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Previous: Section II – Fire Control Process

B-12. Leaders plan and execute direct fires based on their mission analysis. An essential part of this plan is the analysis of the terrain and enemy force, which aids the leader in visualizing how the enemy will attack or defend a particular piece of terrain. A defending enemy’s defensive positions or an attacking enemy’s support positions are normally driven by intervisibility. Typically, there are limited points on a piece of terrain providing both good fields of fire and adequate cover for a defender. Similarly, an attacking enemy will have only a limited selection of avenues of approach providing adequate cover and concealment.

B-13. Coupled with available intelligence, an understanding of the effects of a specific piece of terrain on maneuver, figure B-1 will assist the leader in identifying probable enemy locations and likely avenues of approach both before and during the fight. The leader may use all of the following products or techniques in developing and updating the analysis:

• An enemy situation template based on the analysis of terrain and enemy.
• A spot or contact report on enemy locations and activities.
• Information collection within the areas of operations.

Next: B-14: Determine Where and How to Mass Fires

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad