MCRP 12-10B.1, page 114

Chapter 4 Combat Support Combat support units provide critical combat functions in conjunction with combat arms units to secure victory (MCRP 5-2A). 4001. Introduction. Success against a determined enemy is achieved in part by generating decisive combat power through the application of combined arms. This is especially true in MOUT. The MAGTF commander must effectively integrate all the capabilities of the command element (CE), GCE, ACE, and CSSE to win the battle in the shortest amount of time with the fewest casualties. The MOUT environment requires special considerations pertaining to combat support forces and capabilities. Section I Fire Support 4101. Indirect and Direct Fire Support a. General. MOUT operations present unique fire support considerations. On urbanized terrain, buildings provide excellent cover and concealment to the enemy while limiting friendly observation and targeting efforts. Targets are generally exposed for brief periods of time and are often in close proximity to friendly forces. Observers will experience difficulty in finding OPs with adequate fields of observation. Terrain masking by tall buildings may restrict the delivery of indirect fires. Collateral damage and rubble effects must be considered during ammunition selection. The importance of effective communications, ROE, control measures, and procedures to prevent fratricide is magnified. b. Offensive Support. In the offense, fire support plans should include fires to isolate the objective area, support the assault, and support the clearing action. Fires are delivered to isolate and fix the enemy and deny him/her the use of avenues of approach into and out of the built-up area. Most fires are normally planned and executed at the GCE or higher echelons. Fires are employed to rupture the enemy’s established defenses and screen friendly maneuver, in order to maintain the momentum of the attack. Fire support is also allocated to units involved in clearing operations. Fire support plans should incorporate the employment of aerial observers and UAVs to compensate for restrictions to observation and to assist in the delivery of deep fires. Procedures for designating the forward line of own troops (FLOT), marking targets, shifting fires, and communicating in the urban environment should also be considered. c. Defensive Support. In the defense, fire support plans address fires to disrupt and slow the enemy attack. Fires are delivered at maximum ranges along avenues of approach to separate 4-1