Basic Forward Observation Procedures

MCI 08.
61
MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE
BASIC FORWARD
OBSERVATION
PROCEDURES
MARINE BARRACKS
WASHINGTON, DC
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
912 POOR STREET SE
WASHINGTON, DC 20391-5680
08.61
6 Dec 96
MCI 08.61 BASIC FORWARD OBSERVATION PROCEDURES
1. Purpose. MCI course 08.61, Basic Forward Observation Procedures, has been published to
provide instruction for all Marines to properly call for and adjust indirect fire support.
2. Scope. MCI 08.61 introduces Marines to the types of indirect fire support available to the
operating forces, the different means of targeting, and target designations. Instruction is given in
the three methods used to locate targets of opportunity: grid coordinates, polar plot, and shift
from a known point. In addition, the course emphasizes conduct of fire missions and
communication procedures utilized by fire support units.
3. Applicability. This course is intended for instructional purposes only. It is designed for use by
all Marines.
4. Recommendations. Comments and recommendations on the contents of the course text are
invited and will aid in subsequent course revisions. Please complete the course evaluation
questionnaire located at the end of the text and return it to:
Director (CDD# 3)
Marine Corps Institute
Washington Navy Yard
912 Poor Street SE
Washington, DC 20391-5680
R. A. CHRISTIE
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Deputy Director
BASIC FORWARD OBSERVATION PROCEDURES
CONTENTS
Page
Contents ...................................................... i
Student Information ............................................. iii
Study Guide .................................................. v
Study Unit 1 Indirect Fire Support Characteristics
Lesson 1 Fire Support Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Exercise ....................................... 1-4
Lesson 2 Fire Support Organization and Targeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Exercise ....................................... 1-8
Lesson 3 Artillery Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Exercise ....................................... 1-14
Study Unit 2 Target Location
Lesson 1 Map/Terrain Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Exercise ....................................... 2-4
Lesson 2 Determining Direction (Azimuth) to the Target . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Exercise ....................................... 2-10
Lesson 3 Determining Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Exercise ....................................... 2-17
Lesson 4 Methods of Target Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Exercise ....................................... 2-21
Study Unit 3 Conducting Fire Missions
Lesson 1 Fire Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Exercise ....................................... 3-3
Lesson 2 Artillery Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Exercise ....................................... 3-14
i
CONTENTS--cont'd
Page
Lesson 3 Spotting and Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Exercise ....................................... 3-22
Lesson 4 Adjustment and Fire for Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Exercise ....................................... 3-30
Review Lesson ............................................... R-1
ii
STUDENT INFORMATION
TITLE &
NUMBER: BASIC FORWARD OBSERVATION PROCEDURES MCI 08.61
STUDY
HOURS: 12
COURSE
MATERIALS: Text
REVIEW
AGENCY: COMMANDING OFFICER
U.S. Army Field Artillery School
(Attn: Marine Corps Admin Detachment)
Fort Sill, OK 73503
RRC: 4 Reserve Retirement Credits
ACE: To be reviewed by the American Council on Education in 1996
ASSISTANCE: For administrative assistance, have your training officer or NCO use the Unit
Activity Report (UAR) or MCI Hotline: DSN 288-4175 or Commercial (202)
433-4175.
For assistance concerning course content matters, call the instructor at DSN
288-2290/0208/0210, ext 285 or commercial (202) 433-0208/0210/2290,
ext 285.
iii
iv
STUDY GUIDE
Congratulations on your enrollment in a distance training course from the Occupational Specialty
Department of the Marine Corps Institute (MCI). Since 1920, the Marine Corps Institute has
been helping tens of thousands of hard-charging Marines, like you, improve their technical job
performance skills through distance training. By enrolling in this course, you have shown a desire
to improve the skills you have and master new skills to enhance your job performance.
The distance training course you have chosen, MCI course 08.61, Basic Forward Observation
Proedures, introduces Marines to the types of indirect fire support available to the Fleet Marine
Force (FMF), the different means of targeting, and target designations. Instruction is given in the
three methods used to locate targets of opportunity: grid coordinates, polar plot, and shift from a
known point. In addition, it emphasizes on the conduct of fire missions and communications with
artillery units.
Because you have chosen to learn at a distance by enrolling in this MCI course, your professional
traits are evident and we know
YOU ARE PROPERLY MOTIVATED. You made a positive decision to get

training on your own. Self-motivation is perhaps the most important force in learning
or achieving anything. Doing whatever is necessary to learn is MOTIVATION. You
have it!
YOU SEEK TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. You enrolled to improve those skills

you already possess and learn new skills. When you improve yourself, you improve
the Corps!
YOU HAVE THE INITIATIVE TO ACT. By acting on your own, you have
shown you are a self-starter, willing to reach out for opportunities to learn and grow.
YOU ACCEPT CHALLENGES. You have self-confidence and believe in your

ability to acquire knowledge and skills. You have the self-confidence to set goals and
the ability to achieve them, enabling you to meet every challenge.
YOU ARE ABLE TO SET AND ACCOMPLISH PRACTICAL GOALS. You

are willing to commit time, effort, and the resources necessary to set and accomplish
your goals. These professional traits will help you successfully complete this distance
training course.
v
STUDY GUIDE, continued
BEGINNING Before you actually begin this course of study, read the Student
YOUR Information page. If you find any course materials missing, notify
COURSE your training officer or training NCO. If you have all the required
materials, you are ready to begin.
To begin your course of study, familiarize yourself with the

structure of the course text. One way to do this is to read the
Table of Contents. Notice the Table of Contents covers specific
areas of study and the order in which they are presented. You will
find the text divided into several study units and a review lesson.
Each study unit is comprised of two or more lessons, lesson or unit
exercises, exercise solutions and references.
LEAFING Leaf through the text and look at the figures and tables. Read a
THROUGH few lesson exercise items (questions) to get an idea of the type of
THE TEXT items in the course. If the course has additional study aids, such as
a handbook or a plotting board, familiarize yourself with them.
THE FIRST Turn to the first page of Study Unit 1. On this page, you will find
STUDY UNIT an introduction to the study unit and generally the first study unit
lesson. Study unit lessons contain learning objectives, lesson text,
and exercises.
READING THE Learning objectives describe in concise terms what the successful
LEARNING learner, you, will be able to do as a result mastering the content of
OBJECTIVES the lesson text. Read the objectives for each lesson and then read
the lesson text. As you read the lesson text, make notes on the
points you feel are important.
COMPLETING To determine your mastery of the learning objectives and text,

THE complete the exercises developed for you. Exercises may be
EXERCISES contained in a lesson, at the end of a lesson, or at the end of a
study unit. Without referring to the text, complete the exercise
items and then check your responses against those provided.
CONTINUING Continue on to the next lesson, repeating the above process until
TO MARCH you have completed all lessons in the study unit. Follow the same
procedure for each study unit in the course.
vi
SEEKING If you have problems with the text or exercise items that you
ASSISTANCE cannot resolve, ask your training officer or training NCO for
assistance. If they cannot help you, request assistance from your
MCI distance training instructor by completing the Content
Assistance Request Form located at the back of the course.
THE When you have finished all the study units, complete the review
REVIEW lesson exam located at the end of the course text. Try to complete
LESSON the review lesson exam without referring to the text. For those
EXAM items you are unsure of, restudy the text. When you have finished
the review lesson exam and are satisfied with your responses, check
your responses against the answer key provided with your course
materials.
PREPARING To prepare for your final exam, you must review what you learned
FOR THE in the course. The following suggestions will help make the review
FINAL EXAM interesting and challenging.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Try to recall the entire learning

sequence without referring to the text. Can you do it? Now look
back at the text to see if you have left anything out. This review
should be interesting. Undoubtedly, you'll find you were not able to
recall everything. But with a little effort you'll be able to recall
a great deal of the information.
USE UNUSED MINUTES. Use your spare moments to review.

Read your notes or a part of a study unit, rework exercise items,
review again; you can do many of these things during the unused
minutes of every day.
APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED. It is always best to use

the skill or knowledge you've learned as soon as possible. If it
isn't possible to actually use the skill or knowledge, at least try to
imagine a situation in which you would apply this learning. For
example, make up and solve your own problems. Or, better still,
make up and solve problems that use most of the elements of a
study unit.
vii
USE THE "SHAKEDOWN CRUISE" TECHNIQUE. Ask

another Marine to lend a hand by asking you questions about the
course. Choose a particular study unit and let your buddy "fire
away."
MAKE REVIEWS FUN AND BENEFICIAL. Reviews are good

habits that enhance learning. They don't have to be long and
tedious. In fact, some learners find short reviews conducted more
often prove more beneficial.
TACKLING When you have completed your study of the course material and
THE are confident with the results attained on your review lesson(s)
FINAL EXAM take the sealed envelope marked "FINAL EXAM" to your unit
training NCO or training officer. Your training NCO or officer will
administer the final exam and return the exam and answer sheet to
MCI for grading. Prior to taking your final exam, read the
directions on the NEW (generic DP-37) answer sheet carefully
and complete all requested information.
COMPLETING The sooner you complete your course, the sooner you can better
YOUR yourself by applying what you've learned! HOWEVER--you do
COURSE have 12 months from the date of enrollment to complete this
course. In addition, you may be granted one 6-month extension if
approved by your Commanding Officer. If you need an extension,
please complete the Student Request/Inquiry form (MCI-R11)
located at the back of the course, and deliver it to your training
officer or training NCO.
GRADUATING! As a graduate of this distance training course and as a dedicated

Marine, your job performance skills will improve, benefiting you,
your unit, and the Marine Corps.
Semper Fi!
viii
STUDY UNIT 1
INDIRECT FIRE SUPPORT CHARACTERISTICS
Introduction. To effectively use indirect fire support assets, you should have a basic
overview of their characteristics, fire support organization, and artillery ammunition.
Before any Marine employs a weapon, he should have a good understanding of its operation
so that he may use it safely and more effectively. This rule is true for your use of indirect
fire support means as well.
Lesson 1. FIRE SUPPORT CHARACTERISTICS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Select the three types of indirect fire support available to FMF Units.
2. Identify the three indirect fire support assets with their characteristics.
1101. Types of Indirect Fire Support
The three types of indirect fire support available to you are mortars, naval gunfire, and howitzers.
Each of these three types of support has its own characteristics and limitations. You may not
always have the choice of all three assets, but you should know which of them you can select
when they are available. The major differences among the three are their sizes, trajectories, and
firing capabilities.
1102. Characteristics of Indirect Fire Support Weapons
a. Mortars.
(1) Size. Mortars, which are organic to the Marine Corps Infantry Battalion, are
categorized as light artillery. There are two types: the 60mm mortar (fig 1-1), which
is organic to the weapons platoon of each company, and the 81mm mortar (fig 1-2),
which is organic to the weapons company of each battalion. Because of their size,
these mortars are best suited to attack personnel. They have very limited usefulness
against material targets and require large amounts of ammunition to attack large
personnel targets.
1-1
Figure 1-1. 60mm mortar. Figure 1-2. 81mm mortar.
(2) Trajectory. A mortar trajectory is characterized by low muzzle velocity and a high
trajectory similar to a good punt in football. This means that mortars can be effective
against targets which are entrenched or situated on a reverse slope and inaccessible to
direct fire. It also means that mortar adjustments are not overly distorted by uneven
terrain.
(3) Firing capabilities. Mortars have a high rate of fire. They can fire a sustained rate of
up to 20 rounds per minute, depending upon the type of round and mortar being used.
They also have a short-range and must keep close to the forward line of troops
(FLOT) to maintain fire support. Mortar platoons act as independent firing units and
do not mass fires (bring several units to bear on one target simultaneously). Because
of resupply problems, the Marines in mortar sections must very often carry their
weapons and their ammunition on their backs. Therefore, mortar ammunition is
limited and should be used sparingly.
b. Naval surface fire support.
(1) Size. Naval gunfire currently uses the 5-inch/54 caliber gun mount (caliber on naval
guns is determined by dividing the length of the weapon by the diameter of its bore).
Five-inch naval gunfire shells are comparable to 155mm rounds and are classified as
medium artillery.
(2) Trajectory. Naval gunfire has a high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory similar to the
M16A2 service rifle. This combination makes naval gunfire suitable for both direct or
assault fire against material targets that must be penetrated or destroyed. This also
includes material targets that present a vertical face. The relatively flat trajectory
results in a large probable error in range. Therefore, the dispersion pattern is roughly
elliptical. Thus, care must be taken when firing close to troop.
1-2
(3) Firing capabilities. Naval gunfire ships carry 600 rounds of ammunition per gun,
which can be quickly used with naval gunfires' high rate of fire, 20 rounds per minute
(RPM), in a high intensity environment.
c. Howitzers (Figures 1-3 and 1-4)
(1) Size. The current Marine Corps inventory has 105mm and 155mm howitzers. The
105mm is classified as light artillery, the 155mm as medium artillery. The vast
majority of artillery support is provided by the 155mm.
(2) Trajectory. A howitzer fires a medium trajectory. It fires more like a long pass than a
punt or screen pass. A howitzer can also fire high-angle fires like a mortar or direct
fires like a gun, so it is a versatile combat asset.
(3) Firing capabilities. Howitzers have a low rate of fire. Although their firing rates vary
with each weapon system, they average 2 to 3 rounds per minute. This sounds slow,
but you must consider the principle of "massed fires." What this means to you is the
artillery will tailor their fire for effect to meet the target. If you describe a small
target, the artillery battery will attack it with one or two howitzers. If you describe a
large target, the artillery will fire a platoon of three howitzers.
Figure 1-3. M198 howitzer.
Figure 1-4. M101A1 howitzer.
1-3
If you have an even larger target, they will fire an entire battery of six howitzers. For
extremely large targets, the artillery battalion can bring the fires of 3 batteries firing
18 howitzers to bear on one target. This is called massing fires.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise: Complete items 1 through 4 by performing the action required. Check your
responses against those listed at the end of this study unit.
1. Which of the following are three types of indirect fire.
a. Naval gunfire, howitzers, close air support

