ACQUISITION PROCESS ENGAGEMENT DECISION Master Gunner Course

MASTER GUNNER COURSE TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE: IDENTIFY AND DEFINE ALL STEPS REQUIRED FOR THE ACQUISITION PROCESS AND ENGAGEMENT DECISION AS PART OF THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS CONDITIONS: GIVEN A FM , CALCULATOR, AND WRITING EQUIPMENT IN A CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT STANDARDS: WITHIN ONE HOUR, THE STUDENT MUST SCORE 80% OR BETTER, ON A CLOSED BOOK 20 QUESTION EXAMINATION TO RECEIVE A PASSING SCORE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: NONE RISK ASSESMENT LEVEL: LOW ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: NONE EVALUATION: UPON COMPLETION OF THIS SESSION YOU’LL BE EVALUATED WITH A WRITTEN EXAMINATION IAW FM YOU MUST RECEIVE A MININUM OF 80% TO GET A GO. LEAD-IN: DURING THE LAST LESSON, YOU WERE TAUGHT HOW TO SAFE TARGETS. DURING THIS LESSON, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT THE AQCUISITION PROCESS.

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: Identify and define the different search techniques. CONDITIONS: Given a classroom, writing instrument, paper and FM STANDARDS: The student must correctly list and define the different search techniques.

The acquisition process is a series of progressive and interdependent steps (or actions): detection, location, identification. Crew and Squad Search/Detect -Ground search -Air search Locate -Target direction -Target range Target Identification -Classify -Identify -Discriminate ACQUISITION PROCESS

TARGET SEARCH PROCESSACQUISITION Crew and squad search (observation) is the act of carefully watching designated areas. Sectors of observation are assigned by the BC to each crew member and fire team member for target acquisition.

RAPID SCAN--- is usually the first method used, moving or not ---quickly detect obvious signs of enemy activity note: scan starting from center sector, from near to far - Optics or the naked eye may be used CREW AND SQUAD TARGET SEARCH TECHNIQUES GROUND SEARCH TECHNIQUES: PROCESSACQUISITION

RAPID SCAN PROCESSACQUISITION

SLOW(50meter)SCAN--- If no targets are detected in rapid scan crew and squad members conduct a more deliberate search. Slow scan follows the rapid scan, and is a more deliberate scan of the terrain. --- optics are always used for this technique ( ISU, Bino’s) note: scan starts from left to right overlapping the first scanned area in 50 meter increments best used when in a defensive position or from a short halt CREW AND SQUAD TARGET SEARCH TECHNIQUES GROUND SEARCH TECHNIQUES: PROCESSACQUISITION

PROCESSACQUISITION SLOW(50meter)SCAN

DETAILED SEARCH---is the third search technique when no targets have been detected during the rapid and slow (50meter) scan ---the crew concentrates on one specific area or location and studies that area intensely. ---they look for direct and indirect target signatures in a clockwise manner around the focal point of the sector PROCESSACQUISITION GROUND SEARCH TECHNIQUES: CREW AND SQUAD TARGET SEARCH TECHNIQUES

DETAILED SEARCH PROCESSACQUISITION

OFF-CENTER VISION METHOD--- this is the fourth method used --- at night without optics ---the squad members move their eyes in short abrupt and irregular movements ---to prevent fade out, they move their eyes frequently PROCESSACQUISITION GROUND SEARCH TECHNIQUES: CREW AND SQUAD TARGET SEARCH TECHNIQUES

CREW AND SQUAD TARGET SEARCH TECHNIQUES AIR SEARCH TECHNIQUES: FLAT TERRAIN SCAN -Crews search the horizon using short movements from object to object more detail is seen this way than with a continuous scan of the horizon HILLY TERRAIN SCAN -Crews search the sky beginning just below the horizon and move upward. Crews use prominent terrain features to ensure overlapping search areas PROCESSACQUISITION NOTE: When conducting ground search, crews search near to far. When conducting air search, crews search far to near.

AIR SEARCH TECHNIQUES: CREW AND SQUAD TARGET SEARCH TECHNIQUES PROCESSACQUISITION

SEARCH TIPS 1.Initial scanning done without optics *All squad members should scan different areas 2.Continuous search *Any targets missed on the first scan may be seen in subsequent scans of the sector 3.Sectors of observation *All squad members must look for targets within their assigned sectors 4.Scanning on the move *The Gunner should use the rapid scan method PROCESSACQUISITION

SEARCH TIPS 5.Turret optics adjustments *Gunner should adjust the reticle brightness, dome lights should be off, panel light dimmer should be adjusted. This aids the acquisition process. 6.BC’s sight extension *The BC’s sight extension should be covered when not in use. 7.NBC operations The crew members’ fields of view are narrowed While wearing protective masks, scanning must be continuous. PROCESSACQUISITION

SEARCH TIPS 8.Areas to search *The crew must search in areas where targets are most likely to appear. PROCESSACQUISITION

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: Explain the elements of target detection. CONDITIONS: Given a classroom, writing instrument, paper and FM STANDARDS: The student must correctly explain the elements of target detection.

