Fire Support Coordination Line: Optimal Placement for Joint Employment

Publisher Marketing: This thesis investigates optimal placement of the Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL), asserting that FSCL position should correspond to a changeover in the preponderance of forces under the purviews of the Joint Force Land and Air Component Commanders (JFLCC and JFACC respectively). The thesis assesses whether FSCL placement should directly reflect the location and relative amount of combat power these component commanders intend to project against the enemy. At the depth where the JFACC's forces provide a greater amount of firepower, this FSCL identifies the transfer of coordination authority. Analyses of Operation DESERT STORM and Prairie Warrior 98, the capstone end-of-year exercise at the US Army Command and General Staff College, assess the validity of the thesis. In both, research correlates optimal joint employment conditions with a FSCL placement that is based on the preponderance of forces. This thesis concludes that the preponderance of forces reflects situation-specific factors and can be used as a primary consideration in the establishment of an appropriate FSCL. Determination of a preponderance of force-based FSCL is possible and doctrine should reflect its significance. Use of this FSCL enhances joint employment, allowing the US military to quickly, efficiently accomplish those objectives associated with attacking the enemy.