b. Howitzers, mortars, close air support
c. Mortars, howitzers, tanks
d. Howitzers, naval gunfire, mortars
Matching: For items 2 through 4, match the type of indirect fire support in column 1 with
the characteristics which best describes it in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces
provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Indirect Fire Support Characteristics
___ 2. Naval Gunfire a. High trajectory, low rate of fire, light

___ 3. Howitzers artillery
___ 4. Mortars b. Flat trajectory, medium artillery, high
rate of fire
c. Medium trajectory, medium artillery,
massed fires
d. Light artillery, high rate of fire, high
trajectory
1-4
Lesson 2. FIRE SUPPORT ORGANIZATION AND TARGETING
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the three members of the gunnery team with their proper duties.
2. List the duties of the fire support coordinator (FSC).
3. Identify the two types of targets and two types of planned targets.
4. Identify the target numbering system.
5. Define known point.
1201. The Gunnery Team
In using fire support, you will set in motion the actions of a great number of Marines than you
may have initially realized. It takes a well-trained team to deliver effective fire support to the
Marines on the modern battlefield. The gunnery team is comprised of three basic elements.
Whether it be mortars, howitzers, or naval gunfire, these elements are: the observer, the fire
direction center, and the firing element.
a. Observer. The observer is the Marine on the scene. He is responsible for accurately
locating and identifying targets for the firing units.
b. Fire direction center. The fire direction center (FDC) consists of a group of Marines or
sailors who take your request for fire and turn it into gunnery data and a fire order for the firing
battery. The fire direction officer (FDO) decides how to attack the target based on your
description.
c. Firing element. The firing element consists of Marines or Sailors manning the tubes that
will fire the ammunition to attack your target. Depending upon the type of fire support available
to you, you decide whether you will use naval gun fire, a howitzer battery, or a mortar
section/platoon.
1202. The Fire Support Coordinator
Whenever a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operates, one officer is designated as the
fire support coordinator (FSC). It is his duty to coordinate many assets of fire support (including
fixed and rotary wing close air support) and to use them to their best advantage in supporting the
operation. He does this by organizing a fire support coordination center (FSCC) staffed by
Marines from the different fire support units assigned to the MAGTF.
1-5
The FSCC controls or coordinates your fire support needs in one of two ways, passive
monitoring or active direction.
a. You may have one unit of fire support dedicated to your unit's support. This
section/battery/ship establishes direct contact to you and responds immediately to your calls-for-
fire. If you are calling for fire from a unit that is dedicated to your support, the FSCC monitors
the radio. If your target is suitably attacked by the dedicated unit, the FSCC normally remains
silent and allows the mission to proceed. If the FSC decides that your target requires more or
different support, he will take charge of the mission based on your call-for-fire.
b. You may not have any fire support assets dedicated to your unit. In this case, you will call
directly to the FSCC with your call-for-fire. The FSC receives your call-for-fire, assesses your
needs against available assets, and either controls the mission or assigns an element to you.
1203. Types of Targets
Each of the three supporting arms plan for and identify targets in their own way and for different
purposes. Targets may include locations of enemy personnel or material or they may be
identifiable map/terrain features such as hilltops, road junctions, choke points, etc. There are two
types of targets: planned targets and targets of opportunity. There are some different subtypes
within these types.
a. Planned targets. Planned targets are identified prior to an engagement or movement. They
are recorded on target lists maintained by the FSCC, units' headquarters, and the supporting arms'
Fire Direction Center. There are three different types of planned targets:
(1) Scheduled targets are planned targets on which fire is prearranged by a time schedule
(such as a preparation fire for an attack plan). The supporting arms will work up
firing data ahead of time and fire at these targets in accordance with the time schedule
of the particular operation.
(2) On-call targets are planned targets which are fired by the supporting arms upon
request from the forward elements. The supporting arms will not normally work up
data to these targets until they receive a request, but they will keep the targets on file
for a faster response time.
(3) Priority targets are combination scheduled/on-call targets. They are targets identified
to the supporting arms as being vital to the mission (such as a final protective fire).
The supporting arms will work up data to these targets and, when not engaged in
other missions, will remain aimed at and ready for them but will not fire until they
receive the command.
b. Targets of opportunity. Targets of opportunity are targets that have not been previously
identified. They arise during the conduct of battle and are usually temporary in nature. For
example, if you sighted an enemy reconnaissance vehicle operating near your position, that would
1-6
be a target of opportunity. Once you fired upon it, it would either be destroyed or it would move
out and the target would disappear.
Once fired upon, you may record targets of opportunity for future reference. We will discuss this
in the upcoming study units. It is one way in which you will determine direction and location
without a map or compass.
1204. Target Numbering
The Marine Corps designates targets using a system of assigned target number blocks. All targets
are identified by a standard numbering system of two letters and four numbers. The letters and
numbers are assigned to specific units by letter and number blocks. For example:
A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) may be assigned target block AA0001 through
AA9999.
The MEU will then assign target blocks within this set to subordinate units and
organizations.
The FSCC is assigned AA1000 through AA1999.

Alpha Company is assigned AA2000 through AA2999.
As an observer for Alpha Company, you are assigned AA2200 through AA2299.
a. Your unit will be assigned a target number block. You should know your unit's target
block. If you are a designated observer, you should be assigned a portion of that block for
targeting and planning purposes.
b. If you are not assigned a target block, and you are only calling for fire on targets of
opportunity, the supporting arms will assign a number from their block to any targets they fire.
1205. Known Points
You may often use known points to identify locations to the supporting arms. Known points are
any points on the ground or map whose locations are known to both the forward observer and the
firing unit. They may be such things as prominent terrain features, significant manmade objects
(large buildings, bridges, monuments, etc.), or unit locations. Planned targets and targets of
opportunity that have been recorded are also known points.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1-7
Exercise: Complete items 1 through 8 by performing the action required. Check your responses
against those listed at the end of this study unit.
Matching: For items 1 through 3, match the member of the gunnery team in column 1 with
the duties which best describe it in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Member Duty
___ 1. Observer a. Locates and identifies targets to the firing

___ 2. Fire direction center unit
___ 3. Firing element b. Coordinates the fires of different
supporting arms
c. Fires the rounds as directed
d. Receives call for fire and translates it into
firing data
4. The duties of the fire support coordinator (FSC) include
a. maintaining radio discipline during fire missions.

b. monitoring command and fire nets to coordinate the fire support assets and to
use them to their best advantage.
c. instructing observers when to fire targets of opportunity.
d. determining firing data for supporting arms.
5. Marine Corps units designate targets using
a. individual unit designators.

b. observer target numbers.
c. an assigned block of two letters and four numbers.
d. two numbers and four letters.
6. What are the two types of targets?
a. Planned targets and on-call targets

b. On-call targets and scheduled targets
c. Priority targets and targets of opportunity
d. Planned targets and targets of opportunity
1-8
7. What are the three types of planned targets?
a. Priority targets, on-call targets, and targets of opportunity

b. Priority targets, scheduled targets, and on-call targets
c. Priority targets, planned targets, and scheduled targets
d. Priority targets, targets of opportunity, and on-call targets
8. A known point is
a. any target with its map location known to the forward observer and the
firing unit.
b. any point on the ground which is known to the forward observer and the
firing unit.
c. any point on the ground or map with its location known to the forward
observer and the firing unit.
d. a previously fired target or hilltop.
1-9
Lesson 3. ARTILLERY AMMUNITION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the three effects of indirect fires with their descriptions.
2. Identify artillery shells by types.
1301. Effects of Artillery Fires
When you attack a target with artillery fires, you have many options available to you. There are
three effects of a supporting arms fire mission: destruction, neutralization, or suppression. You
must decide which effect you desire to cause. You will make your decision based on your
knowledge of the situation, the enemy, and the effectiveness of artillery ammunition regarding
which effect of indirect fire you need to employ.
a. Destruction. Target destruction means either a physical material target (such as a building,
position, or vehicle) is destroyed or 30 percent or more casualties are inflicted against a personnel
target. Target destruction usually requires the use of precision adjustment and/or high
expenditures of ammunition. Because of ammunition expenditure, destruction missions are rarely
fired and must be well justified.
b. Neutralization. Neutralization fires disrupt the combat effectiveness of an enemy unit.

Neutralization of a unit will normally be effected by causing 10 percent or more casualties.
Neutralization fires use low ammunition expenditure when the target is attacked with the proper
shell/fuze combination. Neutralization fires are the most common type of fire mission.
c. Suppression. Suppression of a target causes the enemy to temporarily stop functioning.

