Fire Support Handbook: Train the Force - National Training Center Operations Group - Intelligence and Targeting, Rehearsals, Target Acquisition, Close Air Support, Crater Analysis, Field Artillery

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this is a reproduction of an important military handbook from the U.S. Department of Defense Operations Group National Training Center, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, Center for Army Lessons Learned, titled Fire Support Handbook.

Contents: Chapter 1 - Brigade Combat Team Fire Support Personnel: Duties and Responsibilities * Chapter 2 - Fire Support Planning * Chapter 3 - Intelligence/Targeting * Chapter 4 - Fire Support Products * Chapter 5 - Fire Support Coordination Measures * Chapter 6 - Rehearsals * Chapter 7 - Target Acquisition * Chapter 8 - U.S. Indirect Fire Systems * Chapter 9 - Close Air Support * Chapter 10 - Crater Analysis * Appendix A - Example Annex D (Fires) to Operation Order XX-XX * Appendix B - Checklists * Appendix C - Field Artillery References * Appendix D - Glossary * Appendix E - References

Nobody can perfectly predict the future, but as we look toward future battlefields, one thing remains constant: the ability to combine arms at the lowest levels is of the utmost importance. No one branch or capability will serve as panacea for all battlefield challenges, but efforts are inextricably linked to one another, just as they always have been. We depend on each other to accomplish the mission.

Fires and movement, by definition, combine to create true maneuver at the lowest echelons. When we employ forces through movement in combination with fires to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy, we are creating forward momentum on the battlefield. Often, the ability to integrate fires effectively becomes the lynchpin for a successful operation at the National Training Center (NTC). Maintaining a lethal, ready force demands that we continue to effectively train and integrate fires into all operations. In World War I, artillery killed more than small arms. In World War II, General Eisenhower stated, "The speed, accuracy, and devastating power of American artillery won confidence and admiration from the troops it supported, and inspired fear and respect in their enemy." Although the characteristics of the modern battlefield may have morphed, the true nature of war today is no different. Our ability to affect change in the enemy's behavior from a distance, and to enable movement to a position of advantage, will shape future engagements.