MCWP 3-16.3 FM 6-50 TTP for the Field Artillery Cannon Gunnery - page 4

 

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MCWP 3-16.3 FM 6-50 TTP for the Field Artillery Cannon Gunnery - page 4

 

 

 

FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

b. 

The PSG or platoon leader will assign supplementary

positions and ensure that they are depicted on the defense

diagram. These positions will reinforce the primary position

and allow the unit to perform specific missions such as direct

fire. The signal to occupy supplementary positions must

be disseminated throughout the unit and the movement to

those positions should be rehearsed by the platoon leader

and platoon sergeant with all howitzer sections.

c. 

If the platoon is attacked or penetrated by enemy forces,

the reaction force will respond by assembling at the

predetermined location to:

Assess the situation and deploy to augment the existing

perimeter.
Deploy using fire and maneuver to expel and/or destroy

the enemy.
Notify the FDC/BOC of the situation as it develops.
Re-establish the perimeter.

d. 

A suggested composition of the reaction force is as

follows:

Reaction force NCO in charge; for example, the platoon

sergeant.
One man per howitzer section.
One man from the fire direction center or POC.
One man from the communications section (if

available).
One man from the maintenance section (if available

and in position).

Note: 

This is only a guide; actual SOP may be

different. The battery may also consider making one

howitzer section the reaction force. This ensures

that there is an NCO in charge and that the force

does not have to assemble to be effective; that is,

they are already assembled.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

3-6. DISPERSION

Dispersion minimizes the effects of an air attack or a

counterfire attack. When using this technique, units should

disperse, as a minimum, over a 200 by 400 meter area with

howitzers no closer than 100 meters apart. The FDC should

be positioned approximately 100 meters from either flank

howitzer. Figure 3-1 shows a platoon position with elements

not dispersed. Figure 3-2 shows a platoon position with

elements dispersed. Dotted lines in both figures indicate

the area normally covered by enemy counterfire.

Note: 

With the use of the BCS, and LCU, howitzers

can be accurately located over a widely dispersed

area of operation. Refer to Chapter 2 for further

discussion of weapons dispersion.

3-7. PRIORITIES

a. 

The BC or platoon leader may be instructed to continue

his mission in the position despite hostile counterfire. In

that case, he might establish the following tasks in the priority

indicated:

Harden critical items of equipment.
Prepare individual fighting positions.
Prepare defensive positions.

Select alternate positions, displacement routes, and a

signal in case movement is unavoidable. Brief key

personnel on this information.
Camouflage.

b. 

The BC or platoon leader may be instructed to displace

upon receiving fire. In that case, he would have a different

list in mind. For example, he might establish the following

tasks to be done before receiving incoming fire:

Camouflage.

Prepare limited protection for personnel and

equipment.

Reconnoiter and/or select alternate positions,

displacement routes, and march-order signal.
Prepare alternate positions.

Prepare defensive positions.
Improve individual protection.
Improve equipment protection.

c. 

The duties of the section members may be different if

they are ordered to continue the mission or displace on

receiving fire. Tables 3-2 and 3-3 (page 3-8) are samples

of duty breakdowns. Actual work priorities should be

included in unit SOPs.

3-8. DEFENSE IN ALL DIRECTIONS

The enemy can attack from any direction; so the platoons

must be able to defend in all directions. Based upon METT-T,

the unit may consider dispatching patrols to maintain security.

Refer to FM 7-8 for specific instructions on the conduct of

patrols.

3-9. MUTUAL SUPPORT

Mutual support is one unit helping another unit or one soldier

helping another soldier. Battery and/or platoon defensive

fire plan targets should be submitted to the battalion FDC

and updated as needed. Reports of any type of enemy attack

should be forwarded to the battalion as soon as possible

after contact is made to use mutual support. Within the

platoon, one section must be ready to support another section.

Apply the same concept to the individual soldier and you

can build a formidable defense. Range cards for crew-served

weapons are essential to a good defense. The BC or platoon

leader should plan indirect fire targets for the defense of

his position. These might include illumination targets if

self-illumination is not possible.

3-10. CONTROL

All leaders must control their personnel and firepower before,

during, and after an attack so the correct actions can be

taken at the right time. Battery leadership should review

FM 71-1 for techniques of focusing and controlling fires.

Something as simple as what sections will suppress with

heavy machine guns, as others direct fire their howitzers,

will be difficult to control without rehearsing. The use of

range markers out to 1,500 meters or TRPs greatly enhances

the effectiveness of massing the fire power in a platoon or

battery. Battery and platoon SOPs must be developed and

followed to maintain control.

