Transforming Fire Support for the IBCT - U.S. Army. Initial Brigade Combat Team - Brief Article - Column

Supporting the Maneuver Commander

The first FA battalion to become medium-sized and organic to the Initial Brigade Combat Team (IBCT)--the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery (1-37 FA), Fort Lewis, Washington--is undergoing a complete transformation. We are changing our weapon system (Ml09A6 155-mm self-propelled howitzer to M198 155-mm towed howitzer), converting to both the advanced Field Artillery tactical data system (AFATDS) and handheld terminal units (HTUs) and adding counterfire radars and a meteorological section to the battalion--to name only a few of the changes.

Probably the most substantial changes are taking place in the fire support arena where effects-based fires, both lethal and non-lethal, are employed to achieve the maneuver commander's desired effects. In the IBCT, all fire support assets are organic to the brigade, the maneuver battalions and their companies or troops.

This article outlines the IBCT's progress in organizing, equipping and training its fire support system: the fires and effects coordination cell (FECC), battalion fire support elements (FSEs) and fire support teams (FISTs). The article addresses the uniqueness of the new fire support structure and its capabilities and limitations as compared to current organizations in light and heavy forces. These changes present unique challenges and opportunities for 1-37 FA and the 3d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, IBCT.

Figure 1 depicts the transformation process for fire supporters in the IBCT. The time line began early last year after the Chief of Staff of the Army announced plans to transform the 3d Brigade into a medium-sized BCT that can deploy to a theater of operations within 96 hours and conduct operations across the conflict spectrum.

As such, IBCT fire supporters must be able to operate in varying, complex environments as required by the "IBCT Organizational and Operational Concept" (O&O) document and the Brigade Special Text (BST) 6-20-40 Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) for Fires and Effects for Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Operations.

Organizing the Fire Support Structure. The brigade FSE has been replaced by the FECC while the battalion FSEs and FISTs are smaller but digitally enhanced with AFATDS, HTUs, Force XXI battle command brigade and below ([FBCB.sup.2]), enhanced position location reporting systems (EPLRS) and other systems. These digital upgrades are designed to help compensate for the fire support system's reduction in manpower.

In the IBCT's three infantry battalions, the forward observer (FO) teams have been eliminated, transferring the responsibility for initiating calls-for-fire solely to maneuver shooters at the platoon level and below.

The FECC. This is a cell within the larger brigade tactical operations center (TOC). Unlike a traditionally resourced brigade, the FECC is designed and structured to direct and manage the multitude of tasks and activities necessary to achieve the commander's desired effects on a target.

The FECC consists of a lethal effects section, a targeting/counterfire section and a non-lethal effects cell (NLEC). The FECC's purpose is to plan and synchronize full-spectrum fires in support of IBCT operations. Figure 2 outlines the organization of the FECC as well as the FSE and FIST. The FECC is led and directed by the effects coordinator (ECOORD) for the IBCT. The direct support (DS) FA battalion (1-37 FA) commander serves as the IBCT's ECOORD. (The standard tactical mission of "DS" is used, although 1-37 FA is organic to the brigade.) The relationship between the brigade commander and the ECOORD is identical to that of the more traditional brigade commander and his fire support coordinator (FSCOORD).

Through his deputy effects coordinator (DECOORD), the ECOORD plans, coordinates and orchestrates lethal and non-lethal fires against targets to support the commander's intent for the operation. The DECOORD is the full-time liaison to the brigade TOC and, as such, represents the ECOORD when he is unavailable. The DECOORD and the FECC are assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Brigade.

The key difference between a brigade FSE and the FECC is the increased level of coordination and integration required because of the additional assets and capabilities available to the IBCT. The lethal effects section works closely with the NLEC to synchronize planning and execution.

One of the FECC's most important contributions is coordinating for and directing the activities of the IBCT's radars. The FA battalion has one each AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder radar. Through the counterfire/targeting section, the FECC employs the radars and any attached or augmenting counterfire radars.

Careful coordination is the key to employing the IBCT radars. The counter-fire/targeting section and the FA battalion S2 section coordinate in detail via AFATDS, and the FA battalion S2 section coordinates with the brigade S2 section via the all-source analysis system (ASAS). The FA battalion S2 is a significant contributor to proactive counterfire operations as his main task is to help locate enemy indirect fire assets through predictive templating and then transmit his analysis to the brigade S2 viaASAS and the FECC's counterfire/ targeting section via AFATDS. Based on the battalion S2's analysis of enemy fire support systems, the brigade S2 will develop the intelligence collection plan and task intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets to detect, locate and target enemy fire support systems.

ISR assets, such as the reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) squadron's tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) or ground sensors, can be directed to find and target enemy mortar or artillery systems before they can engage IBCT units. Also the RSTA squadron's three reconnaissance troops and their associated FISTs can target enemy indirect assets, as the mission requires.

