Previous: 3-177: Emplace Weapon Systems
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.

Next: 3-179: Rehearsals
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad