Fires can be called on and adjusted from these points much more
quickly and with greater accuracy than unplanned fires. Furthermore,
you must coordinate the--
types of ammunition to be fired under various conditions.
number of rounds to be fired at a given target.
types of targets which warrant fire missions.
If the artillery unit cannot provide support along the entire route,
note their range limitations on the map. Also, coordinate the actual
calls for fire missions and adjustment of fires and ensure that
convoy personnel rehearse them.
The artillery officer is the
authority on fire support and is capable of planning available
artillery resources to the convoy's best advantage. Another element
of fire support which you should plan is the use of gunships and ARA.
Through coordination, gunships and ARA can be either on alert status
or overhead while the convoy is en route. In either situation, you
must ensure that their radio frequencies are known to convoy and
security radio operators and control personnel.
All communications
and control personnel should be trained to call for and adjust
artillery fire.
There are several ways to communicate within a convoy.
These include
the following:
Visual signals. Visual signals may involve using arm-and-hand
(see Figure 3-5), flashlight, flag, headlight, or pyrotechnic
signals. Don't forget, training is required when using visual
signals. Everyone must know what they mean.
Sound signals. Sound (audio) signals may include the use of
whistles, horns, and verbal messages. Aircraft are sometimes
equipped with loudspeakers so that instructions can be given
from overhead.
Radio.
Radio is the best way to communicate during a road
march; however, there are two things to consider when using
radios. First, truck units have only a few radios and their
range is limited.
Second, radios are not often used under
combat conditions.
This is because radio signals can be
intercepted by the enemy.
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TR1009
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