Once enemy assets are detected, the FECC manages the employment of FA fires to attack enemy targets or tactical air to attack targets outside the range of artillery.

In a reactive role, the counterfire/targeting section, with input from the brigade S2 and FA battalion S2 sections, establishes the necessary radar zones, such as call-for-fire-zones (CFFZs) and critical friendly zones (CFZs). As a result of target acquisitions, the FECC transmits fire mission requests to the DS FA battalion or a reinforcing FA unit. Another option is for the radar to establish a digital quickfire channel with a delivery unit.

The addition of the NLEC is the most significant difference between an FECC and a traditional brigade FSE. The NLEC is embedded in the FECC structure and plans and coordinates non-lethal effects in support of the IBCT. The NLEC consists of planners for information operations (IO), civil affairs (CA), electronic attack, tactical intelligence, psychological operations (PSYOP), legal and public affairs. The IO officer supervises the NLEC and ensures non-lethal operations are integrated into the maneuver plan.

The brigade is the lowest level that plans and coordinates non-lethal effects; there are no non-lethal planners at the battalion/squadron level and below. For executing non-lethal targeting, assets such as CA and PSYOP teams can augment brigade operations, as required.

FSE and FIST. Each FSE is organic to a headquarters and headquarters company (or troop) in its infantry battalions or RSTA squadron. The FSE consists of a four-man team that provides its maneuver battalion/squadron a fire support coordination capability in its headquarters.

The battalion/squadron fire support officer (FSO) plans and executes fires and effects in support of the maneuver commander's intent and concept of the operation. In addition, the FSO could be charged with integrating any attached non-lethal assets that have been task organized from brigade.

The Air Force tactical air control party (TACP), consisting of an air liaison officer (ALO) and enlisted tactical air controllers (ETACs), plugs into each maneuver battalion/squadron headquarters alongside the FSE. The TACP requests, coordinates and controls close air support (CAS).

The ETACs have the added responsibility of terminal attack control. This is a key planning consideration as the IBCT reduced its number of trained fire support personnel with this skill. There are no FOs in the brigade fire support structure to perform terminal control procedures. Furthermore, the 13F20 Fire Support Specialist has been eliminated from the LBCT structure. Altogether, this places greater emphasis on 13F10 training and maneuver leader proficiency related to fire support planning and execution.

The FSEs have subordinate FISTs that support each infantry company, ground reconnaissance troop and the brigade's anti-tank company. Each three-man FIST provides its maneuver company/ troop a fire support coordination and terminal control capability, which emphasizes precision target acquisition to engage targets with lethal fires and assess the effects.

A key responsibility for the battalion/ squadron and company/troop FSOs is advising their respective commanders on the positioning and use of mortars. Each infantry company has two 60-mm and two 81-mm mortars; the infantry battalion has four 120-mm and four 81-mm mortars; and each reconnaissance troop has two 120-mm mortars. The infantry units use the "arms room" approach to deploy their mortars. As the mission requires, units will deploy with a combination of 120-mm, 60-mm and 81-mm mortars.

Mortars have become more critical to the indirect firepower organic to the IBCT with the reduction of its howitzers and the likely dispersion of units on the ground. The IBCT's DS FA battalion has 12 howitzers (vice 18) under the brigade's initial FA organization.

Equipping Fire Support for the IBCT. The equipment phase of the transformation process began in earnest during the Third Quarter of FY00. From May until 15 September 2000, fire supporters turned-in excess equipment or laterally transferred equipment to their maneuver units. Simultaneously, fire supporters started fielding and training on new equipment.

The FECC. Fielding and new equipment training (NET) began in July 2000. The FECC (lethal) fielded two AFATDS systems with the latest software version, as did the targeting/counterfire section. The brigade tactical command post (TAC), if deployed, also has AFATDS. The systems are configured in two M1097 rigid-wall shelter (RWS) high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs) and one M1038 HMMWV (TAC vehicle).

The lethal effects section and the targeting/counterfire section each has two systems in its vehicles, and the TAC vehicle has one system. Each AFATDS is equipped with two single-channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) advanced system improvement program (ASIP) for voice and digital communications.

The FECC setup in the field is an impressive site as it occupies a footprint nearly the size of the DS FA battalion TOG. The NLEC plugs into the brigade TOC with one M988 HMMWV equipped with the maneuver control system (MCS).

FSE and FIST. Currently, the FIST is operating out of standard M998 and M1025 HMMWVs. As shown in Figure 2, each FIST in the IBCT will operate from a light armored vehicle (LAV) common platform equipped as a fire support vehicle (FSV). A Striker-like mission equipment package will be integrated onto a common platform and will have a target acquisition/communications suite and the ability to designate for laser-guided munitions for ground and air platforms. Each FSV also will have a ground/vehicular laser locator designator (G/VLLD), HTU, [FBCB.sup.2] and EPLRS.

Operating a LAV common platform will offer many challenges to a FIST. With only a crew of three, each FIST will have to maintain a vehicle large enough for a squad of infantry soldiers while providing fire support planning and execution to its maneuver company/troop.

Training. The IBCT centralized training task lists (CTTLs) for the FECC and FSE provide the framework for fire support training during the transformation process. The FECC CTTL includes such tasks as Participate in parallel and collaborative military decision making; Participate in the targeting process; Synchronize non-lethal fires; and Manage counterfire and targeting section operations.

A series of Senior Leaders Training Courses (SLTCs) held during the Third and Fourth Quarters of FY00 laid the initial groundwork for training. These SLTCs provided fire supporters the opportunity to better understand how the IBCT will organize and fight in the future.

The IBCT is using a building-block approach to training its maneuver units. Beginning with individual training, the IBCT gradually will train each succeeding level and then will culminate its collective training at the Arrowhead Phoenix exercise at Yakima Training Center, Washington. This will be the capstone exercise just before the certification exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, Louisiana, sometime in late FY02 or early FY03. Based on the LAV fielding and NET, the IBCT training schedule and the timing of the certification exercise and JRTC rotation will be adjusted.

The IBCT approach to fire support training is to centralize and coordinate most of the FIST-specific training at the FECC while supporting the company/ troop situational training exercise (STX) and maneuver battalion/squadron training at every opportunity. By centralizing FIST training, the IBCT ensures the IBGT FISTs train to a common standard.

The FECC has a number of training objectives planned for FIST and FSEs throughout FY01 that are designed to maintain traditional FIST skills and improve the skills necessary to successfully integrate with maneuver in accordance with the IBCT O&O. The following is a brief description of the major training events planned for fire supporters. Underlying these events is the DS FA battalion's weekly digital sustainment program, which includes all fire supporters, the FA battalion fire direction center (FDC), 1-37 FA firing units and maneuver elements, the latter when possible.

Also, the FECC is leading the development of updated tactical standing operating procedures (TACS OP) for fire supporters. Combining elements of the current TAGS OP, this updated TACSOP incorporates new TTP as a result of operating in the IBCT.

Maneuver Shooter Program. Increasing maneuver understanding of FIST operations and call-for-fire procedures has become more important with the loss of FOs at the platoon level. This program is divided into three phases and is aimed at platoon and squad leaders.

The first two phases encompass classroom training and time with the guard unit armory device, full-crew interactive simulation trainer (GUARDFIST II) and the training set fire observation (TSFO) trainer. The third phase (live fire) requires each leader to call-for-fire using either mortars or FA.

Each battalion FSE manages the program with coordination for the third phase done by the FECC.

Mastering Mortars. FISTs must regularly train with their mortars to improve their understanding of mortar positioning and employment. Each FSE then schedules the mortar evaluation for its mortar section. The FECC coordinates for mortar training resources and evaluators, as required.

FIST Procedures in an Urban Environment. When deployed, the IBCT's area of responsibility likely will include urban environments. Using the military operations in urbanized terrain (MOUT) site at Fort Lewis and surrounding cities, this two-day exercise improves the FISTs' understanding of selecting observation posts (OPs) and employing indirect fires in a MOUT environment.

CAS and Attack Aviation Employment. Planning and controlling CAS and attack aviation assets are vital skills. This three-day event includes classroom, board and field training with terminal control of both CAS and attack aviation platforms.

10 Seminar. The focus of this two-day seminar is to teach fire supporters the capabilities and limitations of each non-lethal asset the IBCT is authorized or could receive. Training includes lessons learned from recent stability and support operations and practical exercises.

FIST Certification. This semi-annual event is the capstone exercise for the FISTs, incorporating all previous FIST training. The focus is on the FIST collective tasks during selection of OPs in an urban environment, surveillance of named areas of interest (NAIs), terminal control of GAS and (or) attack aviation and call-for-fire procedures.

Brigade Command Post Exercises (CPXs). The CPXs will focus the brigade TOG sections on the military decision-making process (MDMP) in a digital environment. During the CPXs, the FECC will integrate the counterfire/ targeting section training with the brigade and FA battalion S2 sections and practice proactive and reactive counterfire procedures. Also, the GPXs will focus lethal and non-lethal coordination and synchronization as the brigade develops operation orders. These exercises are expected to occur quarterly as the IBCT ramps up for a rotation at the JRTG.