TARGET DETECTION Target detection is the discovery of any target such as personnel, vehicles, equipment, or objects of potential military significance on the battlefield. Target detection occurs during crew search. PROCESSACQUISITION

TARGET SIGNATURES Target signatures are indicators or clues that aid an observer in detecting potential targets. The six signature types are. Soldier signatures Tracked vehicle signatures Antitank signatures Artillery signatures Aircraft signatures Obstacle and mine signatures PROCESSACQUISITION

PROCESSACQUISITION TARGET SIGNATURES SOLDIER SIGNATURES -FOX HOLES -BROKEN VEGETATION -FOOTPRINTS(weather conditions permitting) -NEW / OLD FIRES -TRASH -SMALL-ARMS WEAPONS NOISE AND FLASH

TRACKED VEHICLE SIGNATURES -VEHICLE TRACKS ON THE GROUND -USING THERMAL SIGHTS -ENGINE NOISE -EXHAUST PLUME AND SMOKE -DUST CLOUDS FROM MOVEMENT -DISTURBED AREAS OF VEGETATION -WEAPON’S FIRING REPORT/ SMOKE FROM WEAPON -A BRIGHT FLASH AT NIGHT -OPEN HATCH SILHOUETTES PROCESSACQUISITION TARGET SIGNATURES

ANTI-TANK SIGNATURES -SHARP CRACK OF THE ATGM BEING FIRED -MISSILE LAUNCH”SWISH” SOUND -FAST TRAVELING HOT SPOT WITH A VAPOR TRAIL -LONG, THIN WIRES FROM FIRED ATGMS -DESTROYED ARMORED VEHICLES PROCESSACQUISITION TARGET SIGNATURES

ARTILLERY SIGNATURES -LOUD, DULL SOUNDS -GRAYISH-WHITE SMOKE CLOUD -BRIGHT, ORANGE FLASH AND BLACK SMOKE FROM AIRBURSTS -RUSHING NOISE SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE ROUND IMPACTS. *SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY HAVE THE SAME THERMAL INFRARED SIGNATURE AS TRACKED VEHICLES *TOWED ARTILLERY SIGNATURES VARY ACCORDING TO THE TOWING VEHICLE PROCESSACQUISITION TARGET SIGNATURES

AIRCRAFT SIGNATURES -GLARE OF THE SUN REFLECTING OFF AIRCRAFT CANOPIES WINGS,WINDOWS AND ROTOR BLADES OF HELICOPTERS -AIRCRAFT ENGINE NOISE -VAPOR TRAILS FROM ENGINE EXHAUST AND FIRED MISSILES -DUST AND MOVEMENT OF FOLIAGE FROM HOVERING HELICOPTERS PROCESSACQUISITION TARGET SIGNATURES

OBSTACLES AND MINE SIGNATURES -LOOSE OR DISTURBED DIRT IN A REGULAR PATTERN -A DESTROYED OR DISABLED VEHICLE THAT APPEARS TO HAVE STRUCK A MINE -TANK DITCH/WIRE OBSTACLE PROCESSACQUISITION TARGET SIGNATURES

DETECTION CHALLENGES Peripheral targets Targets that are camouflaged or in shadows Targets that can be heard but not seen Targets under less than ideal indirect illumination Mirage effects caused by high temperatures and heat waves near the ground Small, single targets such as lone, dismounted ATGM or RPG positions Natural or man-made obstacles Behavioral or physical deficiencies (Fatigue) PROCESSACQUISITION

THERMAL SIGHTS 5 Sources of heat: Solar heat Fuel combustion Body heat Friction Thermal reflections PROCESSACQUISITION

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: List the target location methods CONDITIONS: Given a classroom, writing instrument, paper and FM STANDARDS: The student must correctly list the target location methods.

TARGET LOCATION Target location is the determination of where a target is on the battlefield. Locating a target occurs as a result of observation and detection during crew search. PROCESSACQUISITION

TARGET DIRECTION Sector method Traverse method Reference point method Grid method (Least desired) PROCESSACQUISITION Clock method

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: Define the two range estimation techniques. CONDITIONS: Given a classroom, writing instrument, paper and FM STANDRDS: The student must correctly define the two range estimation techniques.

