The Fire Support Coordination Line: Is It Time to Reconsider Our Doctrine?
Abstract
This study investigates use of the Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL) in VII Corps during Operation Desert Storm. The FSCL was considered a restrictive fire control measure by VII Corps due to the requirement to clear surface-to-surface fires beyond the FSCL with the Air Force. the area Doctrinally, the FSCL is a permissive fire control measure which opens beyond the FSCL to all fires without clearance from subordinate, supporting or adjacent units. The supporting air component should be informed of surface-to-surface fires delivered beyond the FSCL. This study explains the use of the FSCL as a restrictive measure and explores the Corps deep battle relative to theater operational considerations. This study concludes that the current doctrinal FSCL definition is not valid within the context of joint operations. On a nonlinear battlefield characterized by ground attack systems that will engage targets in an area previously accessible only to aircraft delivered munitions, coordination must occur between the ground and air component for delivery of fires beyond the FSCL.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255062
Entities
People
- David H. Iii Zook
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College