3-178: Emplace Weapon Systems

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3-178. The following steps apply in planning and integrating indirect fires (See
figure 3-24, page 3-62.):

Determine the purpose of fires.
Determine where purpose will best be achieved.
Establish the observation plan that includes—
- Redundancy for each target.
- Observers who will include the fire support team, as well as members of maneuver elements with direct fire support execution responsibilities.
Establish triggers based on enemy movement rates.
Obtain accurate target locations using organic target location devices or survey/navigational equipment.
Refine target locations to ensure coverage of obstacles.
Plan final protection fire.
Request critical friendly zone for protection of maneuver elements and no-fire areas for protection of observation posts and forward positions.

Figure 3-24. Integration of direct and indirect fires

Next: 3-179: Rehearsals

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