At times, because of the tactical situation, the BC or gunner may have to estimate range. These methods are used ONLY to estimate range. The two methods are: RANGE ESTIMATION PROCESSACQUISITION 100 meter unit-of-measure method -Visualizes 100 meter increments on the ground. For ranges greater than 500 meters the crew member selects a point halfway to the object determines the number of increments to the halfway point and then doubles the range.

RANGE ESTIMATION PROCESSACQUISITION Flash to bang method -Multiply number of seconds from flash to bang by 350 meters EXAMPLE: Two seconds between flash and bang 2 x 350 = 700

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: List the methods of range determination. CONDITIONS: Given a classroom, writing instrument, paper and FM STANDARDS: The student must correctly list the methods of range determination.

RANGE DETERMINATION Range determination significantly affects target engagement. Errors in range determination (over/short of the target) cause more first round misses than errors in deflection (left/right of the target). WHY IS THAT? PROCESSACQUISITION

RANGE DETERMINATION METHODS BRADLEY COMMANDER: Binoculars (mil-relation formula) Reference materials (maps, range card) ISU (horizontal ranging stadia, lead lines) Laser range finder (AN/GVS-5) Bradley eye-safe laser range finder (BELRF) M1 laser range finder PROCESSACQUISITION

GUNNER: ISU reticle lead lines ISU horizontal ranging stadia Auxiliary sight Range card Bradley eye-safe laser range finder (BELRF) RANGE DETERMINATION METHODS PROCESSACQUISITION

BINOCULARS PROCESSACQUISITION Range determination using binoculars

THE BMP MEASURED AT 6 MILS FLANK READING = 6.75m W=R x 1000 M THE BMP MEASURED AT 8 MILS (843) 800 meters THE BMP2 MEASURED AT 10 MILS (675) 700 meters (1125) 1100 meters PROCESSACQUISITION MIL-RELATION (WORM) FORMULA *NOTE ENSURE YOU ROUND TO THE NEAREST TENTH EXAMPLE:.35=.40 /.34=.30

THE BMP MEASURED AT 6 MILS FLANK READING = 6.75m W=R x 1000 M THE BMP MEASURED AT 8 MILS (843) 800 meters THE BMP2 MEASURED AT 10 MILS (675) 700 meters (1125) 1100 meters PROCESSACQUISITION MIL-RELATION (WORM) FORMULA

THE BMP MEASURED AT 6 MILS FRONTAL READING =3.1m W=R x 1000 M 500 meters THE BMP MEASURED AT 3 MILS 1000 meters THE BMP2 MEASURED AT 2 MILS 1600 meters PROCESSACQUISITION MIL-RELATION (WORM) FORMULA

FRONT AND FLANK TARGET VIEWS PROCESSACQUISITION

25mm sight reticle ISU RETICLE PROCESSACQUISITION

LEAD LINES PROCESSACQUISITION

LEAD LINES PROCESSACQUISITION

TOW MAXIMUM ENGAGEMENT RANGE PROCESSACQUISITION Estimate TOW maximum engagement range *IF TARGET HULL AND TURRET FILLS ¾ OR.75 MILS OR LESS OF THE RETICLE IT IS UNENGAGABLE (BEYOND 3750M)

TOW MAXIMUM ENGAGEMENT RANGE PROCESSACQUISITION Estimate TOW maximum engagement range *IF TARGET HULL IS EQUAL TO OR SMALLER THAN THE 2 MIL STADIA LINE IN THE ISU IT IS UNENGAGABLE (BEYOND 3750M)

HORIZONTAL RANGING STADIA PROCESSACQUISITION * THE ISU CHOKE SIGHT IS USED BY MOVING THE TOP AND BOTTOM STADIA LINES ALONG THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE TRACKS OF THE VEHICLE ARE ON THE BOTTOM STADIA LINE AND THE HULL OF THE VEHICLE (NOT THE TURRET) IS ON THE TOP STADIA LINE THE RANGE IS THEN READ FROM THE TOP STADIA LINE.

HORIZONTAL RANGING STADIA PROCESSACQUISITION *USING THE ISU TO CHOKE THE TURRET OF A VEHICLE FOLLOWS THE SAME STEPS AS CHOKING THE HULL WITH ONE EXCEPTION, THE RANGE IS DIVIDED IN HALF (THIS VEHICLE IS APPROX 1250M.

