ARRC Journal 2018 | Page 38

ARRC JOURNAL DELIVERING CORPS DEEP FIRES IN A HIGH TEMPO MULTINATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Lt Col Tim Iddon (GBR-A) Deep Fires within the land environment has been a hot topic since the re-emergence of the Division and Corps to pre-eminence in the warfighting order of battle (ORBAT). It is an emotive subject generating strong opinions from numerous interested parties and subject matter experts (SME). The complexity of the environment, the ever-changing character of conflict and the evolutionary cunning of potential foes, necessitate a constant re-evaluation of doctrine to ensure its relevance (especially in light of the continuing emergence of full-spectrum, multi domain weaponry and its gradual seepage down to the tactical level). Fig 1 In short, what constitutes the Deep Battle and the corresponding way in which Deep Fires are delivered will remain to some extent in a state of flux, requiring an agile and open approach by Staff Officers. The following quote from Maj Roy Sevalia’s (3rd US Army) article Fighting Deep with Joint Fires, will set the scene and help frame this article firmly within a high- intensity war fighting scenario. Corps Deep Battlespace Corps Left Bdry XXX Corps Right Bdry FSCL Corps Deep Fires Plan, Refine and Execute IADS En Reserve IADS Log Node Div HQ Avn TBM MBRLs XXX Corps AMA or ARA primary and alternative HIMARS or MLRS AH Figure 1 38 XX Div Fwd Bdry Corps CFL Corps Fires Support the Rear XX FLOT ‘It is imperative that we strike fast, deep and often to dictate our will upon the enemy. We must own the enemy decision cycle by attacking him through the depth of the battlefield ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS 15 km 280 km