Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Battery. As previously mentioned, the
MLRS battery is one of the major units of the DIVARTY.
It is one of the
most significant additions to the Army of Excellence structure.
This
weapons system tremendously enhances the tactical commander's ability to
influence actions on the AirLand Battlefield.
It provides division
commanders with a 30-km-plus capability for striking deep and concentrating
fires.
The MLRS battery will normally function in a general support or general
support-reinforcing role.
The primary missions will be large-area "slow"
targets, and in particular, counter fire.
The system consists of nine
launchers organized into three firing platoons.
The 155-mm SP Battalion.
The 155-mm SP battalion is the backbone of the
division artillery. The FA battalion is the basic organization in the heavy
DIVARTY. All of the elements needed to support a combined arms brigade with
fire are with a battalion.
The cannon artillery of the heavy division
consists of the battalions of 155-mm self-propelled (SP) howitzers.
The
three 155-mm SP battalions normally provide habitual support for the
brigades. The 8-in SP battalion has been moved to corps artillery and is no
longer organic to the division.
It is important to note that this
reorganization illustrates the impact of AirLand Battle doctrine on
artillery.
As you recall, the FA battalion is one of the major units of the DIVARTY.
Each FA battalion has a headquarters and headquarters battery (company). It
also has a service battery and three firing batteries. Another major unit
is the HHB.
It provides command and control, liaison with maneuver
elements, and signal and survey (target acquisition) capabilities.
The
service battery provides ammunition trains, maintenance, and supply
capabilities.
The firing batteries provide gun teams, artillery pieces,
fire direction, and internal supply transportation and maintenance support.
Other Equipment. There are also other important items of equipment in the
heavy division.
These pieces of equipment come from other than ground
maneuver battalions.
We will discuss the Vulcan, the Chaparral system,
AVLBs, and attack helicopters.
The Vulcan, 12-ton SP, M163. The 20-mm air defense gun system is mounted on
a full-tracked M741 carrier (modified M113A2 APC). It is found in the ADA
battalion of the heavy division.
The Vulcan is normally deployed as a
platoon in support of a brigade during combat operations.
The Chaparral, Guided Missile Carrier ADA SP.
Like the Vulcan, the
Chaparral system is also found in the ADA battalion of the heavy division.
It is a self-propelled, short-range air defense guided missile system. It
is used to counter the low-altitude threat. The Chaparral cannot be fired
while the carrier is moving. Therefore, it is not normally used with lead
elements during combat operations.
32
IS7003
Previous Page