AUXILIARY SIGHT PROCESSACQUISITION THE AUX SIGHT HAS TWO RANGE SCALES: THE HE SCALE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AUX SITE IS REPRESENTED BY BROKEN LINES AND EXTENDS TO 3200M THE AP SCALE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE AUX SITE IS REPRESENTED BY SOLID LINES AND EXTENDS TO 3400M THE CREW MEMBER MUST CHOKE THE VEHICLE IN THE AUX SITE USING THE BROKEN (HE) OR SOLID (AP) STADIA LINES AND READ THE RANGE FROM THE APPROPRIATE AMMUNITION *NOTE WHEN USING THE COAX THE HE SIDE IS UTILIZED

AUXILIARY SIGHT FLANK VIEW BMP AT 1400M PROCESSACQUISITION

AUXILIARY SIGHT HE FLANK VIEW TRUCK AT 1200M OUTSIDE/BROKEN STADIA LINES ARE USED TO CHOKE IN THE TARGET PROCESSACQUISITION

AUXILIARY SIGHT (FRONTAL) PROCESSACQUISITION TO DETERMINE THE RANGE TO A FRONTAL TARGET USING THE AUX SITE THE HALF STADIA METHOD IS USED. ALIGN THE VERTICAL RANGING LINES WITH ONE SIDE OF THE TARGET AND ALIGN THE APPROPRIATE AMMUNITION STADIA LINE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TARGET.

AUXILIARY SIGHT AP FRONTAL VIEW BMP AT 1400M PROCESSACQUISITION

BRADLEY EYESAFE LASER RANGE FINDER Determines target ranges from 200 to 9990 meters to within 5 meters Laser ranging must be performed in the gun mode and cannot be used with the TOW selected (select either AP or HE SS, LO, HI or Coax). Range data can be manually overridden by turning the range control knob to a selected range. PROCESSACQUISITION

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: Define the three steps in target identification. CONDITIONS: Given a classroom, writing instrument, paper, and FM STANDARDS: The student must correctly define the three steps in target identification.

TARGET IDENTIFICATION Target identification is the recognition of a potential target by type. This identification must determine the target as friendly or enemy. Target identification consists of: PROCESSACQUISITION Classification Description Discrimination

CLASSIFICATION Classification is the process of categorizing targets by types (truck, tank, IFV). Soldiers quickly scan the targets key recognition features, and then categorize it accordingly. Classification is the first step toward identification. PROCESSACQUISITION

IDENTIFICATION Once a target has been classified, it must be identified. Identification is the positive determination of a target by nomenclature or series (T-80, Scorpion series). Note: Identification does not determine whether or not a target is friendly or threat. PROCESSACQUISITION

DISCRIMINATION PROCESSACQUISITION Discrimination is the determination that a target is either friend or threat. Although Russian equipment has been sold in large numbers world wide, soldiers could find themselves facing British, French, and American made equipment. It is critical that soldiers identify and discriminate a target before pulling the trigger. Some tools and techniques available to soldiers to assist in target discrimination are: Combat identification panel (Battle board) Battlefield Combat Identification System (BCIS) Unit markings (VS-17 panel, chem lights, unit symbols)

CHECK LEARNING What is the Acquisition Process? Series of progressive and interdependent steps or actions: detection, location, identification How many ground search techniques are there? And name them. Rapid scan, slow(50meter)scan, deliberate search, off-center vision method PROCESSACQUISITION What are the two types of crew and squad target search techniques? Ground search techniques and air search techniques.

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE ACTION: Identify and define the steps in the engagement decision process. CONDITIONS: Given a classroom, writing instrument, paper, and FM STANDARDS: The student must correctly identify and define the steps in the engagement decision process.

Target determination Weapon / Ammunition selection Target confirmation The engagement decision process is a series of progressive and interdependent steps (or actions): ENGAGEMENT DECISION

TARGET DETERMINATION Targets are categorized by the threat level that they represent. To defeat multiple targets, the most dangerous targets must be engaged first. DECISIONENGAGEMENT

TARGET THREAT LEVELS MOST DANGEROUS : Enemy target with armor defeating capabilities, that appears to be preparing to engage you. DANGEROUS : Enemy target with armor defeating capabilities that is not preparing to engage you. LEAST DANGEROUS : Enemy target that does not have an armor defeating capability. DECISIONENGAGEMENT

DETERMINING FACTORS When multiple targets of the same threat level are encountered, the targets must be prioritized according to the threat they represent. Factors used to determine this are: Engage close-range targets before long-range targets. Engage stationary targets before moving targets. Engage frontal targets before flank or rear targets. DECISIONENGAGEMENT

WEAPON / AMMUNITION SELECTION The logical selection of a weapon or ammunition that is appropriate for a given target. DECISIONENGAGEMENT

TARGET CONFIRMATION The rapid verification of the initial identification and discrimination of the target. * The Bradley Commander is solely responsible for target confirmation. DECISIONENGAGEMENT