READY FOR TODAY – EVOLVING FOR TOMORROW
Fig 4
ARRC ATTACK GUIDANCE MATRIX (AGM)
CAT
TARGET SYSTEMS
TGT EQPT
EFFECTS
1
2
3
4
C2
1
2
3
4
AD
1
2
3
4
FIRES
1
2
3
4
LOG
1
2
3
4
EW
1
2
3
4
MVR
ENGR
TSS
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Target Location Error
Minimum Tgt Size
Activity
Decay Time
ATACMS (U)
3
2
5
4
5
5
5
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
GMLRS (U)
2
2
4
3
4
4
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
NATO ATTACK SYSTEMS
CAS / AI
ARTY
4
5
1
2
3
4
4
3
1
2
3
4
1
3
1
2
3
4
2
5
1
2
3
4
1
3
1
2
3
4
2
3
1
2
3
4
2
3
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
ATK AVN
6
5
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
EW
1
1
6
6
6
6
6
Figure 4
achieve this requires practice and a
great deal of teamwork, involving Staff
from all Branches. The use of Avn to
conduct Deep Strikes adds real value in
an operation where resources such as
Air, EW and ISR are limited but it also
carries high risks where the A2AD threat
remains. Avn adds flexibility and a unique
solution to the normal targeting issues
accompanying the use of S2S fires.
Avn can find, fix and strike the enemy
(hard and fast), destroying hard and soft
targets while simultaneously passing
targeting data for strikes by Air and S2S
assets such as GMLRS and ATACMS.
Avn can also provide Battle Damage
Assessments (BDA) to inform the
intelligence process and the requirement
for re-attack. Using Avn has its risks
however, and the enemy has a vote. The
myriad of enemy Air Defence systems
spread throughout the battlespace have
to be bypassed, suppressed, neutralised
or destroyed to allow Avn freedom of
action and maintain crew and air frame
survivability. Hence the intricate planning
for such operations will invariably include
the requirement for an integrated Air,
Avn, S2S and EW package to support
an Avn deep strike. S2S engagements
where air superiority is not guaranteed
are no less complicated as they rely on
ISR assets (air and ground) to find, fix
and communicate accurate target co-
ordinates to the firing platform.
ISR
Organic ISR available to the Corps is
scarce and limited to those assets that
are packaged with Corps Troops (this
may include Radars (US Q series) and
UAVs (MQ-1 and RQ-7)). Additional ISR
will be bid for by the Corps ISR manager
and HQ ARRC’s requests will compete
with other formation requests for
resources. ISR support to targeting and
the TEP therefore cannot be guaranteed
and
innovative
backup
solutions
including the use of Non Traditional ISR 6
(NTISR) must be considered. Unless
it is accepted that some engagements
will take place unobserved, ISR in
all its forms, will be key in ensuring
successful S2S engagements, limiting
avoidable collateral damage, preserving
ammunition and providing BDA.
Rules Governing Fires
LOAC, ROE and the NATO equivalent
of the UK Targeting Directive together
with standing conventions such as the
Convention on Cluster Munitions and the
Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, provide
the rules which govern the way war is
conducted. They place both freedoms
and constraints on opposing forces but
not always in equal measure. As an
example, the Convention on Cluster
Munitions which applies to many NATO
countries may not apply to an opposing
force. In this case the convention restricts
the options available to HQ ARRC
when countering armoured formations.
Conversely, an advisory may have
the choice of using cluster munitions
(Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional
Munition (DPICM)) such as those used
most effectively in Ukraine in 2014.
Looking Forward
HQ
ARRC’s
Corps
recalibration
programme is gathering pace and is
creatively linked to a multitude of training
events and Conceptual Development
and Experimentation activities leading
into 2018 and beyond. AF17 and external
training support tasks such as Ex IRON
RESOLVE and Ex PEGASUS CLAW will
assist in furthering the HQs considerable
understanding and development of
their Corps warfighting role. For JFIB
and elements of the wider HQ, DF18’s
multinational, lethal fires-focused training
event will further enhance an already
enviable capability; while planned study
periods and Ex ARRCADE THOR will
consolidate lessons learned. Other areas
of development moving forward include
the USAREUR sponsored Theatre
Surface Fires Command (TSFC) and
the seeking out of new fires affiliations
to enhance HQ ARRC’s offensive and
defensive capabilities.
Application of Corps Deep
Fires at the ARRC
The integration of a CAB and FAB
within Corps Troops facilitates the
synchronisation of Air, EW, IO and ISR
of all types. The resulting effects unlock
the battlespace for the Commander and
provide him the freedom to manoeuvre; it
also denies the enemy the same freedom,
keeping him off balance and paralysed
to act. As the planned activities listed
above unfold (AF17, DF18), the Jt Fires
Staff grow in confidence, experience and
capability (illustrated by the flexible and
innovative approach taken to streamline
the D3A process). Furthermore, their
thorough understanding of TEAs and the
application of ROE should further reduce
engagement times. The formation of a
comprehensive TSFC will add a welcome
and significant capability. When coupled
with Corps troops it will increase the
lethality of S2S Fires within the European
theatre when it reaches Full Operating
Capability in 2025.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lt Col Tim Iddon is currently SO1 Fires
Co-Ord Current Ops in the Joint Fires
and Influence Branch at HQ Allied rapid
Reaction Corps.
ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS
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