Fire supporters in the IBCT have been working hard to re-organize and prepare for IBCT operations. The operational tempo continues to be high as we field new equipment and train on events moving toward our JRTC rotation. Our goal is to produce competent fire support organizations that can provide timely, accurate lethal and non-lethal effects for the IBCT.

The transformation to a medium-sized force capable of worldwide deployment in 96 hours continues to be an exciting endeavor. IBCT fire supporters are proud to be leading the Field Artillery in this transformation process and look forward to the many challenges that lay before us.

Lieutenant Colonel Henry S. (Skip) Larsen III commands the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery, part of the 3d Initial Brigade Cornbat Team, 2d Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. His previous assignments include serving as the Chief of the Policy and Strategy Division of US Southern Command, Miami, Florida; S3 for the 17th Field Artillery Brigade and Executive Officer for the 3d Battalion, 18th Field Artillery, also in the 17th Brigade, Ill Corps Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Chief of Division Plans for the 2d Infantry Division, Korea. He commanded B Battery, 3d Battalion, 82d Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, during Operations Desert Shield and Storm in the Persian Gulf.

Major Michael T. Walsh is the Deputy Effects Coordinator (DECOORD) for the IBCT at Fort Lewis. In his previous assignments, he served as a Systems Integrator for the Fire Support Command and Control Systems in the Force Development Division of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans at the Pentagon; and Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery for the 4th InfantryDivision (Mechanized) Artillery, Commander of B Battery, 3d Battalion, 16th Field Artillery and Task Force Fire Support Officer, all in the 4th Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He is a graduate of the British Joint Services Command and Staff College, Bracknell, England, and holds master's degrees in Defence Studies from the Kings college of London and in Business Administration from Troy State University, Alabama.

                 Fire Support Organization in the IBCT
Level  Element       Personnel
FECC   Lethal        Bde DECOORD (13A 0-4)
       Effects       Bde FSNCO (13F20)
       Section       2 System Oper/Drivers (13F10)
                     Effects Battle Captain (13A O-3)
                     Effects NCO (13F30)
       Counterfire/  Effects Battle Captain 13A O-3)
       Targeting     Counterfire Officer (131A CW2)
       Section       Targeting Officer (131A CW2)
                     Targeting NCO (13F30)
                     2 System Oper/Drivers (13F10)
       Bde TAC       AECOORD (13A O-3)
                     Effects NCO (13F30)
       Non-Lethal    IO Officer (30A O-4)
       Cell          CA Ops Officer (39C 0-4)
                     Legal Affairs Officer (55A O-4)
                     Legal NCO (71D30)
                     Tac Intel Officer (30A35 O-3)
                     Electronic Attack Officer
                     (35G O-30)
                     PSYOP NCO (37F30)
FSE    RSTA Sqn      Sqn FSO (13A O-3)
       FSE           Sqn FSNCO (13F40)
                     2 Drivers (13F10)
       Inf Bn FSE    Bn FSO (13A O-3)
                     Bn FSNCO (13F40)
                     2 Drivers (13F10)
FIST   RSTA Troop    Troop FSO (13A O-2)
       FIST          Troop FSNCO (13F30)
                     Driver (13F10)
       Inf Co FIST   Co FSO (13A O-2)
                     Co FSNCO (13F30)
                     Driver (13F10)
       At Co FIST    Co FSO (13A O2)
                     Co FSNCO (13F30)
                     Driver (13F10)
Level  Key Equipment
FECC   1 M1998
       1 M1097 w/ 2 AFATDS
       1 M1097 w/ 2 AFATDS
       1 M1038 w/ 1 AFATDS
       M998 w/ MCS
FSE    1 M1097 w/ 1 AFATDS
       1 M998 w/ HTU,
         [FBCB.sup.2], EPLRS
       1 M1097 w/ 1 AFATDS
       1 M998 w/ HTU,
         [FBCB.sup.2], EPLRS
       4 x 120-mm and
         4 x 81-mm Mortars
FIST   1 FSV w/ HTU, G/VLLD,
         EPLRS, [FBCB.sup.2]
       2 x 120-mm Mortars
       1 FSV w/ HTU, G/VLLD,
         EPLRS, [FBCB.sup.2]
       2 x 60-mm and
         2 x 81-mm Mortars
       1 FSV w/ HTU, G/VLLD,
         EPLRS, [FBCB.sup.2]

Legend:

AECOORD = Assistant Effects Coordinator

AT = Anti-Tank

CA = Civil Affairs

DECOORD = Deputy Effects Coordinator

FSE = Fire Support Element

FSNCO = Fire Support NCO

FSO = Fire Support Office

FSV = Fire Support Vehicle

G/VLLD = Ground/Vehicular Laser Locator Designator

MCS = Maneuver Control System

PSYOP = Psychological Operations

RSTA = Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition

TAC = Tactical Assault Command Post

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