3-6

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

3-11. FLEXIBILITY

No tight will ever go exactly as planned, so the BC and

platoon leaders must respond quickly to the unexpected.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

They must constantly evaluate METT-T and be prepared to

deal with situations that are not in the plan.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

Section III

DEFENSE DIAGRAM

3-12. PURPOSE

The defense diagram graphically portrays the position area

with respect to the azimuth of fire. The diagram shows the

position area, all section positions, all defensive positions

(including sectors of fire, TRPs, and adjacent units), and

key terrain. It is a key tool to ensure there is a defense

plan which can provide 6,400-mil coverage (if necessary)

for the battery. Also, this diagram is sent to battalion and

is used to develop a battalion defensive fire support plan.

3-13. CONSTRUCTION OF THE DIAGRAM

There are different methods for determining the location of

different points for the defensive diagram and constructing

the corresponding grid sheet. The LCU or BCS can simplify

the process of determining grid coordinates and altitude of

positions in and around the platoon or battery area.

Computations can be made by using the piece location format.

(See ST 6-40-31 or the applicable job aids for the steps.)

a. Constructing the Matrix. 

There are different methods

of constructing a matrix on which to draw your diagram.

The key is to pick a scale for your casting and northing

grid lines which will enable you to plot all or most of the

desired locations. The FDC section has preprinted grid sheets

which are scaled to 1:25,000, Each grid square represents

1,000 meters on these sheets. Examples of the scale interval

you could choose are as follows:

1:12,500–Each grid square represents 500 meters.
1:5,000-Each grid square represents 200 meters

(Figure 3-3, page 3-10).

b. Constructing the Diagram. 

The steps to construct a

platoon diagram could be as follows:

Construct the matrix (Figure 3-4, page 3-11).

Add terrain features including dead space.
Draw the azimuth of fire to orient the diagram.
Plot the required positions (such as howitzers, TRPs,

FDC or POC, LPs or OPs, crew-served weapons, tank

killer team positions, and Killer Junior targets). Use

the grid coordinates obtained

PLGR, or from a map spot.

from the BCS, LCU,

Draw sectors of fire for howitzers and crew-served

weapons (Figure 3-5, page 3-12).
Record the related information and grids on the back

of the defensive diagram (Figure 3-6, page 3-13).
Verify that the defense diagram depicts the BC’s

defensive plan and that it graphically portrays the range

card data to include TRPs, avenues of approach, and

so on. (See Figure 3-6, page 3-13.)

3-14. DISPOSITION OF THE DIAGRAM

Based upon guidance from the BC or 1SG, the GSG begins

to construct the defensive diagram during the advance party

operations. Once the main body occupies the new position,

the GSG gives the platoon sergeant (platoon-based) or 1SG

(battery-based) the diagram to be completed or to be checked

and verified. If the battery is a platoon-based unit, the 1SG

will collect both platoon diagrams and integrate them into

the battery defensive diagram. The battery diagram is then

sent to the battalion TOC for further consolidation.

3-15. PREPARING RANGE CARDS

a. 

The platoon sergeant establishes the sectors of fire for

the crew-served weapons. When these sectors have been

determined and assigned, a range card will be constructed

in duplicate, for each primary position. A range card will

be partially completed for each alternate and supplementary

position. Range cards are continually updated and revised

throughout the occupation of the position. Platoon or battery

TRPs must be on range cards. This allows the battery leaders

the ability to control and mass direct fire assets. The battery

leaders must verify the proper construction of all range cards.

(1) Howitzer range card. The DA Form 5699-R

(Howitzer Range Card) consist of two parts. A sketch of

the sector of fire depicts targets and reference points. A

data section lists data necessary to engage targets during

periods of limited visibility. Procedures for completing DA

Form 5699-R are as follows:

(a) Having been assigned a sector of fire, begin a sketch

of the area. Depict left and right limits and potential targets and/or

reference points in the SECTORS OF FIRE section. Identify the

targets and/or reference points in your sketch by numbering them

in order from the most probable to the least probable.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(b) While sighting along the bottom of the bore, direct

scales). Record this deflection on the range card in the space

the gunner to traverse and the assistant gunner to elevate or depress

marked LEFT DF. If the left limit is also a target, record the

until the weapon is sighted on the left limit. Direct the gunner to

deflection in the DF column on the appropriate line for the target

turn the head of the pantel, without moving the tube, onto the

number. Direct the assistant gunner to measure the quadrant and

collimator (or primary aiming point) and to read the deflection

record the quadrant. Complete the DESCRIPTION column by

(df) from the reset counter (or azimuth and azimuth micrometer

annotating a brief description of the target.

3-10

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

3-11

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

3-12

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

3-13

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(c) Repeat these procedures for the right limit and for

all target reference points. Determine the shell, charge, and fuze

to be fired for each target and record that information in the

appropriate columns. Use the REMARKS column to indicate

additional information needed to engage the target; for example,

sweep 200.

