Response to "Why Do We have 20th Century FSCM for a 21st Century Force?"--current FSCM are relevant.

Colonel Gerald L. Smith's article "Why Do We have 20th Century FSCM for a 21st Century Force?" in this edition highlights a need for the Marine Corps to evolve its definitions and use of fire support coordinating measures (FSCM). He outlines a current gap in the Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 3-16 Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element's (MCWP 3-16's) definitions of FSCM. Finally, Colonel Smith suggests that we realign our thinking on FSCM.

We concur with Colonel Smith that there is a lack of debate/discussion of FSCM. We also acknowledge that there are irregularities in the MCWP 3-16 and its definitions of FSCM, and we do not desire to reflexively defend the status quo. We believe, though, that the intent of the FSCM remains the same: facilitate the attack of targets and safeguard friendly personnel.

The solution is either to adopt the Field Manual 6-20-20 Tactics. Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) for Fire Support at Battalion Task Force and Below's (FM 6-20-20's) definitions, which we believe are user friendly, or direct a formal review of MCWP 3-16. For example, FM 6-20-20 defines the purpose of a fire support coordination line (FSCL) to "... allow the corps and its subordinate and supporting units to expeditiously attack targets of opportunity beyond the FSCL." (Page 1-19) FM 6-20-20 goes on to say the attack of targets beyond the FSCL should be coordinated, but it still does not preclude the attack of targets beyond the FSCL (Page 1-19).

MCWP 3-16 defines the purpose of the FSCL the same; however, it goes on to say units attacking beyond the FSCL must inform affected commanders. "In exceptional circumstances, the inability to conduct the coordination will not preclude the attack of targets beyond the FSCL. However, failure to do so may increase the risk of fratricide ..." (Page B-2). This vague description leaves a question. Do we have to coordinate fires beyond the FSCL?

Although Colonel Smith does not purport to have the complete answer, he does suggest some new FSCM. Our solution to the perceived FSCM problem differs from his. A major reason FSCM are perceived as out-of-date is because fire supporters and fire support coordinators are not applying them and (or) understanding them correctly. It is our job as artillerymen to train our supported units and sell them on FSCM's applicability.

We believe that Colonel Smith's solutions merely change the name of existing FSCM. For instance, he conceived a dynamic fire support area (DFSA) that "... opens a three-dimensional block of space at a specific time to facilitate at tack." This is really just a free-fire area (FFA) that "... is a specific designated area into which any weapon system may fire without additional coordination with the establishing headquarters" (FM 6-20-20, Page 1-19).

In another example, Colonel Smith uses an immediate clearance area (ICA) that "... involves pre-planned weapons and targets pairing against critical vulnerabilities ..." We argue that this concept is more restrictive than our current FSCM because it does not allow the flexibility to change assets and/or engage targets at a different time. Additionally, in the time it would take to promulgate the new ICA, the maneuver unit could have cleared the mission on an individual basis.

New technologies and types of warfare (the "three-block war") do not affect FSCM. The FSCM's definitions are designed to transcend technological advances so we don't have to change the FSCM all the time. If anything, new technologies should make it easier to attack targets safely.

In the September-October 2002 edition, the article "Afghanistan: Joint and Coalition Fire Support in Operation Anaconda" by Lieutenant Colonel Christopher F. Bentley highlighted that, used correctly, FSCM facilitated the attack of targets in what he called a "nonlinear environment."

It is never a bad idea to ask ourselves, "Why?" and we respect Colonel Smith for bringing the issue forward and sharing his ideas with the FA community. However, based on the discussion and operational example above, we believe our FSCM are current and relevant on today's nonlinear battlefields.

Capt Travis R. Kundel, USMC

Capt Tonio D. DeSorrento, USMC

Fire Support Instructors,

FA Officer's Basic Course

Fort Sill, OK