Chapter 7: Fire Support

The integration of air, artillery, and missile assets into a unified fire support plan is a major task for the combined arms commander. Integration is a decisive element, fundamental to the success of any operation on the modern battlefield. The OPFOR does not consider itself to be an “artillery-centric” army. Rather, it views itself as using various forms of fire support to achieve success during offensive and defensive operations. In the offense, fire support is important to the success of any attack. It can destroy key systems; disrupt, immobilize, or destroy enemy groupings; and repel counterattacks. Fire support is also the cornerstone of any defense, blunting attacks at the crucial point in the battle. It disrupts enemy preparations for the attack, causes attrition as he approaches, and repels forces.

Fire Support Concepts

Fire support is the collective and coordinated use of target acquisition, indirect fire weapons, aircraft, and other lethal and nonlethal means in support of operational or tactical objectives. The goal is to synchronize all available fire support systems to achieve the most effective results, thereby maximizing combat power. Effective fire support enables OPFOR ground forces to attack successfully and quickly to exploit weaknesses. Commanders try to accomplish their missions using a combination of maneuver and fire. The OPFOR continues to expand and upgrade fire support systems to achieve a qualitative edge over its regional opponents. However, it realizes that it may be at a qualitative disadvantage compared to a modern extraregional force.

The OPFOR stresses that fire support should integrate air assets, surface- to-surface missiles (SSMs), and artillery to attack enemy targets throughout the area of responsibility (AOR). The combined arms commander always seeks to increase the effectiveness of air and missile attacks and artillery fire to destroy enemy formations, weapon systems, or key components of an enemy combat system. (See Systems Warfare later in this chapter and in Chapter 1.) This ensures continuous fire support for maneuver units throughout the AOR.

The OPFOR considers information warfare (IW) an essential element of fire support. It provides a nonlethal alternative or supplement to attack by fire and maneuver. It is integrated into the overall concept of the operation, to confuse, deceive, delay, and disorganize the enemy.

Fire Support Principles

The principles of fire support are the framework for a thought process that ensures the most effective use of fire support assets. These principles apply at all levels of command, regardless of the specific fire support assets available:

• Plan early and continuously.
• Exploit all  available reconnaissance,  intelligence,  surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) assets.
• Consider airspace management and the use of all fire support (lethal and nonlethal) means.
• Use the lowest echelon capable of furnishing effective support.
• Avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
• Use the most effective means to accomplish the mission.
• Provide rapid and effective coordination.
• Provide for flexibility of employment.
• Provide for safeguarding and survivability of OPFOR fire support assets.
• Attempt to achieve surprise when possible.
• Deliver highly accurate and effective fire.