Operational Fires

The author derives a definition of Operational Fires as fires which have a decisive impact on a campaign or major operation. They are integrated with maneuver at the operational level and usually serve one or more of three purposes. They overwhelm the enemy at critical points facilitating operational maneuver they interdict enemy forces that have not yet joined the tactical fight or they destroy critical facilities or functions that will adversely affect the enemys campaign plan. Field manual 100-5, the manual for AirLand Battle doctrine, defines three levels of war--strategic, operational and tactical--and describes how our forces will fight at the operational and tactical levels. This paper reviews the current doctrinal literature on operational fires and presents a historical examination of US and Soviet use of operational fires. Historical precedents show a US dependence in recent years on airpower to provide operational fires, and the resultant implementation of a tactical air control system to plan, coordinate, and deliver these fires. Technological innovations such as more accurate, longer range tactical missiles, improved target acquisition systems, and new multirole aircraft create a requirement to reexamine the existing system. This analysis highlights the increased role of the ground commander in the delivery of operational fires and offers a recommendation to ensure better coordination between operational maneuver and fires. Fire support.