MAGAZINE
SPRING 2019
LANDCOM ´ S JOINT FIRES AND TARGETING STRATEGY :
DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS FIT-FOR-PURPOSE
By Lt . Col . Brian Newell ( USA ), LANDCOM G3 Fires .
In today ’ s complex , dynamic , and uncertain security environment , near peer threats and potential state-based peer adversaries are flexing their muscles and executing hybrid activities across multiple domains below the threshold of war . While terrorism remains present , interstate strategic competition is the primary concern and pacing threat for which NATO must prepare to ensure nations ’ collective defense in preservation of our shared values . Potential peer and near-peer adversaries invested significant energy and resources to prevent us from getting close , with an extended , layered defense across all domains to create stand-off . Potential adversaries are also actively operating in multiple domains through hybrid warfare as demonstrated in recent years .
In response , NATO Command Structure Adaptation ( NCS-A ) significantly improves NATO ’ s ability to address these existing and emerging threats and challenges in an evolving security environment . In particular , the establishment of the Joint Effects function in NATO under NCS-A is bringing critical enhancement to NATO ’ s ability to deliver effects . Key to success under this new construct is the development of a Joint Fires and Targeting discipline fit-for-purpose and capable of meeting nations ’ requirements with the ability to integrate , synchronize and execute lethal and non-lethal capabilities to achieve effects . To this end , Allied Land Command ( LANDCOM ) created an initiative , at the direction of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
( SHAPE ), to develop a Joint Fires and Targeting Strategy aimed at improving Joint Fires and Targeting within NATO through the lens of NCS-A .
LANDCOM ’ s Joint Fires and Targeting Strategy is a programmatic , federated approach within NATO through contributions from the NCS and NATO Force Structure ( NFS ) Headquarters to increase readiness and warfighting capability in Joint Fires and Targeting by : improving processes , training and education , doctrine and policy , interoperability , organizational structure , as well as , building capability and capacity to deter and defend . The process began in May 2018 at the annual LANDCOM Joint Fires and Targeting Seminar where
A Belgian artillery crew uses their firing procedures to fire a LG Giat 105-mm gun during live fire training at the Rena Firing Range , Norway on Oct . 26 , 2018 . The unit is part of NATO ’ s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force , which is deployed to Norway for Trident Juncture 2018 . NATO ’ s Trident Juncture 2018 is the largest military exercise ever held in Norway . During October and November , approximately 50,000 personnel , 10,000 vehicles , 250 aircraft and 65 vessels from 31 NATO and partner nations are in Norway for Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 . The exercise demonstrates NATO ’ s commitment to the collective defense of the Alliance . ( NATO photo by Belgian Army Cpl . Sedeyn Ritchie , Belgian Combat Camera .)
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