(d) The measured quadrant and range should be given

to the FDC to be converted into a true quadrant. Then record the

true quadrant on the range quadrant in the QE column.

(e) When the range card is completed (example in

Figure 3-7), make a duplicate card for the platoon sergeant.

Continue to update and review the range card throughout occupation

of the position.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(2) Machine gun range card. The machine gun range

card consists of two parts: a sketch of the sectors of fire

and a data section that list data necessary to engage targets

during periods of limited visibility. The sketch depicts the

primary and secondary sectors of fire, the location of the

weapon, azimuths of the left and right limits and/or the final

protective line, target reference points, and any dead space.

A sample is shown in Figure 3-8.

Note: 

A reproducible copy of DA Form 5699-R is at

the back of this manual. For additional examples of

completed range cards and a reproducible copy of

DA Form 5517-R, see FM 7-8.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

b. 

Once the range cards are collected by the platoon

sergeant, they are used in constructing the sectors of fire

on the defense diagram. The result is a completed defense

diagram with all pertinent data for the platoon defense (Figure

3-9).

3-16

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

Section IV

CONDUCT OF THE DEFENSE

3-16. DEFENSE AGAINST ENEMY

ARMOR/MECHANIZED FORCE

a. 

If an enemy armor or mechanized force detects the battery

or its platoons, the enemy can be expected to take the

following actions:

(1) Tanks may assault in an attempt to breach or overrun

the firing battery positions.

(2) Threat assault vehicles will maneuver to good

standoff fighting positions to fire antitank guided missiles

(ATGMs), direct fire cannons, and crew-served machine

guns.

(3) These actions will be followed by a hasty mounted

or dismounted attack through the battery area.
b. The preferred defense against a armor or mechanized

ground attack is for the battery or platoon to move to a

position from which it can continue the fire support mission

(alternate position) without a direct confrontation with the

enemy. However, in some circumstances fighting an enemy

mechanized force may be unavoidable. Some combat-proven

rules for fighting mechanized forces are as follows:

(1) Separate the infantry from the tanks.
(2) Slow down the tanks. Use smoke mixed with HE

to obscure the enemy’s vision and keep tanks buttoned up.

(3) Canalize tanks into predetermined engagement areas

by using obstacles and fire support means.

(4) Use antitank weapons. (Rehearse tank-killer teams.)

Direct fire engagements must be controlled. The unit SOP

must address who controls the fires, how to control the fires,

and how to mass the direct fire assets. Units may consider

self-illumination during periods of limited visibility.

3-17. DEFENSE AGAINST AIR ATTACK

a. 

The primary way for an FA battery to survive when

the enemy has air parity or superiority is to be so well

concealed that an enemy cannot detect the battery as a target.

If the battery is detected and attacked, the key to survival

is dispersion and engaging attacking aircraft with a large

volume of fire. Immediate actions against air attack are as

follows:

(1) The warning signal for an imminent air attack is

given. (See paragraph 3-23).

(2) Every soldier takes cover and prepares to return

fire.

(3) All weapons in the battery are used to return fire

Accuracy is not as important as mass (see Figure 3-10).

(4) A lead equal to two football fields should be used

for fast-moving aircraft. A lead of one-half of a football

field is used for slow moving aircraft (helicopters).

(5) Ring-mounted machine guns (.50 caliber) are the

only organic air defense weapons in the battery. Primary

or supplementary positions selected by the battery should

be occupied by vehicles with ring-mounted weapons (M992)

to return fire.

(6) Stinger and/or Avenger teams from the division or

corps air defense battalion engage enemy aircraft. If available

these teams should be positioned to cover primary low-flight

avenues of approach into the battery area. Reference points

for engaging enemy aircraft should be planned and their

location disseminated throughout the unit. These can be

terrain features or TRPs established for ground defense. The

battalion S2 can aid in determining the likely enemy air

avenues of approach for defense planning purposes. The

reaction drill to counter an enemy air attack should be

rehearsed thoroughly.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(7) Antitank weapons are very effective against low

flying rotary-winged aircraft at short ranges.
b. 

Defense of convoys against air attack is as follows:

(1) Move the battery at night, on concealed routes, or

during periods of reduced visibility.

(2) Consider infiltration if there is a significant air threat.
(3) Post air guards for each vehicle, and assign sectors

of responsibility that permit massing small-arms fires.

(4) Immediate action against air attack is to disperse

vehicles. Everyone must return fire.

(5) Designated drivers must have strip maps to the

battalion station and alternate medical facilities in the area;

rehearse the plan.
c. 

For the employment of the Stinger and/or Avenger teams,

see FM 44-18 and FM 44-23-1.

3-18. DEFENSE AGAINST

DISMOUNTED ATTACK

a. 