Suppression of a target can be effective by causing the enemy to take cover or by blocking his
vision temporarily. Suppression requires a low expenditure of ammunition; however, its inability
to place lasting effects on a target makes it unsuitable for most targets.
1302. Types of Ammunition
There are many types of artillery ammunition available to you, as the forward observer. In the
past, artillery was fairly limited to high explosive, smoke, and illumination. Recently there have
been many technological advances in artillery ammunition giving a greater variety to the uses of
artillery fires and a greater lethality to the traditional mission. For the sake of simplicity, we will
discuss only five types of artillery shells in this course. These five types, which you will most
likely use on the battlefield, are high explosive, improved conventional munitions, white
phosphorous, smoke, and illumination.
1-10
a. Shell, High Explosive (HE). Although HE is a single shell, its versatility with different fuze
combinations causes fire support planners to consider each of its fuze combinations as a different
shell. There are four types of fuzes available for use on the HE shell that cause different effects
with the round. The four types of fuzes are quick, delay, time, and proximity.
(1) Fuze, Quick (Q). Quick is a form of point detonating (PD) fuze, and it causes the
round to explode upon impact.
It is more effective against It is less effective against
v Personnel standing v Personnel dug in

v Unarmored vehicles v Armored vehicles
v Light material v Hardened material
v Swamp or soft sand surfaces
(2) Fuze, Delay (D). Delay is also a form of PD fuze. It is designed to delay the
explosion of the round for 0.05 seconds after impact. This minor delay causes the
round to penetrate soft surfaces slightly or to ricochet off hard surfaces.
v Light earthworks v Soft sand or marshy ground

v Buildings v Personnel dug in
v Dense wooded areas
(3) Fuze, Time (Ti). Time fuzes can be set to explode at a given time anywhere along the
trajectory of the round. They are most commonly used to create an air burst 20
meters above the target. An air burst will have greater shrapnel dispersion and
effectiveness than a graze (ground) burst. A time fuze cannot be used in high angle
fires (mortar type trajectory) because the speed of the falling round makes timing the
burst difficult.
v Personnel in the open v Personnel with overhead cover

v Personnel dug in v Personnel in dense woods
v Personnel in unarmored v Armored vehicles
vehicles
1-11
(4) Fuze, Proximity (VT). The proximity fuze is a radio-activated fuze that causes the
round to explode at a specified height off of the ground (20 meters for the older models, and 7
meters for the newer models). VT will deliver a correct air burst every time, even in high angle
fires. Its effectiveness is the same as that of the time fuze.
Note: The 7-meter height of burst on the newer model VT fuze can cause
inexperienced observers to spot the rounds as a graze burst instead of an air
burst. You should be aware of this so that you do not inaccurately report a
fuze malfunction. Careful comparison of the appearance of quick fuze graze
bursts will help the observer realize when the VT is not a graze burst.
b. Shell, Improved Conventional Munitions (ICM). ICM is a base-ejection projectile filled

with grenades. A base-ejection projectile is a hollow shell with its base attached by a thin weld
and shear pins. Fuze function forces the contents of the shell onto the base, pushing it off, and
dumping the contents of the shell out of the bottom. All base-ejection projectiles use a
mechanical time fuze to cause an air burst for proper functioning. The base-ejection causes a
large dispersal effect for the grenades. There are two types of ICM, anti-personnel (APICM or
just ICM) and dual-purpose (DPICM). They are both extremely effective against personnel, but
the DPICM shell is also effective against light armored vehicles.
(1) APICM. The original ICM grenade is a "bouncing Betty." The grenade is contained
in a canister that has spring action stabilizer wings to cause it to land right side up.
The canister strikes the earth and the grenades pop up and explode. These grenades
are extremely effective against personnel in the open, but are ineffective on material
or against personnel in snow, water, or heavily wooded areas. At present, APICM is
being phased out of service, so if an observer calls for ICM, he will more than likely
receive DPICM.
(2) DPICM. DPICM grenades are cylinder shaped grenades that explode and cause the
dual action of a shaped explosion downward and fragmentation upward and sideways.
The shaped explosion will penetrate light armor (2" of homogeneous steel), and the
fragmentation is effective against personnel. The DPICM grenade is guided base
down by a rubber band attached to the top that acts as a stabilizer.
Note: ICM should not be used against target areas which Marines will have to enter,
especially in heavily wooded areas. The grenade stabilizers can become
entangled in twigs and branches where the grenades will not function until
someone knocks them out of the tree and they strike the deck.
c. Shell, White Phosphorus (WP). White phosphorus is an extremely useful, versatile shell. It
causes incendiary effects against volatile targets such as vehicles and fuel or ammunition dumps.
It is useful for screening because of its thick cloud of white smoke. It is used to mark target
locations for observers, direct fire, and close air support because its burst location remains
obvious for a minute or more. There are two types of WP shells available to the artillery
1-12
inventory, shell, WP (the conventional model) and shell, WP smoke (a newer version). Both
shells have similar effectiveness.
(1) Conventional WP. The original WP shell is simply a hollow artillery round with an
explosive burster tube in the center filled with white phosphorus. Fuze function (PD,
Time, or VT) causes the burster tube to expand, splits the shell, and exposes the WP
to the air. Because this happens so rapidly, the burst appears to be explosive and
chunks of WP are sprayed out of the shell. The majority of the WP remains in or near
the shell and this is what causes the conventional WP round to form its distinctive
pillar of white smoke.
(2) Improved Smoke. The improved smoke round (also called WP smoke) is a
time-fuzed, base-ejection projectile filled with felt wedges which are soaked in WP.
Fuze function in the air causes the round to trail the WP felt wedges behind it
spreading them out over a greater area than the old WP round's chunks. This causes
the WP smoke round to have a better screening effect with less tendency of the
smoke to form a pillar.
d. Shell, Smoke (HC). The HC (hexachloroethane) round is a base-ejection projectile filled

with a smoke canister. HC smoke is a more effective screening agent than WP because it has a
longer burn time and less tendency to pillar. Smoke is effective for screening all targets, whether
the user wishes to obscure the target or himself from the target.
e. Shell, Illumination (Illum). Illumination shells are used for illuminating areas of suspected
enemy activity, providing illumination for night adjustment, harrassing enemy positions, marking
targets for attack by close air support, and "washing out" enemy passive night-sight systems. The
illumination lights up the battlefield using approximately 1,000,000 candlepower.
------------------------------------------- ----------------------
-
1-13
Matching: For items 1 through 3, match the desired effect of artillery fires in column 1
with the definition which best describes it in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces
provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Effect Definition
___ 1. Destruction a. Target temporarily ceases

___ 2. Neutralization activity, requires high ammunition expense
___ 3. Suppression b. At least 10 percent personnel casualties,
requires low ammunition expense
c. At least 30 percent personnel casualties,
requires minimum ammunition expense
d. At least 30 percent personnel casualties,
requires high ammunition expense
4. What are the five types of artillery shells?
a. HC, Bee Hives, ICM, HE, and Illum

b. HE, HC, WP, Smoke, and Illum
c. WP, HE, Smoke, Illum, and ICM
d. ICM, Smoke, Illum, HE, and Bee Hive
5. What are the four types of HE fuzes?
a. PD, Quick, Ti, and VT

b. PD, Quick, Ti, and Delay
c. Ti, Delay, VT, and PD
d. Delay, VT, Ti, and Quick
1-14
Matching: For items 6 through 10, match the type of artillery shell in column 1 with the
description which best identifies its proper usage in column 2 (put X on the spaces for the
shells that you cannot match).
Column 1 Column 2
Shell Description
___ 6. HE a. Is more effective against personnel than

other types
___ 7. WP b. Can be used to start fires or for screening
___ 8. Smoke c. Is versatile when used with different fuzes
___ 9. ICM d. Is used to observe the battlefield
___ 10. ILLUM e. Used for screening and obscuration
UNIT SUMMARY
In this study unit, you learned some fundamentals of indirect fire support. Your understanding of
how the gunnery team and the fire support coordinator will bring you effective support is essential
for maximizing your combat power and effectiveness. When you call for artillery support, you
must understand what you are trying to accomplish and what tools are available for you to use.
Now you know the effects artillery can produce and the ammunition used to cause these effects.
In Study Unit 2, you will learn how to locate targets on the ground in terms of calling for fire.
Lesson 1 Exercise Solutions
Reference
1. d. 1101
2. b. 1102b
3. c. 1102c
4. d. 1102a
1-15
Reference
1. a. 1201a
2. d. 1201b
3. c. 1201c
4. b. 1202
5. c. 1204
6. d. 1203
7. b. 1203a(1)
8. c. 1205
Reference
1 d. 1301a
2. b. 1301b
3. a. 1301c
4. c. 1302
5. d. 1302a
6. c. 1302a
7. b. 1302c
8. e. 1302d
9. a. 1302d
10. d. 1302e
1-16
STUDY UNIT 2
TARGET LOCATION
Introduction. Before you can call-for-fire successfully, you must first locate the targets in
relation to the firing unit. Indirect fire support means that the firing unit cannot directly see
the target. They are dependent upon you to get them on target. The key to successful fire
support is the accurate target location. The accurate target location is the result of a
thorough map analysis, a good terrain association, and an accurate direction and distance.
Determining direction and distance is an essential part of map/terrain association, target
location, and adjustment of fire. In the first lesson of this study unit, you will learn methods
for performing a thorough map/terrain association of the target area. The second and third
lessons of this study unit will teach you to determine directions and distances. The fourth
lesson will connect these tools to the three methods used to identify target location to the
firing unit: polar plot, grid coordinates, and shift from a known point.
Lesson 1. MAP/TERRAIN ASSOCIATION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the three operations the observer must perform to be oriented.
2. Identify the purpose of a terrain sketch.
2101. Orientation
To locate targets for the supporting arm, you must first orient yourself to the target area. You
will accomplish three things. First, you must establish your location. Second, you must locate
your target or point you can use for a reference. Third, you must determine the direction from
you to the target or reference point.
a. Establish location. You must locate yourself in relation to the map as accurately as you can.
With enough practice at land navigation and map reading, your self-location by map
inspection/terrain association will be accurate enough for you to conduct fire missions. If
possible, you should attempt to locate your position more accurately by performing a map
resection or other accurate means such as Global Positioning System (GPS), or Position Location
and Reporting System (PLRS).
2-1
b. Locate target. You must be able to locate the target relative to your position both on the
ground and on your map. If you don't have a target, you use a terrain or manmade feature that
you can also locate on your map. The methods used to locate targets will be discussed in the
following lessons.
c. Determine direction. You must establish the direction to your target whether or not you
have a map. This can be accomplished by several different means: compass, cardinal directions,
or by terrain association. If you are using a map you can also scale direction on your map with a
protractor. Locate your position on the map and from your location scale the direction to
prominent terrain features with a protractor.
(1) Compass. Using a compass, you can orient yourself by orienting your map. Do this
in the following manner: with the map in front of you, place the straightedge of the
compass along one of the north/south grid lines. Turn the map and compass together
until the needle is on north. Move the map and compass together to cause the needle
to match the declination diagram (located in the legend of the map at the bottom) in
number of mils left or right of grid north. Now your map is oriented to grid north.
(2) Cardinal direction. If you have neither map nor compass, associate the limits of your
target area to the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). The cardinal
directions are
North: 0 or 6400 Northeast: 0800

East: 1600 Southeast: 2400
South: 3200 Southwest: 4000
West: 4800 Northwest: 5600
Note: Direction would be measured in mils, and a grid direction should be given in
four-digits when calling-for-fire. Grid azimuths are measured in a clockwise
direction and there are 6400 mils in a circle.
(3) Terrain association. If you don't have a compass to orient your map with, use
prominent terrain features. Put your map in front of you and associate what you see
with the contour lines and symbols on your map. You can make a thorough study of
the terrain by constructing a terrain sketch.
2-2
2102. Constructing a Terrain Sketch
A terrain sketch (fig 2-1) is a rough panoramic drawing of the area of observation prepared by the
observer. Once constructed, it serves as a rapid means of identifying directions to reference
points. A terrain sketch also provides a rapid means of orienting relief personnel. Items that
should be included in a terrain sketch are
v The skyline (horizon)

v Prominent features both natural and manmade (hill masses, ridgelines,
bodies of water, trees, roads, buildings, antennas, towers, battlefield debris,
etc.)
v Labels (reference points, known points, targets)
Figure 2-1. Terrain sketch.
Reference points should be chosen across the area at intervals not over 200 mils apart to aid in
rapidly identifying directions. Each labeled item should include as much information as possible
without cluttering the sketch. Identify the information by numbers, reference point names, and
known point designations and place at the top of the "T" (fig 2-1). Labels for direction, distance,
altitude, and grid should be placed on the right side of the "T." Reference points usually only
require direction, but known points and targets should have direction, distance, and grid. Terrain
sketches are never complete, you must continually refine and update them.
----------------------------------------------------------------
2-3
1. To orient yourself to the target area, you must first ____________, then
___________, and finally ____________.
a. establish direction, establish your location, locate your targets

b. establish direction, locate your targets, establish your position
c. establish your position, establish direction, locate your targets
d. establish your location, locate your target, determine direction
2. A terrain sketch is which of the following?
a. Precise record of targets you have located

b. Technically correct representation of the target area from your viewpoint
c. Reference tool for determining directions within the target area
d. Sketch of targets and known points you can see
3. To establish direction you can use which of the following?
a. Compass, cardinal directions, terrain sketch, terrain analysis, binoculars

b. Compass, terrain sketch, map and protractor, terrain association, observed fire
fan
c. Terrain analysis, scale, terrain sketch, cardinal directions
d. Compass, cardinal directions, terrain association, map and protractor
2-4
Lesson 2. DETERMINING DIRECTION (AZIMUTH) TO THE TARGET
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the types of direction used to locate targets.
2. Identify five methods of determining direction to objects in the target area.
3. Identify the methods for determining angular deviation.
4. Determine angular deviation using a binocular reticle pattern.
5. Determine angular deviation using a hand measurement.
2201. Types of Direction
There are several types of direction that can be used to locate targets; namely, observer target
line, gun target line, cardinal/intercardinal direction, and arbitrary reference feature.
a. Observer target line (OT line). The observer target line is an imaginary line from the
observer to and through the target. The OT line is the direction most commonly used in target
location and adjustment.
b. Gun target line. The gun target line is an imaginary line from the guns to and through the
target. It is most commonly used by aerial observers to adjust fire, but can be used by an observer
on the ground.
c. Cardinal/intercardinal direction. This is the use of the eight cardinal/intercardinal directions

(N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW). It is the least accurate, but at times you may need to use it.
d. Arbitrary reference feature. You may use a natural or manmade feature (such as a
north-south road or river) from which to reference target location and/or adjustment of fire. This
may be used in situations where transmission of the OT direction may compromise your location.
2202. Methods of Determining Direction
Determining direction is an essential skill for calling for and adjusting fire. Direction is a term
used to indicate the bearing of the spotting line. It is an integral part of terrain-map association,
adjustment of fire, and target location. There are five methods by which you can determine
direction; namely, measuring from a reference point, using a compass, scaling from a map,
estimating, or using other measuring devices.
a. Measuring from a reference point. Using a reference point with a known direction, you can
measure angular deviation in mils to a target, or other point, and compute a direction to that point
by applying the deviation to the known distances.
2-5
b. Using a compass. Using a compass you can measure a direction to an accuracy of 10 mils.
If you are using a lensatic compass, you read the direction in mils using the outer scale. You must
then convert the magnetic reading to a grid azimuth. Follow the instructions in the declination
diagram of your map. Remember, for converting azimuths only, the rule is left add/ right
subtract. If magnetic north is to the left of grid north, you will add the value of the G-M angle to
your reading to convert magnetic azimuths to grid azimuths. If magnetic north is to the right of
grid north you subtract the value of the G-M angle from your reading. If you are using an M-2
compass, you do not have to convert. You will declinate your compass before using it and the
readings will be grid azimuths.
c. Scaling from a map. Using a protractor, you can scale direction from a map to an accuracy
of 10 mils.
d. Estimating. This is the least accurate method but can be used if you have no other means.
You should be able to visualize a cardinal direction by remembering the sun and moon rise in the
east and set in the west. If you know you are facing east, then north is to your left, south is to the
right, and west is to the rear.
e. Using other measuring devices. New equipment is constantly being developed to help
provide fast and accurate means to determine direction. Laser equipment, such as the AN/PAQ-3
Modular Universal Laser Equipment (MULE), is extremely fast and is accurate within a 2 mil
accuracy. The MULE is issued to artillery forward observers and naval gunfire spotters.
2203. Angular Deviation
You must be able to determine angular deviation (measurement) to determine direction and also
for determining horizontal distance for target location and corrections in adjustment. You can
determine deviation by using binoculars, a battery commanders (BC) scope, an aiming circle or by
hand measurement. To determine direction to a point or target, you measure the deviation
(horizontal distance) from a point of known direction to the point you are measuring. Regardless
of the means used to measure, you must remember azimuths increase to the right and decrease to
the left. You can remember this by using the right add/left subtract (RALS) rule. If the target is
to the right of the reference point, you add the deviation to the known direction. If the target is to
the left, you subtract the difference from the known direction.
2-6
2204. Determine Angular Deviation Using Binoculars
a. The best way to quickly measure an angle is to use the scale on a binocular recticle pattern.
Figure 2-2 shows the reticle patterns that you will see in Marine Corps issue binoculars. The left
illustration is the binocular reticle pattern for the M19 binoculars. The right illustration is the
reticle pattern for the M17 binoculars. The difference between the two is in the vertical scale.
Figure 2-2. Binocular reticle patterns.
The horizontal scale is graduated in 10-mil increments, numbered one through five, to the left and
right from the center (vertex) of the scale. When using these increments, you will identify them to
yourself as being either left or right of your known point.
(1) To measure the deviation between the point of known direction and your target, your
first step is to align the vertex (center) of the scale with the known point (fig 2-3).
The second step is to determine which number graduation is in line with the center of
the target.
2-7
You would read
this measurement
as 30 left.
Figure 2-3. Measuring deviation.
(2) When the known point and the target are farther than 50 mils apart, you can't align
the vertex with the known point. You must measure by aligning one end of the scale
with your known point and reading the total number of mils to the target (fig 2-4).
You would read

this measurement
as 80 right.
Figure 2-4. Target and known point more than 50 mils apart.
(3) When the known point and the target are more than 100 mils apart, you won't be able
to fit both in the reticle pattern. When this happens you must "leapfrog" to measure
the deviation. To do this
vMove the horizontal scale left or right until the known point is located at one end of
the scale.
vFind an object or feature near the target end of the scale. This will then become a
reference point.
2-8
vMeasure the deviation from the known point to this reference point then move your
binoculars until the reference point is at the end of the scale where the known point
was. Measure the remaining number of mils to the target.
v Now apply the total deviation to the known point direction to get the target
direction (figs 2-5 and 2-6).
Read Read Add the

this this total of
as 85 as 45 the two
right right then you
subtract
that from
the known
distance
Figure 2-5. Leapfrogging. Figure 2-6. Leapfrogging.
The reading of the measurement in figure 2-5 was 85 right and the reading in figure 2-6 was 45
right giving you a total measurement of 130 right. Using the RALS rule (right add/left subtract)
add 130 to the known point direction, and you get the direction to the target.
(4) If the target and your known point are farther apart than one reference point will
cover, you must continue to use the leapfrog method until you can reach the target.
b. When operating in a static situation, you can determine angular deviation or measurement
by using a BC scope or an aiming circle. These instruments are extremely useful when accurate
measurements are paramount, such as for precision adjustments, for measuring vertical angles, or
for night observation. Both the BC scope and aiming circle are usually only available from
artillery units.
2205. Determine Angular Deviation Using a Hand Measurement
In situations where speed is essential, or when you have no other means, you can use your hand
or fingers to measure deviation. To use this method accurately, you must remember to fully
extend your arm (elbow locked) each time. With your arm fully extended, palm pointed away
from you, place your hand or fingers between your point of known direction and the target
reference point. By using the values shown in figure 2-7, you can determine angular deviation.
2-9
Figure 2-7. Angular deviation measurements.
To increase accuracy, you should calibrate your hand. The values may vary slightly depending on
size of the hand. To calibrate your hand, you simply measure the deviation between objects with
your hand and check the measurement against known deviation or measure the deviation with an
instrument.
----------------------------------------------------------------
responses against those listed at the end of the study unit.
1. What are two methods of determining directions in the target area?
a. Leapfrogging and hand measurement

b. Hand measurement and binocular reticle pattern
c. Measuring from a reference point and using a compass
d. Directional instrument and binocular reticle pattern
2. You measured an azimuth of 1430 to a target using your lensatic compass. The
declination diagram shows a G-M angle of (magnetic right) 140 mils. What is the
target direction?
a. 1290 c. 1870
b. 1570 d. 1990
2-10
3. What are the two methods for measuring angles between objects?
a. Leapfrogging and hand measurement

b. Hand measurement and binocular reticle pattern
c. Directional instrument and hand measurement
d. Leapfrogging and binocular reticle pattern
4. In the figure below, what is the angle between the vertex and the target?
a. 4.5 mils c. 45 mils

b. 40 mils d. 50 mils
5. You have calibrated your hand as follows:
v Fingers 40 mils each

v Closed fist 200 mils
v Spread hand 400 mils
Determine the measured angle between the points in the figure below.
a. 40 mils c. 120 mils

b. 80 mils d. 200 mils
2-11
Lesson 3. DETERMINING DISTANCE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Determine the distance to a target by using the "flash-to-bang" method given a

situation.
2. Identify the procedures used to determine distance to a target using an observed fire
(OF) fan and terrain association.
3. Determine lateral distance to a second point given a point of known distance and an
observation.
2301. Distance
Once you have determined the direction, you must determine the distance to the target. Distance
is the horizontal space between a reference point and a target or between you and the target.
Determining a distance is normally the most difficult variable in target location. It is also used in
the adjustment of fire. The standard unit of measure for a distance is the meter. Distance can be
determined by one, or a combination, of these methods: lasers, flash-to-bang, or estimation.
a. Lasers. Lasers are the preferred method for determining observer to target (OT) distance.
When a laser is used, distance can be determined to an accuracy of 10 meters. The MULE and
the AN/GVS-5 laser rangefinder provide an observer with the fastest and most accurate means of
determining distance.
b. Flash-to-Bang. Because we know that sound travels at a speed of 350 meters per second,
we can use sound to estimate distance. To use this method, you must count the number of
seconds between the detonation of the round (FLASH) and the sound (BANG) of the impact.
Multiply the number of seconds by 350. The answer is the distance in meters from the observer
to the target or round. Use the equation
FLASH-TO-BANG (in seconds) X 350 = DISTANCE
This method has several uses to the observer. It not only determines a distance, it can be used to
confirm a distance. It can also be used to determine the distance to the muzzle flash of enemy
weapons.
c. Estimation. You must estimate the distance if there isn't a more accurate means available.
The degree of accuracy is dependent on several factors, such as terrain, time available, and your
experience. Remaining stationary is a key element, if this method is to be effective.
2-12
(1) A mental estimate is made by use of a known unit of measure. Distance is estimated
to the nearest 100 meters by determining the number of known units of measure, such
as a football field (100 yards), between you and the target.
(2) You must consider the following effects when estimating a distance:
vObjects appear nearer

v In bright light
v When you are looking down
v When you are down a road
v When you are looking across water, snow, or a uniform surface such as a
desert
v When the background is in contrast to the color of the object
vObjects appear more distant

v In poor light or fog
v When only a small part of the object is seen
v When looking over a depression, most of which is visible
v When the background is similar in color to the object
(3) When visibility is good, distance can be estimated by using the appearance of tree
trunks, their branches, and foliage (using the naked eye) in comparison to map data.
(4) You must always do a terrain/map analysis to assist in estimating distances. When
you are looking in a specific direction, the estimation of distance can be enhanced by
studying the terrain to associate what you are seeing on the ground with what you see
on your map. The use of an observed fire (OF) fan helps you associate map and
compass direction.
(5) Altitude is the vertical distance measured from sea level. The standard unit of
measure for altitude is the meter. Altitude is determined from a map study using the
contour lines and contour interval.
2302. Observed Fire (OF) Fan
The OF fan is a transparent protractor that can be used to show the direction and distance on the
map. It helps the observer identify on the map what he sees on the ground. The OF fan has 17
radial lines that are 100 mils apart and cover a total area of 1600 mils. The radial lines represent
OT direction. The OT distance is represented by arcs marked on the fan every 500 meters and
labeled every 1000 meters beginning at 1000 and extending to 6500. The OF fan is available
through the supply system as GTA 6-7-3. You can make your own OF fan by scaling direction
with a coordinate scale and scaling distances from your map.
2-13
a. Orienting the OF fan. To use your OF fan effectively you must first orient your map, locate
your position, and mark your location on the map. Then locate a reference point in the direction
of your area of operation. Now you are ready to orient your OF fan by performing the following
steps:
(1) Place the vertex of the OF fan over your location.
(2) Place the center radial line in the direction of your reference point.
(3) Move the fan slightly until one of the radial lines is parallel to a grid line (regardless
of what direction to the reference point may be), one of the radial lines will always
point to a cardinal direction.
(4) Attach the OF fan in position on the map by using a piece of tape along one edge of
the fan. The fan can then be lifted, if required, to inspect the map without disturbing
its orientation.
(5) With a marker pen or grease pencil, number the even directions (every second radial
line) dropping the last two zeros.
b. Determine target location. To determine the target location, you must first determine
direction using one of the methods previously discussed. Sight along that direction on your OF
fan and map until you associate the terrain around the target with the proper contours on the map.
Observe the ticks on your OF fan, or measure with a protractor, and read the distance +/- 100
meters. In figure 2-8, you would determine the distance to the target located at grid 531269 as
3200 meters.
2-14
Figure 2-8. Target location using the OF fan.
2303. Determining Lateral Distance
Lateral distance is the distance left or right, from one object to another, perpendicular to your line
of sight. Determining lateral distance is important for you in order to adjust fire and for locating
targets using the shift from a known point method of target location, which will be discussed in
the next lesson. The accuracy of your lateral distance estimation will depend upon how well you
determine the distance from you to the target. Once you have established the distance from you
to the target, you will use the mil relation formula (W=R x m) to convert the measured angle in
mils to a lateral shift in meters. This formula is based on the rule that 1 mil of arc, at a distance of
1000 meters, will equal 1 meter of lateral distance. It's similar to how windage and elevation
changes on your rifle create different points of impact at different ranges.
The mil relation formula: W = R x m
W = Width or lateral shift (distance) in meters
R = Range or distance measured in meters (divided by 1000)
m = Angle measured in mils
2-15
Follow the sample problem to use the mil relation formula to determine a lateral distance.
Looking at figure 2-9, follow the step-by-step instructions:
Figure 2-9. Lateral distance determination.
Known: Distance to known point-2500 meters angle in mils-60 mils
Step 1: Find the value of R. Divide the distance to the known point by 1000,
2500/1000 = 2.5. The value of R = 2.5.
Step 2: The measured angle is 60 mils. The value of m = 60.
Step 3: To find W, multiply the value of R by the value of m, 2.5 x 60 = 150. The value of
W = 150 meters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2-16
reponses against those listed at the end of this study unit.
1. Which of the methods for determining distance is the most accurate?
a. Estimation c. Flash-to-bang
b. Lasers d. OF fan
2. You have observed an enemy crew served weapon firing. You saw the muzzle flash
and counted 4 seconds until you heard the report of the weapon. What is the distance
to the enemy?
a. 140 meters c. 1400 meters

b. 1240 meters d. 12400 meters
3. When determining distance to a target using terrain association and the OF fan you
read distance to the target to +/- ________ meters.
a. 1 c. 50
b. 10 d. 100
4. You have observed a target to the right of a known point. The distance to the known
point is 1500 meters. You measured the angle between the known point and the
target to be 50 mils. What is the lateral distance from the known point to the target?

2-17
Lesson 4. METHODS OF TARGET LOCATION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Locate a target by polar plot given a terrain sketch and a reference point.
2. Locate a target within 100 meters expressed as a six-digit grid, given a map and a
coordinate scale.
3. Determine the range and lateral shift to a target given a known point and orienting
data.
2401. Polar Plot
The polar plot method of target location consists of three elements: direction, distance, and
vertical shift. You determine these elements and report them to the FDC. The primary advantage
of the polar plot method is that it is fast and can be done without a map. If a laser rangefinder is
used, the polar plot method is very accurate. A disadvantage is that your position must be known
to the firing unit. This may require you to send a coded message to your location (including
altitude) before sending the call-for-fire. To perform a polar plot, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine direction to the target to the nearest 10 mils.
Step 2: Determine/estimate the distance to the target to the nearest 100 meters.
Step 3: Determine the difference in altitude between your position and the target to the
nearest 5 meters. You need not report a vertical shift of less than 30 meters.
2402. Grid Coordinate
Target location by grid coordinate is a natural extension of the polar plot method. The FDC
doesn't need to know the observer's location to use the grid method. Normally you locate targets
to the nearest 100 meters (six-digit grid). You do the plot on your map and refine with terrain
association, then read the grid where the target plots on your map. When additional accuracy is
required (for registrations or locating known points) you should locate targets to the nearest 10
meters (eight-digit grid).
a. Map inspection. With sufficient terrain features and/or reference points to associate, you
can determine six-digit grids by map inspection. To determine grids by map inspection, you
simply observe the target in relation to the terrain, find that spot on the map, and scale a grid.
2-18
b. Supplementary data. With the use of your OF fan, you can determine six-digit grids easily
and, with good observations, you can determine eight-digit grids accurately. Follow these steps
to determine a grid using your OF fan.
(1) Determine the direction to the target using one of the methods covered in Lesson 2.
(2) Determine distance to it with one of the methods taught in Lesson 3.
(3) Find the direction on or between the rays of the fan.
(4) Follow along the direction until you are at the determined distance by using the tick
marks on the rays.
(5) Plot the point and then scale the grid from the map.
2403. Shift from a Known Point
The shift from a known point method of target location is when you locate a target in relation to a
known point (fig 2-10). This method offers several advantages. It is accurate, you don't have to
use a map, and your location need not be known to the FDC. However the FDC must know the
location of the known point. The known point may be a terrain reference point previously
recorded or a target that was previously fired and recorded. To perform a shift from a known
point, follow these steps:
a. Identify the known point to be used to the FDC by target or known point number.
b. Determine the OT direction to the nearest 10 mils and report as "direction _______."
c. Determine the lateral distance between the known point and the target to the nearest 10
meters, using the mil relation formula you learned in Lesson 3, report this to the FDC as "right
____(or left ____)." If the deviation is greater than 600 mils, the mil relation formula becomes
inaccurate, you should use the grid method of target location.
d. Determine the range shift from the known point to the target to the nearest 100 meters. If
the target is further from you than the known point, you report "add ____." If the target is closer
to you than the known point, you report "drop ____."
e. Determine the vertical difference between the known point and the target to the nearest 5
meters, if the difference is greater than 30 meters, you report this as "up ____ " (or "down____").
2-19
Figure 2-10. Shift from a known point.
Figure 2-10 gives an example of a shift from a known point method of target location. The
following computations are for figure 2-10.
Mil relation formula: W = R x m
R = (known distance/1000)
m = (angular deviation 80m)
W = 2.1 x 80 = 168.0
168.0 rounded to nearest 10 M = 170 M
W = Right 170
Distance = Estimated distance - Known distance

2900 - 2100 = Add 800
Altitude = 450 - 400

(greater than 30 meters)
UP 50
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2-20
Situation: Select the correct answers using the information given and illustrations 1 and 2.
The first illustration is your observation of your target and a stalled tank. The peak on
which your reticle pattern is centered is known point 1. The distance from you to the tank
is 3800 meters.
The second illustration is your oriented map and OF fan with known point 1
(KP0001) plotted at grid 714461. You have the following data for known point 1:
direction 4790, distance 5900, altitude 2450. The contour interval of the map is 20
meters.
Illustration 1.
2-21
Illustration 2.
1. What is the grid to the target?
a. 736473 c. 739467
b. 736464 d. 740471
2. What is the correct polar plot of the target?
a. DIRECTION 4745, DISTANCE 3550, DOWN 80

b. DIRECTION 4835, DISTANCE 3850, UP 80
c. DIRECTION 4840, DISTANCE 3800, DOWN 60
d. DIRECTION 5090, DISTANCE 3000, UP 60
3. What is the correct shift from known point 1 to the target?
a. DIRECTION 4835, RIGHT 270, ADD 940, DOWN 160

b. DIRECTION 4835, LEFT 260, DROP 2000, UP 60
c. DIRECTION 4840, RIGHT 260, DROP 2100, DOWN 60
d. DIRECTION 5090, LEFT 270, ADD 1000, UP 160
2-22
UNIT SUMMARY
In this study unit, you learned the methods and techniques for locating targets within the target
area. You learned the basics of map/terrain association and the determination of direction and
distance from yourself to objects or from objects to objects. As an observer, you will be required
to perform these actions repeatedly. In Study Unit 3, you will learn to call for, adjust rounds
onto, and engage targets in fire for effect. In adjusting rounds and reporting their effects, you will
again be required to associate your observations to the map and to determine direction and
distances.
Lesson 1 Exercise Solutions Reference
1. d. 2101
2. c. 2102
3. d. 2101c
1. c. 2202
2. b. 2202b
3. b. 2203
4. c. 2204a
5. d. 2205
1. b. 2301a
2. c. 2301b
3. d. 2302
4. b. 2303
1. b. 2402
2. c. 2401
3. c. 2403
2-23
STUDY UNIT 3
CONDUCTING FIRE MISSIONS
Introduction. In the previous study unit, you learned to locate targets by determining
distances and measuring angles. In this study unit, you will learn how to conduct
your fire missions, artillery communications, spotting and corrections, and
adjustments on fire for effect.
Lesson 1. FIRE MISSIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify one of the three desired effects of a fire mission given a scenario.
2. Select one of the four types of fire missions given a scenario.
3. Select a type of adjust fire mission used to locate the target.
4. Determine if a fire for effect mission is used given a scenario.
5. Determine if a suppression mission is conducted properly given a situation.
6. Determine if an immediate suppression mission is conducted properly given a

situation.
3101. Three Types of Effects of Fire Missions
When you engage a target with artillery, you will be firing to achieve one of three effects upon the
enemy. You will be firing to destroy, neutralize, or suppress the enemy.
a. Destruction. To destroy a target you are either going to actually destroy a material target
by fire or cause 30 percent or more casualties against a personnel target (which will render a unit
ineffective for combat). To destroy a material target you will conduct a precision fire mission,
which is an extended adjust fire mission requiring target "hits." Destruction of a material target
requires that an artillery piece or battery expose itself to detection and counterfires. Destruction
of a personnel target requires large ammunition expenditures and must be well justified.
b. Neutralization. The majority of missions fired will be neutralization missions. Ten percent
casualties will neutralize a combat unit, severely degrading its combat efficiency. Neutralization
fires do not require large ammunition expenditures when the target is attacked with the proper
type and amount of ammunition.
3-1
c. Suppression. Suppression missions will temporarily stop an enemy unit from being
effective. Suppressive fires will either cause an enemy to seek cover or, by using smoke,
temporarily obscure his vision of the battle area. Both the suppression and immediate suppression
missions yield suppressive results only during the time the fire is being delivered.
3102. Types of Fire Missions
There are four types of fire missions: adjust fire, fire for effect, suppression, and immediate
suppression. You will achieve destruction, neutralization, or suppression of the enemy by
performing one of the four types of fire missions. Each type of fire mission is designed to bring
fires to targets for different effects, except the adjust fire mission, which is a method of target
location prior to conducting either fire for effect or suppression.
3103. Adjust Fire (AF) Mission
Adjust fire missions are requested when you decide an adjustment will be needed. An adjustment
may be needed because of questionable target location or lack of registration corrections. There
are two types of adjustment missions: area fire and precision fires. For precision fires, adjustment
will be necessary no matter how accurate your target location is.
a. Area fire. Artillery, mortars, and naval guns are all area fire weapons; therefore, most of
your targets will be area targets. Area fire is used on area targets. Since many area targets can
move, the adjustment should be made as rapidly and accurately as possible to keep the target from
escaping. A well-defined point should be selected at or near the center of the area to be attacked
and used as an adjusting point. To achieve surprise, fire could be adjusted on an auxiliary
adjusting point and when completed, the fire for effect could be shifted to the target. Normally,
adjustment is conducted with one adjusting weapon.
b. Precision fire. Precision fire adjustments are conducted with one weapon on a target. It is
used either to obtain registration corrections or to destroy a target. When the mission is a
registration, it is initiated by the FDC with a message to observer. If the target is to be destroyed,
you must announce, "Destruction," in the call-for-fire.
3104. Fire for Effect (FFE)
Firing for effect, without previously adjusting to the target, is the most effective way of engaging
the enemy with indirect fire. Adjusting rounds will alert the enemy and cause him to change his
posture, thereby nullifying more than half of your effectiveness. The fire for effect mission is used
when you have accurate target location and are certain the first volley will impact on target with
little or no adjustment. With first round FFE you will achieve the maximum potential damage to
the target. The accuracy required to fire for effect depends on the target and the type of
ammunition being used. You should always strive for first round fire for effect.
3-2
3105. Suppression (S) Mission
Suppression missions are conducted to temporarily stop the enemy from functioning. You may
suppress an enemy observation post (OP) to stop it from directing fire on friendly units. You may
suppress an enemy gun position to stop its support of the enemy defense. Suppressions are
normally conducted against planned targets to support a scheme of maneuver, such as suppressing
the objective until the assault elements reach the fire coordination line. Suppression may be
conducted with HE or smoke. For a suppression mission that is planned in the operation order,
no coordination is necessary. You will only need to request the suppression, and the firing unit
will conduct the mission according to the plan.
When you call for an unplanned suppression mission, you must tell the FDC the length of time
that you require for the suppression. You should tell the FDC the size of the target to suppress
and the nature of the requirement. If the FDC receives no more information than the time length
of the suppression, they are supposed to fire the battery/platoon at the maximum sustained rate
for the length of the suppression. This may require them to use too much ammunition, and they
may deny you the fire mission. If they understand your requirement better, they can time a slower
rate of fire or use fewer tubes to accomplish the mission with less drain on their ammunition
supply.
3106. Immediate Suppression (IS) Mission
Immediate suppression is a means to get the enemy off your back so you can maneuver, assault
the ambush, or have time to formulate a neutralization or destruction mission. Immediate
suppression is called for only when you or your unit is suddenly halted or endangered by enemy
activity such as an OP directing fire, a gun position firing upon you, or a similar situation. The
shell/fuze combination and number of pieces/rounds to fire in suppression will be dictated by unit
SOP or the operation order for the mission. Immediate suppression is an expedient measure to
give you time to react to a situation. It should end as soon as possible or convert into a FFE
neutralization mission.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1. You are attacking an enemy unit with artillery. You wish to severely degrade their
combat effectiveness without a large expenditure of ammunition. Which effect do
you desire from the fire mission?
a. Neutralization c. Destruction
b. Suppression d. Immediate suppression
3-3
2. You are attacking an enemy stronghold with artillery. You wish to make the enemy
permanently combat ineffective. Which effect do you desire from the fire mission?
3. You observe an enemy gun position to the flank of your unit's advance. You wish to
temporarily render it incapable of supporting the enemy defense. Which effect do
a. Destruction c. Neutralization
4. You are directing fires against an enemy unit in order to neutralize it. You have
located the target accurately by polar plot using your AN/GVS-5. Which type of fire
mission will you conduct?
a. Suppression c. Fire for effect

b. Adjust fire d. Immediate suppression
5. Which adjust fire mission is conducted to locate the target?
a. Adjust fire c. Area fire

b. Precision fire d. Creeping fire
6. In which of the four listed situations would you call for a suppression mission?
a. An enemy OP directing fires against your defensive positions

b. A machinegun position providing supporting fires
c. An enemy OP which might direct fires against attacking Marines
d. A reconnaissance patrol scouting your flanks
7. In which of the four listed situations would you call for an immediate suppression
mission?
a. An enemy OP directing fires against your defensive positions

b. A machinegun position providing supporting fires against your position during a
counterattack
c. An enemy OP which might direct fires against attacking Marines
d. A reconnaissance patrol scouting your flanks
3-4
Lesson 2. ARTILLERY COMMUNICATION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the four methods of communication available to the observer.
2. Identify the six elements of the call-for-fire in their correct order.
3. Identify the four elements of the message to the observer.
4. Report upon firing.
3201. Means of Communication
You must maintain constant effective communication with the firing unit to receive and control
supporting fires. There are four methods of communications that you may use: radio, wire,
digital communications terminal (DCT), and messenger.
a. Radio. Your primary methods of communication will be by radio. You will normally
request and adjust artillery fires and pass target information over the artillery conduct of fire net.
There are certain procedures that must be remembered when you are using the radio.
(1) Call signs. You will use your call sign and the FDC's call sign in your initial fire
request. Once you are into your mission, you will no longer need to use call signs
each time you send information. You just key the handset and give the necessary
information. If the firing unit is conducting missions for more than one observer, you
will need to identify yourself for each transmission. If you are conducting more than
one mission at the same time, you will need to identify the mission number to which
the transmission pertains.
(2) Announcing digits. Whenever you send a number or numbers to the firing unit, you
must pronounce each digit of the number. For instance, if you wish to send a
direction of 1490, you must say, DIRECTION, ONE-FOUR-NINER-ZERO. The
only time you will not announce each digit is if the number ends in an even hundred or
thousand. For instance, for 1000 you will say, DIRECTION, ONE THOUSAND not
DIRECTION, ONE-ZERO-ZERO-ZERO. For 1300, you must say, DIRECTION,
ONE-THREE-HUNDRED not DIRECTION, THIRTEEN-HUNDRED. You will
send many digits over the radio to call for and adjust fires. Pronounce each digit and
hundred and thousand instead of successive zeros for the same reason, clarity.
(3) Repeat and say again. Whenever you say REPEAT to the supporting arms, you will
receive another round, or rounds, fired at the exact same data and command as the
previous one (ones) fired. If you have just fired a battery, two rounds, DPICM at a
target and you key the handset on the radio and say REPEAT, you will receive twelve
more DPICM rounds at the same spot as the last ones.
3-5
Do not say REPEAT on the radio to ask someone to say TRANSMISSION AGAIN!
Say, SAY AGAIN, OVER. When you ask a station to SAY AGAIN, they will say
their last radio transmission over again. When you ask the station to repeat, their next
transmission will be SHOT, OVER.
(4) Read back. Every time that you make a fire mission essential transmission to the
firing unit, they must read it back to you, word for word. Every time they make a fire
mission essential transmission to you, you must read it back, word for word. The
reason for this is to ensure there is no misunderstanding in targeting information. A
mistake in target location could cost the friendly people their lives.
(5) Correction of errors. Any mistake made during a transmission must be clearly
corrected so that it is understood it is a correction of an error. Suppose you sent this
target location for a shift mission; the message would be
DIRECTION 1600, LEFT 500, DROP 1000, OVER.
The FDC should read back
DIRECTION 1600, LEFT 500, DROP 1000, OUT.
As they read back your transmission you realize that you meant to say right and not
left. You then say
CORRECTION, RIGHT 500, OVER.
The FDC should then read back
DIRECTION 1600, RIGHT 500, DROP 1000, OUT.
This same procedure is true whether you make the error in announcing or if the FDC
copies it wrong and makes the error in the read back.
b. Wire. You can use wire communications to the extent permitted by the tactical situation,
time, and personnel available. In a static defensive posture, a landline may be used between the
company commander and a remote observation post.
c. Digital Communications Terminal (DCT). The DCT is a handheld device that enables users
to rapidly prepare, transmit, and receive both text and graphic messages (clear and encrypted)
over standard military radio or field wire. The DCT uses a burst transmission capability that,
when used instead of voice communications, minimizes the vulnerability to enemy radio direction
finding and jamming. You will use the DCT to transmit calls-for-fire, fire plans, and battlefield
information. When using the DCT, you must ensure the required destination links and addresses
are programmed to allow for fire support coordination.
3-6
d. Messenger. The FO may use this method of communication, tactical situation permitting.
This method is a secure method of sending fire plans. It reduces radio traffic thus hampering
enemy direction finding.
3202. Call-for-Fire
The call-for-fire is a request for fire containing all data necessary for obtaining the required fire on
a target. It is a concise message prepared by the observer and transmitted as a request, not as an
order. It is sent quickly, but clearly enough to be understood, recorded, and read back without
error by the FDC. The call-for-fire consists of six elements and is transmitted in three parts, with
a break and read back after each part. The six elements of the call-for-fire are: observer
identification, warning order, target location, target description, method of engagement, and
method of fire and control. These must be transmitted in the following order:
v The observer identification and the warning order are the first transmission.
v The target location is the second transmission.
v The target description, method of engagement, and the method of fire and control are
the third transmission.
a. Observer identification. The observer identification lets the FDC know who is calling. Use
your call sign to identify yourself. Once given, call signs are omitted from subsequent
transmissions during that mission unless there is a chance of confusion; for instance, another
observer is conducting a mission at the same time you request your mission.
b. Warning order. The warning order clears the net for the fire mission and tells the FDC what
type of mission you want and the method of target location. The warning order consists of the
type of mission, the size of the element to fire for effect, and the method of target location.
(1) The type of mission will be one of the four types you learned about in the last lesson:
adjust fire, fire for effect, suppression, or immediate suppression.
(2) The size of the element to fire for effect is normally a battery but you may request
more or less. For instance, if you have a very large target, you may want a battalion
to fire in effect. If the target area is small, you may feel you only need two guns to
accomplish the job. For an inexperienced observer, it is usually best to let the FDC
decide the size of the element to fire for effect.
(3) The method of target location must be given. Polar or shift from a known point must
be announced. If you are using a laser, you must let the FDC know. Do not
announce the method of target location if you are using the grid method, this is
standard. If you don't say which method you are using, the FDC will know you are
using the grid method.
3-7
Example: You want to call in an adjust fire mission using a battery in effect, and you have
located the target by shifting from known point 2.
Your first transmission would be C30 THIS IS C56, ADJUST FIRE, SHIFT
KNOWN POINT 2, OVER.
c. Target location. You must tell the FDC where the target is to receive fire on it. If you used
the grid method for target location, announce the grid coordinates. For the polar method, give
the direction and distance from you to the target. If you are using the shift method, give your OT
direction, then how far right or left of the known point the target is (lateral shift), then how much
closer or farther the target is from the known point to you (range shift). This is given as ADD or
DROP from the known point in 100 meter increments. Next, you would give a vertical shift if the
target is 30 meters higher or lower than the known point. Vertical shifts are given as UP or
DOWN.
Example: Your target is on a direction of 3860, it is 50 mils right of known point 2 (your
shift factor is 3), and you estimate the target to be 600 meters farther than
known point 2. Your map shows the area where the target is to be 40 meters
lower than known point 2.
Your second transmission to FDC would be DIRECTION 3860, RIGHT 150,

ADD 600, DOWN 40, OVER.
d. Target description. Your description of the target should be brief and accurate. It should
tell the following:
vWhat the target is (troops, trucks, supply dump, etc.)
vWhat the target is doing (digging in, in assembly area, refueling)
vThe number of elements in the target (squad, platoon, three trucks)
vThe degree of protection (in open, in fighting holes, with overhead cover)
vTarget size and shape (linear, rectangular, circular, or irregular shaped)
(1) A linear target (a target greater than 200 meters in length but less than 200 meters in
width) is described by sending the FDC an attitude and length of the target. Attitude
describes the direction of the line in relation to the north/south line and is given as an
azimuth from 0 to 3100 in 100 mil increments. For example: ATTITUDE 1300,
LENGTH 300. Attitude is always given as less than 3200.
3-8
(2) A rectangular target is greater than 200 meters in length and width and is described
to the FDC by length, width, and attitude. For example: 400 by 200, ATTITUDE
2800.
(3) Circular targets are targets having a radius greater than 100 meters and are described
to the FDC by the radius. For example: RADIUS 300.
(4) Irregular shaped targets are described using the center of the target, the length, depth,
and the attitude (if required).
e. Method of engagement. You may indicate how you want to attack the target. This element
consists of the type of adjustment, trajectory, ammunition, and distribution. These subelements
will all be standard unless you specify otherwise. Nonstandard subelements are DANGER
CLOSE and MARK.
(1) The standard adjustment is area fire. If you want precision fire you must request
DESTRUCTION.
(2) You announce DANGER CLOSE in the method of engagement if the rounds will
impact close to friendly troops. DANGER CLOSE for mortars is 400 meters, for
artillery it is 600 meters, and 750 meters for naval gun fire (5 inch).
(3) MARK is included in the method of engagement if you are going to call rounds
either to orient yourself or mark targets for ground troops, aircraft, or other fire
support.
(4) The standard trajectory is low angle for artillery. If you need high angle fire you
must request it. Mortars only fire high angle.
(5) There are several types of ammunition available to the observer. The standard type of
ammunition is HE/Q. If HE ammunition is specified in the call-for-fire, HE with fuze
Q will be fired in the adjustment and fire for effect phases. The term "in effect"
indicates that the projectile/fuze specified is desired during fire for effect.
Nonstandard types of ammunition are specified in the call-for-fire. The observer must
state either a projectile or a fuze. For example, "Shell ICM" (projectile) and "VT in
Effect" (fuze). Shells illumination, ICM, and smoke can only be fuzed with fuze time.
Therefore, when firing these projectiles, fuze time is understood and need not be
specified.
(6) You can control the distribution (pattern of bursts). The pattern of bursts is called a
sheaf. The standard for artillery is the circular sheaf. You may request a converged
sheaf, an open sheaf, a parallel sheaf, or a circular sheaf depending which would be
the best for your particular target. See figure 3-1. The standard for mortars is the
parallel sheaf.
3-9
Figure 3-1. Types of sheafs.
f. Method of fire and control. This element indicates the desired manner of attacking the
target, whether you want to control the time of delivery of fire, and whether you can observe the
target.
(1) Method of fire. In area fire, adjustment is normally conducted with one gun. If you
feel you need more than one gun, you may request it. Mortars normally adjust with
the center tube of the platoon or section.
(2) Method of control. Without controlling measures, the FDC will fire the howitzers
when they are ready. This may cause the rounds to burst in the target area at a
ragged interval. If you need rounds quickly, you will receive them fastest by not
controlling them. Controlling the time to fire and causing the rounds to impact at the
target simultaneously will cause the greatest shock effect on the target. You can
control the timing of the firing by putting the mission at your command or by
coordinating the timing.
(a) AT MY COMMAND. If you want to control the time of delivery of the fire,
announce, AT MY COMMAND. When the howitzers are ready to fire, the
FDC will announce, BATTERY/BATTALION IS READY (they will use the
last letter of the call sign, not the word), OVER. When you are ready, say,
FIRE. AT MY COMMAND will remain in effect until you announce CANCEL
AT MY COMMAND.
3-10
(b) CANNOT OBSERVE. There may be times when you can't see the target
because of vegetation, the terrain, the weather, smoke, or maybe incoming fire.
You can still fire the mission by announcing, CANNOT OBSERVE.
(c) TIME ON TARGET (TOT). There are times when you will want to control
the time of impact of the rounds. You may do this by using a synchronized
clock, elapsed time, or an event (e.g., H-Hour). A synchronized clock is
established by the senior headquarters and disseminated to all maneuver and fire
support units. It requires periodic time checks to ensure accuracy (e.g., TIME
ON TARGET, 0815, OVER). Elapsed time is expressed in relation to the
transmission of a mark (e.g., TIME ON TARGET TEN MINUTES FROM MY
MARK). The term MARK is used for artillery, mortars, and naval gunfire. The
term HACK is used when working with air. To give your mark say,
STANDBY FOR MARK . . . 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 MARK OVER.
The timing of fires may be in relation to an event, such as H-Hour. However,

you must ensure all concerned agencies know the correct time of H-Hour (e.g.,
TIME ON TARGET H+5, OVER).
(d) CONTINUOUS ILLUMINATION. This is a type of fire in which the

illuminating projectiles are fired at specified time intervals to provide
uninterrupted lighting on the target or specified area. If no interval is given, the
FDC will determine the interval by the burning time of the ammunition used. If
any other interval is required, it is indicated in seconds.
(e) COORDINATED ILLUMINATION. This is a type of fire in which the firing

of illuminating and high explosive projectiles is coordinated to provide
illumination of the target and surrounding area for spotting and adjusting fires.
You may order the interval between illuminating and HE shells in seconds or
use normal at my command procedures.
(f) CEASE LOADING. When firing two or more rounds, the command CEASE
LOADING is used to stop the loading of rounds into the guns. The gun
sections may fire any rounds that are already loaded.
(g) CHECK FIRING. This command is used to cause an immediate halt in firing.
Once check firing has been announced, you must give the command CANCEL
CHECK FIRING in order to resume firing.
(h) CONTINUOUS FIRE. Continuous fire means loading and firing as rapidly
and accurately as possible within the prescribed rate of fire for the equipment.
Firing will continue until suspended by the command CEASE LOADING or
CHECK FIRING.
3-11
(i) REPEAT. Repeat is not sent in the initial call-for-fire, it is used only in the
adjustment or fire for effect phase of the mission. In adjustment it means to fire
the same data as the last round. In the FFE phase, it means to fire the same
number of rounds using the same method of fire for effect. Changes may be
requested to number of guns, previous corrections, interval, or ammunition.
(j) FOLLOWED BY. This is a part of the term used to indicate a change in the
rate of fire, in the type of ammunition, or in another order for fire for effect
(e.g., WP FOLLOWED BY HE).
Example: Your target is two BRDM's with what appears to be a platoon of infantry
sitting around in small groups apparently eating. You determine the standard
adjustment is best, there are no friendlies near, and there is no reason for high
angle fire. You want to use ICM in effect, and one round per tube is all you
should need. The standard sheaf will cover the target area. You want the
rounds as quickly as you can get them, so you will let the FDC control the
firing.
Your third transmission to the FDC will be
TWO BRDM'S WITH DISMOUNTED INFANTRY PLATOON IN OPEN,

ICM IN EFFECT, OVER.
FDC will send back
TWO BRDM'S WITH DISMOUNTED INFANTRY PLATOON IN OPEN,

ICM IN EFFECT, BREAK, AUTHENTICATE LIMAFOX-TROT, OVER.
You authenticate, and your call-for-fire is complete.
3203. Message to Observer
After receiving the call-for-fire, the fire direction officer determines how the target will be
attacked. That decision is announced to you in the form of a message to observer. The message
to observer consists of the unit(s) to fire, any changes to the call-for-fire, number of rounds, and
the target number. The FDC will provide other information, as needed, in the message to the
observer.
a. Units to fire. Units to fire refers to the battery or batteries that will fire the mission. If the
battalion is firing in effect with one battery adjusting, the FDC designates the fire for effect unit
(battalion) and the adjusting unit (battery) by the last letter of their call sign, not by name. If the
unit that fires the adjustment will be the unit to fire in effect, only that letter will be in the message
to the observer.
3-12
b. Changes to the call-for-fire. Any changes to your requests in your call-for-fire will be
announced.
c. Number of rounds. This is the number of rounds, per weapon, that will be fired in the fire
for effect phase of the mission.
d. Target number. A target number is assigned by FDC to each mission to facilitate

processing subsequent corrections.
e. Other information. There are times you may need additional information that is pertinent to
the mission, such as
(1) Probable error in range. If the probable error in range (PE/R) is 38 meters or greater
during a normal mission, or 25 meters or greater in a precision mission, the FDC will
inform you in the message to observer.
(2) Angle-T. Angle-T is the angle formed at the target by the intersection of the OT line
and the gun target line. When Angle-T is equal to or greater than 500 mils, the FDC
should inform you in the message to observer.
(3) Time of flight. Time of flight is the time it takes the round to reach the target. The
time of flight is sent on a moving target mission, when adjusting high angle fire, when
firing shell HE in a coordinated illumination mission, when using BY SHELL AT MY
COMMAND, or when you request the time of flight.
3204. Report Upon Firing
The firing unit will transmit SHOT after each round in adjustment and after the initial round in the
fire for effect phase. You must acknowledge each.
The firing unit may also report SPLASH. This informs you that your round will detonate in 5
seconds. You may request SPLASH if the FDC doesn't send it. To request a splash, use the
transmission, REQUEST SPLASH, OVER. This would allow you to remain under cover and
concealment while awaiting fires. It also helps you to identify your rounds if other missions are
being conducted in the same area. There is no requirement to acknowledge SPLASH.
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3-13
1. Which of the following provides the six elements of the call-for-fire in the
correct transmission order?
a. Observer identification, warning order, target location, target description,

method of engagement, and method of fire and control
b. Warning order, observer identification, target location, target description,
c. Observer identification, warning order, target description, target location,
method of fire and control, and method of engagement
d. Warning order, observer identification, target description, target location,
2. Which transmission will give you a 5 second warning to the impact of the round?
a. "SHOT, OVER"
b. "SPLASH, OUT"
c. "REQUEST SPLASH, OVER"
d. "TIME ON TARGET, OVER"
3. The four elements of the message to observer are the unit to fire, the
______________, the ________________, and the target number.
a. number of adjusting rounds, number of FFE rounds

b. changes to the call-for-fire, number of rounds in effect
c. number of adjusting rounds, number of guns to fire
d. type of adjusting rounds, type of FFE rounds
4. You are firing two missions at the same time and are into both missions. You are the
only observer on the net. Which is the correct method to use to make corrections?
a. Key the handset and announce your corrections.

b. Identify yourself and announce your corrections.
c. Identify yourself and the mission number and announce your corrections.
d. Identify the mission number and announce your corrections.
3-14
Lesson 3. SPOTTING AND CORRECTIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Define spotting and corrections.
2. Identify the types of height of burst (HOB) spottings.
3. Determine the types of range spottings.
4. Determine the types of deviation spottings.
5. Determine corrections for unobserved and lost spottings.
6. Determine the deviation and range correction for a given spotting.
7. Determine height of burst corrections.
8. Determine requirements and corrections for fire for effect.
3301. Observation Procedures for Spotting and Corrections
Your primary concern is the placement of timely and accurate fire on targets. The firing unit
cannot see the target or where the rounds are landing. You must do this for them by spotting the
bursts and making corrections to get rounds on target.
a. Spotting. A spotting is the observer's mental determination of the location of the burst, or
mean point of impact of multiple bursts, in relation to the adjusting point as observed along the
observer target line. Spottings are not announced to the FDC except for unobserved or lost
spottings. Spottings are made the instant the burst occurs. You should position your binoculars
just below eye level, looking over the top of them with the naked eye until you see the burst, then
raise them and make your spotting. Spottings are made in sequence for height of burst (HOB),
range, and deviation.
b. Corrections. Corrections are your estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause

