DA Form 5032: Field Artillery Minefield Planning Sheet Guide

DA Form 5032: Field Artillery Minefield Planning Sheet Guide – DA Form 5032 (or DA Form 5032-R), titled Field Artillery Delivered Minefield Planning Sheet, is a standardized US Army form used to plan, coordinate, and execute the delivery of scatterable mines (FASCAM) by field artillery systems. It supports the employment of RAAMS (Remote Anti-Armor Mine System – antitank) and ADAM (Area Denial Artillery Munitions – antipersonnel) projectiles.

This form ensures precise coordination between maneuver forces, engineers, fire support elements (FSE/FSO), and fire direction centers (FDC) while incorporating critical safety and approval requirements. It is referenced in training circulars such as TC 3-09.81 Field Artillery Manual Cannon Gunnery and earlier publications like TC 6-20-5.

Download Official DA Form 5032 PDF: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/DA%20FORM%205032.pdf

Importance in US Army Operations

In modern combined arms operations, scatterable minefields provide rapid, flexible obstacles to shape the battlefield, disrupt enemy maneuvers, and enhance defensive positions. Artillery-delivered mines allow emplacement deep in enemy territory or in support of friendly forces without requiring ground-laying teams in contested areas.

Key benefits include:

  • Rapid response for turning, fixing, disrupting, or blocking enemy forces.
  • Integration with other fires (HE, DPICM, smoke) for sustained effects.
  • Enhanced countermobility planning in Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs).

Proper use of DA Form 5032 minimizes risks like fratricide, ensures compliance with rules of engagement (ROE), and facilitates safety zone dissemination.

Key Components of FASCAM (RAAMS and ADAM)

  • RAAMS: Antitank mines designed to disrupt armored formations.
  • ADAM: Antipersonnel mines that complement RAAMS for mixed effects.
  • Self-Destruct Times: Mines have programmable self-destruct windows to limit long-term hazard to friendly forces or civilians.

Densities, module sizes (e.g., 400×400 or 200×200 meters), and aimpoints are calculated to achieve the desired obstacle effect (disrupt, turn, fix, block).

How to Fill Out DA Form 5032 – Section by Section?

The form is divided into clear sections for minefield data, approvals, coordination, FDC computations, and a sketch. Here is a high-level overview based on official guidance (always refer to the latest TC 3-09.81 or unit SOPs for detailed computations).

Section A – Minefield Data (Planner/Requester):

  • Target number, priority, requester.
  • Minefield end points (coordinates), depth, width.
  • Densities for ADAM (APERS) and RAAMS (AT).
  • Self-destruct time, scheduled or on-call status.
  • Caution NLT (not later than) emplacement time, approval authority, DTG.

Section B – G3/S3/Engineer:

  • Coordination and safety zone dissemination DTG.

Section C – FSE/FSO:

  • Timelines for transmission to firing units and back to G3/S3/Engineer.

Section D – FDC Data:

  • Firing unit, range to center, trajectory (high/low), aimpoints, delivery technique, DTG mission completed, remarks.

Section E – Minefield Sketch Work Sheet:

  • Scale 1:50,000 sketch showing the minefield layout, aimpoints, and safety considerations.

Detailed block-by-block explanations and examples, including safety zone determination and firing data computations, are provided in TC 3-09.81 Chapter 13.

Step-by-Step Process for Employment

  1. Planning: Maneuver commander identifies requirement; FSO/engineer plans integration.
  2. Request and Approval: Use DA Form 5032 to document and route for approval.
  3. Coordination: Disseminate safety zones and restrictions.
  4. Execution: FDC computes and fires; record completion.
  5. Post-Execution: Report, monitor self-destruct, and integrate with countermobility efforts.

Safety templates and risk mitigation (e.g., high/low angle considerations, wind effects) are critical.

Best Practices and Safety Considerations

  • Always calculate and disseminate safety zones to prevent fratricide.
  • Coordinate early with engineers and higher headquarters.
  • Use in conjunction with other obstacles and fires for maximum effect.
  • Document everything on the form for accountability and after-action reviews.
  • Train regularly using TC 3-09.81 procedures.

US Army units should consult the most current versions of TC 3-09.81, ATPs on fire support, and local SOPs, as munitions and procedures evolve.

Download the Form Here: DA Form 5032 PDF

This guide is for informational purposes and supports training and operational awareness for US Army artillery, fire support, and maneuver personnel. For official doctrine and computations, refer to Army Publishing Directorate resources and current Training Circulars.