Dismounted enemy elements will attack by use of the

following:

Ambushes.
Guerrilla-type attacks (normally not exceeding platoon

size and often conducted at night or in adverse weather).
A diversionary attack and then a main attack.
Dismounted infantry.

b. 

A properly equipped 10-man enemy combat patrol can

effectively neutralize a cannon battery that is weak in its

defense planning or execution. To keep this from happening,

the battery must do the following:

Fight the enemy outside the position.

Insure fighting positions provide interlocking sectors

of fire around the position.
Use an overwatch technique. One element will cover

the movement of another if defense personnel must

withdraw to alternate positions.
Chase the enemy with artillery fires when he is beaten

back. Do not dispatch forces to chase him.
Use mines, barbed wires, and other obstacles.
Plan Killer Junior on dismounted avenues of approach.

c. 

An additional defense against a ground attack (mounted

or dismounted) is for the battery or platoon to displace to

an alternate position.

3-19. DEFENSE IN OPERATIONS

OTHER THAN WAR (OOTW)

The battery could be involved in any number of possible

contingency missions, to include OOTW. This is particularly

true of artillery units that support light forces. The specifics

of battery defense in OOTW depend largely on the situation.

Also, they are largely determined by the equipment and

offensive capability of the threat. In most situations, the

threat consists of paramilitary or guerilla forces with

minimum heavy weapons, armor, or air support. The primary

ground threat to the battery is dismounted attacks by light

infantry or infiltration by sappers or saboteurs. In this

situation, the best defensive solution is consolidation of

battery elements into a strong defensive perimeter, often

called a fire base. For additional information on fire base

operations and OOTW, see paragraph F-9 and F-10.

3-20. DEFENSE AGAINST

INDIRECT FIRE

Counterfire continues to be the greatest threat facing the

artillery. Dispersion, hardening, and movement are

techniques used to survive the counterfire threat; but those

techniques should not be used in isolation.

a. 

Dispersion is the least expensive method in terms of

effort and time. Platoon installations, howitzers, fighting

positions, and so forth should be no closer than 50 meters

from each other, should not be on line, and should present

a deceptively larger element.

b. 

If the ground threat or the terrain makes wide dispersion

of the battery or platoon elements impractical, hardening

the position will greatly increase survivability. Fighting

positions with adequate overhead cover for crew-served

weapons and individual soldiers must be prepared and

continuously improved. Gun pits for towed howitzers, and

hull-defilade positions for self-propelled weapons

substantially increase the ability of the unit to survive and

continue the mission.

c. 

Unplanned movement to an alternate position denies the

maneuver force the amount of FA support it requires; it

may increase the number of casualties. The point is, do

not move unless your position is untenable.

3-18

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

3-21. DEFENSE AGAINST

NBC ATTACK

The BC must ensure that the unit SOPs give procedures for

dealing with NBC attacks. SOPs should cover chemical

and radiological survey teams, protective measures,

immediate action, decontamination, and reporting. Guidance

for the commander is provided in FM 3-100.

3-22. EQUIPMENT AND MATERIEL

DESTRUCTION PROCEDURES

The BC must ensure that the unit SOPs include the procedures

for the destruction of unit equipment and material. He

designates personnel to perform the destruction and ensure

that adequate emergency destruction (ED) material is

available. See DA Pamphlet 25-30, appropriate equipment

technical manuals, and STANAG 2113 for guidance in

preparing unit SOPs. The applicable details from STANAG

2113 are shown below.

EXTRACT

FROM STANAG 2113 (Edition 5)

DENIAL OF A UNIT’S MILITARY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TO AN ENEMY

AGREEMENT

2. Participating nations agree that:

a. An enemy should be denied use of military equipment and supplies of allied forces.
b. The denial to the enemy should, if possible, not preclude the later use by allied forces.
c. The destruction of military equipment and supplies will only be ordered when their falling into enemy hands cannot

be prevented; food and water may be destroyed or removed, but must not be polluted.

d. After commencement of hostilities, in a tactical emergency, and provided that forces have passed to NATO operational

command or control, a NATO commander may order the denial of a unit’s military equipment and supplies.

e. The denial of military equipment and supplies to prevent their use by the enemy is the responsibility of the user.

f. The provision of instruction and means for, and training in, the denial of military equipment and supplies is a national

responsibility.

g. For the purpose of this agreement, the denial will be accomplished by means of destruction, immobilization, removal

ard/or pollution. If possible, when multiple same type weapons systems or equipment are to be destroyed or immobilized,

identical components are to be destroyed or removed to prevent re-assembly of the weapon system or equipment

by the enemy.

DEFINITIONS
3. The following terms and definitions are used for the purpose of this agreement:

a. Denial. To prevent the enemy use of a units military equipment and supplies by means of destruction, removal or

pollution.

b. NATO Commander.

A military commander in the NATO chain of command (AAP-6).

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