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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23 CHAPTER 1 MISSION, ORGANIZATION, AND KEY PERSONNEL Section I MISSION AND GENERAL ORGANIZATION 1-1. MISSION a. The mission of the field artillery (FA) is to destroy, neutralize, or suppress the enemy by cannon, rocket, and missile fires and to help integrate all fire support assets into
combined arms operations. The field artillery cannon battery is the basic firing element of the cannon battalion regardless of how the battery is organized. The battery’s capability is enhanced through the flexibility and survivability provided under an organization based on platoons. In no way should the references to platoon- or battery-based organizations be construed as the structure for operational employment. Rather, the terms pertain solely to organizational structure. Note: For tactics, techniques, and procedures for the M109A6 (Paladin), see FM 6-50-60. 1-2. FIELD ARTILLERY ORGANIZATION The field artillery is organized into light, medium, and heavy
artillery on the basis of weapon caliber. Each light artillery (105-mm M102, M101A1, or M119A1) battery has a headquarters section and six howitzer
sections. Each medium (155-mm M109A2-A6 and M198) battery is organized in one of two ways: (1) A platoon-based unit has a headquarters and two firing platoons of three or four howitzer sections each. This organization allows for platoon operations. Note: The M109A5 howitzer battery organic to the regimental armored cavalry squadron is designed to function independently and to perform most of its own support functions. It is organized, trained, and equipped to operate in direct support of the squadron. (2) A battery-based unit has a headquarters section and
six howitzer sections. Organization does affect employment. In a unit organized with a single six-gun battery, the battery is employed as a single unit under the direct control of the battery commander. In a platoon-based unit, the battery may be employed in one of the following ways: As two platoons under the control of the battery
commander (BC). battalion S3, through the BC, with the battery commander providing reconnaissance, selection, and occupation of position (RSOP) and logistical support. This last employment option is the least desirable. It is used only when the tactical situation permits no other means of command and control. Note: AH battalions in the US Marine Corps are organized into three six-howitzer batteries. 1-3. COMMAND AND CONTROL OF BATTERIES a. The FA cannon battalion issues movement instructions and other orders to the battery, regardless of whether the battery is battery- or platoon-based. Orders are issued to the battery commander or his operations center. These orders specify the artillery requirements of the tire support coordinator (FSCOORD) rather than trying to specify how the commander is to accomplish the mission. The BC selects platoon positions within the larger battery area selected by the S3. The battery commander will also determine which platoon is better able to move at any given time. The functions of the FA battalion tactical operations center (TOC) are to position and control the fires of the batteries. The BC positions and controls the tires of his platoons. The battalion TOC should be involved with directly controlling platoons only when no other option is available. 1-1 |