FM34-81 (Weather Operations).pdf

FM 34-81/AFM 105-4

CHAPTER 1

WEATHER SUPPORT FOR THE AIRLAND BATTLE

Weather is critical to Army tactical operations and operational level

planning. History is filled with examples of the weather’s effects on

combat operations on a variety of battlefields. The AirLand battlefield of

today may provide additional examples of victories and defeats attributable

to skillful integration of weather in military planning and execution of

combat operations. Weather, enemy, and terrain are often referred to as

the wet trilogy, as shown in Figure 1-1.

Weather information is as much a part of combat intelligence as enemy

and terrain data.

It is often as significant as enemy intentions and

It affects enemy actions and the decisions of both

weather conditions--

° Affect mobility.

° Decrease the ability to see and attack deep.

° Degrade electro-optical (E-O) systems.

° Increase the requirement for thoroughly integrated air and ground

operations.

° Slow the movement of supplies and reinforcements.

Weather is one dynamic factor on the battlefield which commanders

cannot control but which has the potential to affect every combatant, piece

of equipment, and operation. Weather becomes more significant to

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trafficability.

forces. Adverse

FM 31-81/AFM 105-04

success on the Air Land battlefield as advanced E-O weapon systems are

fielded because of their vulnerability to adverse weather.

Commanders must be aware of and prepare for general and specific

effects of weather on enemy and friendly major weapons systems and

operations. This includes evaluating plans to minimize the adverse

weather effects on friendly forces and to maximize the effects on the

enemy.

Potential adversaries do not place as much emphasis on numerical

weather prediction as the United States and its North Atlantic Treaty

Organization (NATO) Allies. Warsaw Pact doctrine minimizes the effects of

changing weather conditions by seizing and holding the initiative through

speed, mass, and disruption. Timely and accurate weather forecasts help

our commanders exploit this Warsaw Pact vulnerability. In a low-intensity

conflict (LIC), the enemy will most likely have very primitive weather

support. Sophisticated support to US forces allows commanders to employ

their forces to maximum effectiveness according to the major tenets of the

AirLand Battle.

° Initative. Adverse weather normally favors the attacker.

However, changing conditions provide both sides with windows of

opportunity and vulnerability. Defenders use these windows to

set the terms of battle, defeat the enemy attack, and seize the

initiative. Attackers use these windows to enhance the attack

and carry the battle to conclusion.

° Depth. As the battlefield is extended in space and time it

becomes more likely that weather conditions will vary, opening

windows of opportunity and vulnerability.

° Agility. If commanders are knowledgeable of weather effects on

the enemy and friendly forces, then timely and accurate weather

support will enable them to respond to changing conditions more

rapidly than the enemy.

° Synchronization. The combat power of AirLand Battle forces is

made up of many components, each with its own unique weather

sensitivities. in order to employ these component forces for

maximum effect on the battlefield, commanders must know of weather

conditions and weather effects on the components.

AIRLAND BATTLE

The AirLand Battle is an extended, integrated battle involving the use

of all available air and land forces. It is extended because the battle

is fought from the rear boundary out to the range of available weapons as

a single, continuous battle. It is integrated in that nuclear and

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