two overs and two shorts)

• 25 meters apart (50 meters apart when PER is greater than or equal to 25 meters)

If the registration point is equidistant between the two sets of rounds, the observer determines the range refinement to be ________ from the last data fired

ADD 10 or DROP 10

If the registration point is nearer the pair of rounds at the opposite end of the bracket, (instead of the last round) the observer determines the range refinement to be_________

ADD 20 or DROP 20

What form is used for recording Registration missions

DA FORM 5429

What are the five illumination patterns

1. one gun illumination

2. two gun illumination

3. two gun illumination range spread

4. two gun illumination lateral spread

5. four gun illumination pattern

What is the minimum range and deviation corrections for adjusting illumination?

200m

What are the 4 types of smoke techniques

• Obscuring smoke

• Screening smoke

• Deception smoke

• Signaling smoke

obscuring smoke

placed on or near the threat to suppress threat observers and to minimize their vision

screening smoke

smoke curtain used on the battlefield between threat observation points and friendly units to mask friendly forces, positions, and activities

Deception smoke

smoke curtain used to deceive and confuse the threat as to the nature of friendly operations.