Organizational Structure New Concept for the Czech Artillery

Organizational Structure New Concept for the Czech Artillery MARTIN BLAHA, MILAN KALINA, LADISLAV POTUŽÁK Department of Fire Support Control University of Defence Kounicova 65, 662 10 Brno CZECH REPUBLIC mmarkus@seznam.cz Abstract: This paper is focused on organization structure new concept for the Czech Artillery. Artillery units of the Army of the Czech Republic, reflecting current global security neighborhood, can be used outside the Czech Republic. The paper presents problems in developing organizational structures in terms of acquisition of a new automated fire support control system. The paper presents problems of current Artillery communication and information system and suggests new concept for the future system. Key-Words: - artillery units, fire support, automated command and control system, artillery brigade, organizational structure 1 Introduction The organizational structure of any combat team and/or task force is design to tailor their capabilities to the mission given. As a matter of fact, as many missions as many different combat teams (task forces) could be built up. The same variability is applicable for composition of any artillery (arty) element for their direct fire support. Thus, taken into account the very limited artillery of the Army of the Czech Republic we have been facing the challenge to come up with a flexible peace-time organization of artillery formations, which could ensure both the provision of suitable arty elements for one or more different combat teams (task forces) concurrently and the preservation of operational status of the remaining, not currently deployed artillery units. To meet these requirements, principal of modularity was explored and applied in order to propose new organization of the Czech artillery. Via such an evolution, the Czech Republic Military Strategy [1] call for efficiently structured, balanced, deployable and modular forces capable of joint employment is to be met by Czech gunners. This paper elaborates on new organizational structure concept for the artillery of the Army of the Czech Republic. The proposal respects limitation given by the current army structures where the artillery is organized in one Artillery Brigade with set number of personnel and types and number of armament. 2 Artillery Brigade The Artillery Brigade (Arty Bde) consists of two sister Artillery Battalions (Arty Bn). 2.1 The Brigade Staff and directly subordinated units Within the Arty Bde Headquarters (Arty BdeHQ), there is the Bde Staff, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA Bty) and several headquarters supporting units (Log, C4I) under the direct authority of Bde Commander (Com Bde). The Staff structure does not require fundamental changes. However, capabilities of the Intelligence Department of 5 personnel (pax), Operation Department of 7 pax and Planning Department of 5 pax are challenged. Those offices are currently tasked with the brigade garrison peace-time administration issues mainly and their capability as well as the personnel strength to support any operational deployment is questionable. Beside the staff there is Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA Bty). However, any driving logic of its origin and composition is very disputable. The STA Bty consists of the Artillery Hunting Radar Platoon (ARTHUR Plt) of free radar sets, the Technical Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon (TSTA Plt) of six TSTA mobile systems and the Airborne Target Acquisition Platoon (ATA Plt). The issue is the pre-defined role and affiliation of these troops. From the operational perspective, the ARTHUR Plt is placed well since the plt of three radar sets is design to operate as one package and should not be anyhow divided. On the other hand, six TSTA ISBN: 978-1-61804-108-1 362

systems of TSTA Plt are capable of independent operations. Thus, the platoon could be easily dispersed and the TSTA squads proportionally inserted into the brigade s Artillery Battalions (Arty Bn). Moreover, such a step would comply with operational (ops) principle of having fire support means as low in the command and control (C2) chain as effective. Finally, subordination of ATA Plt to STA Bty is seen completely non-systemic. The platoon is specifically designed to keep pace and provide TA for the airborne battalion of the Rapid Deployment Brigade (RD Bde). Well, it is apparent that the most effective solution is to insert the ATA Plt into the structure of Arty Bn affiliated with the RD Bde. The so far research shows an argument for keeping under ARTHUR Plt under the ArtyBde HQ only. However, it should be moved into structure of ArtyBde HQ Company (Fig. 1). On the other hand, the personnel and equipment of Technical Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon as well as the Airborne Target Acquisition Platoon should be transferred into structure of the Arty Bns. In this way the STA Bty commands no needed anymore and can be disbanded (Table 1). Artillery (FSDAS-Arty) with having in mind the necessity to ensure effective fire support if FSDAS- Arty have got disabled. Overview of the number of persons of STA Bty 1 Headquarters 2 3 5 0 0 0 2 ARTHUR Plt 1 1 33 0 0 0 3 Technical survey Plt 1 1 24 0 0 0 4 ATA Plt 1 1 17 0 0 0 Total 5 6 79 0 0 0 (in contrast to 2015): 90 0 (-90) Overview of the number of persons of ArtyBde HQ Company 1 Headquarters 2 2 5 2 2 5 2 ARTHUR Plt 0 0 0 1 1 24 3 Connecting Plt 1 1 13 1 1 13 4 Support Plt 1 1 17 1 1 17 Total 4 4 35 5 5 59 (in contrast to 2015): 43 69 (+26) Table 1 - Overviews of the number of units subordinated 13. Bde 2.2.1 Staff The proposed number of staff personnel does not exceed the current numbers and also shares the traditional staff division into operational and combat service support elements (Fig. 2). Those elements are directed by either Deputy Chief of Staff Operations (DCOS OPS) or DCOS Support (DCOS SUP). Operational part of the staff is further divided into Combat Support Group (CSGp), Operational and Planning Group (Ops & Plans Gp), and Command, Control, Communication and Information Department (C3I Dep). Fig. 1 - Artillery Hunting Radar Platoon 2.2 Artillery Battalion The Arty Bns are structured to provide effective fire support to the Brigade Combat Teams (BCT). In principle they are the same. Nevertheless, some minor differences are in their equipment which reflects specifics of the BCTs core maneuver brigades they are affiliated with. Proposal for new structure of Arty Bns anticipates their equipment with Fire Support Direction Automated System Fig. 2 Staff of Artillery Battalion Composition of CSGp is inspired by the previous well proven structure. Essential task of the group is to provide leaders for the Fire Support Coordination Groups/Centre (FSCG/C), which is built up from several squads throughout the Arty ISBN: 978-1-61804-108-1 363

Bn. The number of five officers mirrors the number of maneuver combat teams to support one BCT of four BnTFs. The Head of FSCG/C reports to Com BCT or ComBnTF respectively. He is responsible for providing fire support in unity of effort with all contributing elements and in the adherence with CONOPS. Thus, the respective arty officer has to have appropriate expert education as well as commanding experience from at least arty platoon level. In addition, each CSGp officer is supposed to guarantee defined arty specific expertise and continual specialized peace time training and preparation of his building-up CSGp/C (Fig. 2). Operational and Planning Group (Ops & Plans Gp) is structured to accomplish both daily framework and operational deployment tasks/requirements including the role of the Bn Fire Direction Centre (FDC). Command, Control, Communication and Information Department (C3I Dep) provides for the Arty Bn communication. The department is also responsible for providing expertize to and supervision of training and readiness of the communication platoons and/or specialists. The composition of service support part of the staff follows standard logistics requirements and copies the current organizational structure. 2.2.2 Fire Direction (FDBty) The FD Bty consists of the Command Group (BtyCG), Fire Direction Platoon (FD Plt) and Command Supporting Platoon (Com Sup Plt) (Fig. 3). Fig. 3 Fire Direction The structure of Bty CG is the same throughout the Arty Bn batteries and well proven. The CG consists of two officers, the Bty commander and his/her Send In Command (2IC), Bty Drill Sergeant, the commander supporting squad led by master sergeant, weapon sergeant, medic (sergeant) and two drivers. One of the CG vehicles is equipped to serve as a Bty Command Post (CP). The Fire Support Direction Automated System Artillery (FSDAS-Arty) is inherent part of the CP equipment. The Fire Direction Platoon (FD Plt) is commanded by an officer and his/her 2IC NCO respectively. This pattern applies through all platoons of the Arty Bn. Primary role of this platoon is to provide back up for FSDAS-Arty, provide for the Bn communication lines, meteorological data and topographical support. The plt ops concept is to provide one Fire Direction Center Squad and two Communication Squads for the command of Arty Bn, and outfit each of six firing platoons (4 guns per plt) of the Firing Bty with one Fire Direction Squad, one Topographical Squad and one Meteorological Squad to enable their maneuver and firing independence (18 squads in total). To accomplish this assignment, there are 21 specialized squads (76 troops) in FD Plt. Main task of the Plt Com is administration and organization of the plt training and tasks. Training of the platoon components will be conducted in very close cooperation and under guarantee of Ops Staff, Combat Support Group (CSGp) and Command, Control, Communication and Information Department (C3I Dep) expert staff officers. (FD Plt Troops in total 78) The Command Supporting Plt (Com Sup Plt), aside the plt leader and his/her 2IC, consists of 42 troops in 7 squads. Their main task is to provide for the staff mobility, CP building, running and protection and the Arty Bn level combat support functions (engineer and NBC support). Each of three Light Infantry Security Protection Squads can be also detached in order to enhance field protection capabilities of firing batteries. The utility staff vehicles of the Com Sup Plt are designed to provide not only staff transportation, but also ops working space to staff and COM Arty Bn including fire direction capability. This means that the utility vehicles have to be adequately furnished with FSDAS-Arty. The role of Plt leader is similar to one of FD Plt (administration and organization of the plt training and tasks). Specialized training of Eng and NBC squads has to be coordinated with the Bde HQ due to lack of expertise in the Arty Bn staff. Training of the plt components will be conducted in very close cooperation and under guarantee of Ops Staff, Combat Support Group (CSGp) and Command, ISBN: 978-1-61804-108-1 364

Control, Communication and Information Department (C3I Dep) expert staff officers. 2.2.3 Artillery Target Acquisition (ATA Bty) The Artillery Target Acquisition consists of 21 squads (91 pax). Each squad is equipped with FSDAS-Arty (Fig. 4). or even junior officer (a squad leader standard rank of is Sergeant OR3, Junior NCO). The FSC Squad is equipped with utility vehicle, which can provide both transportation and working space. Four (4) of Technical Surveillance and Target Acquisition Mobile Sets (TSTA MS) are tools predetermined to support BnTF level one set per each of four BnTFs. The squad personnel number is adopted as to effectively operate TSTA MS (TSTA MS Snezka in the particular case of CZE Army 4 pax). Twelve (12) of Target Acquisition Squads mirror the number of 12 maneuver companies or company size TFs they are to support (3 Coys per a BnTF). The number of squad personnel is adopted as to effectively operate the target acquisition mobile set (TA MS) actually in service (TA MS LOS in the particular case of CZE Army 3-4 pax). The squad leader is to call for fire and collaborate with FDC and FSC Gp on the fire direction and the fire support coordination at a maneuver company level. Due to these professional requirements, the squad leader should be Senior NCO in rank of Master Sergeant/Sergeant Master (OR5/OR6) with sufficient degree of education and experience or even junior officer(a squad leader standard rank of is Sergeant OR3, Junior NCO). Fig. 4 Artillery target Acquisition Five (5) of Fire Support Coordination squads (FSC) refers the number of FCS Groups/Centre (FSCG/C) to build up and incorporate into BCT structure (1 BCT FSC Centre, 4 BnTF FSC Group). This functionality is also reflected in composition of each squad. To ensure 24/7 supporting mode, it is recommended that one of the battle routine shifts will be run by the squad leader. Due to this professional requirement, the squad leader should be Senior NCO in rank of Master Sergeant/Sergeant Master (OR5/OR6) with sufficient degree of education and experience 2.2.4 Artillery Firing The Firing consists of the Bty Command Group (CG) and six (6) Firing Plts, 171 pax in total. Each Firing Plt consists of two (2) guns and one (1) ammunition supply vehicle. Each gun and C2 role vehicle is equipped with FSDAS-Arty (Fig. 5). The overall number of firing plts six as well as their internal structure is the same like in the current Aty Bn. The firing plt has been fully equipped in terms of Command, control and communication and partially in terms of ammunition supplies to make it operate separately (independently) from the battery. Simultaneously, the proposed concentration of all firing platoons (systems) in one battery also provides the commander significantly wider flexibility to tailor a firing unit to any specific mission. If the Fire Support Direction Automated System Artillery (FSDAS-Arty) is operational, the firing unit has all means to deliver fires as requested. If not, additional fire direction capabilities must be attached from Bty or ArtyBn structure. ISBN: 978-1-61804-108-1 365

requested for provision of daily supplies (POL, rations, ect.) above 3 DOS. Furthermore, the proposed structure requires 12 officers and 1 NCO less than the current organization, which represents annual savings of about 250,000 dollars just in payroll. (Table 2) Lastly, centralization of all guns under the only one firing battery strengthens unity of gunners training effort and facilitates the mission tailoring flexibility. Any firing unit consists of from one up to twenty four guns can be easily detached for BCT/BnTF reinforcement. The same applies for training and mission tailoring of TA, FD, FSC and supporting units. Fig. 5 Artillery Firing battery 3 Conclusion The outlined organizational structure is fully in line with 2010 structural changes in maneuver echelon including the increase of maneuver battalions from three to four within brigades. The proposed internal organization of artillery brigade employs the principle of modularity in effort to facilitate flexible provision of a mission tailored, well balanced, deployable and joint ops capable artillery fire support package for BCT and/or BnTF. This approach also facilitates training and preparation of more than one arty fire support packages concurrently, and for different types of operational deployment. At the same time, it preserves conditions for standard peace time training of the remaining, not deployed units. The proposed structure also strengthens coherence and self-sustainability. Each part of the arty package; firing unit, fire direction as well as fire coordination elements are fully manned, equipped and interconnected and thus ready to reinforce a maneuver brigade or battalion. (Once deployed, drivers from FD and FSC C/Gp are incorporated into battle-rhythm shifts. This requires careful planning to ensure relevant repose for drivers in order to preserve the elements mobility when required.) The BCT (BnTF) is only Overview of the number of persons of Artillery battalion 1 Headquarters 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 Staff 10 9 1 15 5 0 3 Fire Direction 5 7 57 4 6 121 4 Artillery Target Acquisition 0 0 0 2 21 68 5 1st Artillery Firing 6 8 85 8 10 153 6 2nd Artillery Firing 6 8 85 0 0 0 7 3rd Artillery Firing 6 8 85 0 0 0 Total 35 41 313 31 43 342 (in contrast to 2015): 389 416 (+27) Overview of the number of persons of Artillery brigade 1 STA 5 6 79 0 0 0 2 Commander Battalion 4 4 35 5 5 59 3 131. Artillery Battalion 35 41 313 31 43 342 4 132. Artillery Battalion 35 41 313 31 43 342 Total (in contrast to 2015): Table 2 - Overview of the number 79 92 740 67 91 743 - - - -12-1 +3 911 901 (-10) References: [1] Military Strategy of The Czech Republic. Praha: MO CR, 2008. [2] Long-Time Scheme of Ministry of Defence. Praha: MO CR, 2008. [3] NATO Capabilities/Statements - 2018. Brusel, 2007. [4] Doctrine of the Army of the Czech Republic. Praha: MO CR, 2005. [5] BLAHA, M., SOBARŇA, M. Some develop aspects of perspective Fire Support Control System in Czech Army conditions. In The 6 th WSEAS International Conference on Dynamical Systems and Control. Sousse ISBN: 978-1-61804-108-1 366

(Tunisia): University of Sfax, 2010, pp. 179-183. [6] BLAHA, M., SOBARŇA, M. Principles of the Army of the Czech Republic Reconnaissance and Fire s Combat using. In The 15 th International Conference The Knowledge-Based Organization. Sibiu (Romania): Nicolae Balcescu Land Forces Academy, 2009, pp. 17-25. [7] POTUŽÁK, L. Control and Realization of Fire Support - The Cooperation of Artillery and s of Artillery Reconnaissance during Fire Support of Forces. Partial task - Specific research of FEM. Brno: University of Defence, 2006. [8] AD-6.1 Doctrine of Communication and Information systems. Praha: MO CR, 2003. Recent Researches in Circuits and Systems [9] AAP-6 NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (english and french). 2009. [10] BLAHA, M., BRABCOVÁ, K. Decision - The 7th Making by Effective C2I system. In International Conference on Information (USA): Warfare and Security. Seattle, pp. 44- Academic Publishing Limited, 2012 51. ISBN 978-1-908272-29-4 [11] BLAHA, M., BRABCOVÁ, K. Communication environment in the perspective Automated Artillery Fire Support Control System. In The 10th WSEAS International Conference on APPLIED INFORMATICS AND COMMUNICATIONS (AIC '10). Taipei, 2010. pp. 236-240. ISBN 978-960-474-216-5. ISBN: 978-1-61804-108-1 367