subsequent impacts to occur on the target or at the proper height above the target. Your
corrections will cause subsequent rounds to impact centered on the OT line, at the correct range,
and sufficiently above the target to cause maximum effect. Corrections are given in meters and in
reverse sequence of spottings: deviation, range, and HOB.
3-15
3302. Height of Burst Spottings (HOB)
HOB spottings are used to determine an increase or decrease in the height of the burst of a round
or rounds. HOB spottings are also used for adjusting air bursts when firing time fuzes. HOB
spottings are made to the nearest 1 mil. HOB spottings include: air, graze, mixed, mixed air, and
mixed graze.
a. Air. A round or group of rounds that burst in the air.
b. Graze. A round or group of rounds that detonate on impact with the ground.
c. Mixed. A group of rounds that result in an equal number of airbursts and graze bursts.
d. Mixed air. A group of rounds that result in both airbursts and graze bursts with most being
airbursts.
e. Mixed graze. A group of rounds that result in both airbursts and graze bursts with most of
being graze bursts.
3303. Range Spottings
Definite range spottings are required to make a proper range adjustment. Normally, a burst on or
near the OT line provides a definite spotting. You can make a definite range spotting when the
burst is not on or near the OT line by using your knowledge of the terrain. The observer must use
caution and good judgement when making such spottings (fig 3-2). Possible range spottings are
over, short, range correct, target, and doubtful.
Figure 3-2. Range spottings.
3-16
a. Over. A round that detonates beyond the target or adjusting point is spotted as over.
b. Short. A round that detonates between you and the target (or adjusting point) is called
short.
c. Range correct. This is when the round impacts at the correct range.
d. Target. This is when the round detonates on the target. (This does not happen very often
in area fire, you will use this most in precision fire.)
e. Doubtful. Doubtful is a round that detonates so far left or right of the target that a definite
range spotting cannot be made.
3304. Deviation Spottings
A deviation spotting is the measurement left or right of the OT line. You measure the deviation
(as you learned in Lesson 2) with your binoculars (or other angle-measuring means) to the nearest
5 mils for area fire or 1 mil for precision fire. Deviation spottings are measured from the center of
the burst to the center of the target (fig 3-3). Possible deviation spottings are line, (so many mils)
left, or (so many mils) right.
Figure 3-3. Deviation spottings.
a. Line. A spotting of line means the burst was on the OT line.
b. Left or right. If the burst is to the left or right of the OT line you spot the distance, then the
direction. For instance, if you measure the burst 20 mils to the left of the OT line, your spotting
would be 20 LEFT.
3-17
3305. Unobserved and Lost Spottings
a. Unobserved spottings. At times you may be able to make a spotting even though you are
unable to see the round impact. For instance, you may hear the round impact but not be able to
see it. By knowing the terrain, you determine that the only place the round could have impacted
without being seen is in a draw beyond the target. If you have to take cover from incoming fire or
if smoke or dirt obstruct the target area, your visibility may be temporarily impaired causing you
to be unable to make a definite spotting. You may also be unable to make an accurate spotting
because you can't determine which round, among several, is yours. Unobserved spottings are
reported to the FDC followed by the appropriate command to take corrective action. For
instance, you might say UNOBSERVED, REPEAT, OVER.
b. Lost spottings. If you are unable to locate the round (either visually or by sound), your
spotting is LOST. Rounds may be lost for several reasons, including fuze malfunction (dud), the
terrain or weather prevents you from seeing or hearing the round impact, or errors by the firing
unit. When a round is lost, positive action must be taken. The first action you must take is to let
the FDC know that the round was lost. Then you check the target location data and call-for-fire.
If there are no errors, then request the firing unit to check their data. If there are no computation
errors or errors on the gun line, you must then request REPEAT or SHELL WP, REPEAT. You
may want to request a 200 meter airburst with HE or Smoke or you may want to make a bold
shift. The location of friendly positions could dictate the action you take. If these corrective
actions fail, send END OF MISSION and a new call-for-fire.
3306. Deviation and Range Corrections
a. Deviation corrections. You have learned that deviation spottings are measured in mils.
You have also learned that you send corrections to the FDC in meters. We do this by
remembering that 1 mil at a range of 1000 meters equals 1 meter. For corrections, we convert
mils to meters by using the observer to target (OT) factor. The OT factor is the distance from
you to the target expressed in thousands. For example, if the range is 2500 meters, the OT factor
would be 2. To determine the OT factor, you must divide the range by 1000 then round off the
result by using what we call artillery expression.
Artillery expression is a rule of rounding that requires you, when the number to be rounded is 5,
to round to the nearest even number. In other words, to determine the OT factor with a range of
3500, you divide it by 1000 to get a dividend of 3.5. To make this a whole number, you use
artillery expression and round to the nearest even number which, in this case, would give you an
OT factor of 4. Additionally, when the number to be rounded is 4 or less, you round down. If
the number is 6 or more, you round up. If the range to your target is less than 1000 meters, you
do not round up to a whole number, you use the fraction. For example, if your range to your
target is 800 meters, then, 800 divided by 1000 equals .8, so your OT factor stays at .8. If the
range is 740, you will round the dividend of .74 to .7, but not to 1 (fig 3-4).
3-18
OT OT DEVIATION
EXAMPLE DISTANCE FACTOR SPOTTING CORRECTION
1 4000 4 45R LEFT 180
2 2500 2 100L RIGHT 200
3 3400 3 55L RIGHT 160
4 1500 2 20R LEFT 40
5 700 0.7 45L RIGHT 30
6 1000 1 250L RIGHT 250
Figure 3-4. OT factor.
Note: OT distances of 1500 and 2500 meters are expressed to the nearest even OT
factor.
Deviation corrections are determined by multiplying the number of mils of deviation by the OT
factor. Remember, corrections are sent in the reverse sequence of spottings. If your deviation
spotting is 30 RIGHT and the range to your target is 2900 meters, the correction you will send to
the FDC is LEFT 90 (30 mils X 3 (OT Factor) = 90). The spotting is to the right of the target so
you correct to the left.
b. Range corrections. Range corrections are your estimation of the distance the round must
move, in meters, to make it range correct. Range corrections are given as ADD or DROP so
many meters. If a round is spotted as "short," you add. If it is spotted as "over," you would
drop. Again, your corrections are reverse of your spottings. If you are using laser rangefinders,
you determine the range correction by comparing the range to the target and the range to the
burst (determined by using the LR), and add or drop the difference. This is the one round
adjustment method of corrections. If you are not using lasers, you need to use a bracketing
method of range correction, which you will learn in the next lesson. When announcing range
corrections to the FDC you say, ADD (or DROP) 400, OVER. The distance is understood to be
in meters by the FDC.
3307. Height of Burst Corrections
Correcting HOB is basically the same as correcting deviation. You take the number of mils the
burst is measured above the target and multiply it by the OT factor to determine the height of
burst in meters. The optimal height of burst for a round with a time fuze is 20 meters. HOB
spottings are measured to the nearest mil and corrections are given as UP or DOWN to the
nearest 5 meters. It is not unusual to get a "graze" burst on the first round with a time fuze.
When this happens, there is an automatic correction you send of UP 40. You give an UP 40
correction no matter how many graze bursts are spotted until you achieve an airburst. If your first
round is an airburst, and after a subsequent DOWN correction the next round is a graze, then you
would send a correction of UP 20 instead of UP 40. The rule to remember is for a graze burst
without a previous airburst send UP 40. For a graze burst with a previous airburst send UP 20.
3-19
3308. Sequence of Subsequent Corrections
So far, you have learned how to draft a call-for-fire, receive and interpret the message to
observer, spot a burst, and turn that spotting into a correction. Now that you have a correction to
send to the FDC, you need to know what sequence to send it in. You know that the sequence for
correction of spottings is deviation, range, and height of burst, but there are other corrections you
could or may have to send during your fire mission. The sequence to send subsequent corrections
has its own format which cannot be deviated from.
From the possible corrections, you use only those that are required. Direction is the key element
for adjusting rounds onto the target. Direction must precede all other subsequent corrections. In
artillery and mortars, when using the grid method of target location, direction is sent after you
receive the message to observer but before, or with, your first correction. In naval gunfire,
direction is part of your initial call-for-fire. There are 15 elements that could be corrected, or
changed, and they must be corrected in the following sequence:
a. Direction. If the direction to your target changes 100 mils, or more, from the initial
direction you sent to FDC, you must send a new direction. For example, "DIRECTION 4650."
b. Danger close. If your initial call-for-fire didn't warrant a danger close call, but a subsequent
correction will put you in a danger close situation, it is announced before any other corrections
are given. If your subsequent corrections take you out of a danger close situation, announce
CANCEL DANGER CLOSE.
c. Trajectory. If you need to switch to high-angle fire, or if the initial call-for-fire stated
high-angle but low-angle would be effective, it is announced now.
d. Method of fire. This element is rarely changed during a mission, but if you want to change
from one gun in adjustment to a platoon (left or right), now is when you would do it.
e. Distribution. If your target posture changes during the mission, change the distribution so
the sheaf will have the best effect on target. For example, "LINEAR."
f. Projectile. If you want to change the type of projectile, you would announce the change
here.
g. Fuze. If you want to change the type fuze, you would announce the change here.
h. Volume. When you need to change the number of rounds, you would announce that here.
i. Deviation. Although this is the first spotting you correct, it is not the first subsequent
correction you send if any of the elements need changing. If no deviation correction is needed,
3-20
omit it. Deviation corrections of less than 30 meters are not sent to the FDC except during a
precision fire mission.
j. Range. If no range correction is needed, this element is omitted.
k. Height of burst. This element is used only when using time fuzes, and is omitted when not
needed.
l. Target description. A new target description is sent when you want to attack another target
without sending a new call-for-fire or when your current target description changes substantially.
m. Change in type mission/control. Besides being types of fire missions, fire for effect and
adjust fire are also considered as methods of control. You would request ADJUST FIRE here if
you were going from an immediate suppression or suppression mission to a neutralization
mission. This is also where you could announce, AT MY COMMAND, or CANCEL, AT MY
COMMAND.
n. Splash. When you are having trouble identifying your rounds in the target area because of
other rounds, or if you can't observe your target constantly, announce REQUEST SPLASH. The
FDC will transmit SPASH, OVER 5 seconds before the round impacts. This notifies you to look
at your target area in order to see the burst. Splash is cancelled by announcing CANCEL,
SPLASH.
o. Repeat. If you want another round fired at the same data as the last one, or if you want the
fire for effect repeated because it was insufficient, announce REPEAT. You can give corrections
to other elements for the fire for effect and request REPEAT if you want the same number and
type of rounds fired with the new data.
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3-21
1. Spotting is defined as
a. an estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur

on the target or at the proper height above the target.
b. an estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur
on the target.
c. a measurement of the impact of the round in relation to the target and the OT
line for deviation, range, and HOB.
d. a measurement of the impact of the round in relation to the target and the OT
line for HOB, range, and deviation.
2. Which is the definition for corrections?
a. Estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur on

the target or at the proper height above the target
b. Estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur on
the target
c. Measurement of the impact of the round in relation to the target and the OT
line for deviation, range, and HOB
d. Measurement of the impact of the round in relation to the target for range and
height of burst
3. You spot an impacting rounds RANGE CORRECT, 50 LEFT. Your distance to the
target is 3500 meters. What is your correction?
a. LEFT 200, OVER c. RIGHT 200, OVER

b. RIGHT 150, OVER d. LEFT 150, OVER
4. You spot a round as AIR 10. Your distance to the target is 1450 meters. What is
your correction?
a. REPEAT, OVER c. ADD 10, OVER

b. DOWN 10, OVER d. UP 10, OVER
3-22
Matching: For items 5 through 12, match the observation in column 1 with the correct
spotting in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Observation Spotting
___ 5. The impact occurs beyond a. left

the target b. right
___ 6. The impacts occur half on c. line
the ground, half in the air d. over
___ 7. The impact occurs to the e. short
front of the target f. range correct
___ 8. The impact occurs with g. doubtful
two on the ground and h. lost
four in the air i. air
___ 9. The impact occurs left j. graze
of the OT line k. mixed
___ 10. The impacts occur with l. mixed air
four on the ground and m. mixed graze
two in the air
___ 11. The impact occurs beyond
the target, on the vertical line
___ 12. The impacts occur to the
right of the target
3-23
Lesson 4. ADJUSTMENT AND FIRE FOR EFFECT
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Define the four types of adjustment techniques.
2. Determine the correct adjustment in successive bracketing, given a situation.
3. Identify the situation for which you would use hasty bracketing.
4. Identify when you may use the one round adjustment method, given a situation.
5. Identify a situation for which you need to use the creeping fire method.
6. Determine when the "ping-pong effect" may affect adjustments.
7. Determine the proper time to enter the fire for effect phase of the mission.
8. Determine the results of the FFE, given a situation.
9. Determine the proper commands to request additional fires.
10. Identify the proper procedure for ending the mission.
3401. Adjustment Techniques
There are four techniques that can be used to conduct area adjustment fires. These are
successive bracketing, hasty bracketing, one-round adjustment, and creeping fire.
a. Successive bracketing. Successive bracketing is best for an inexperienced observer or when

precise adjustment is required, such as for precision registrations and destruction missions. This
method mathematically ensures that FFE rounds will be within 50 meters of the target.
b. Hasty bracketing. Hasty bracketing is best for an experienced observer when responsive
fires are needed.
c. One-round adjustment. One-round adjustment provides the most responsive fires but
requires an experienced observer or an observer equipped with a laser rangefinder.
d. Creeping fire. Creeping fire is used for danger close missions. Upon completion of each
mission, you must send refinement data and surveillance. The FDC can determine effectiveness of
fires from this surveillence.
3-24
3402. Successive Bracketing
After the first definite range spotting (either over or short) you send a correction to establish a
bracket (one round over and one round short). Once a bracket is established, you successively
split this bracket in half in multiples of 100 meter increments. Normally, you would start with an
ADD (or DROP) 400 and split that in half on the next round DROP (or ADD) 200. Next, split
that again ADD (or DROP) 100. Once you have a 100 meter bracket the next split will
mathematically put the round within 50 meters of the target so you would send ADD (or DROP)
50, FIRE FOR EFFECT, OVER. You may start with an 800 meter bracket if you need to; but if
your first correction is large, this could indicate an error in your OT factor. Remember, range
corrections should be 800, 400, or 200 so they can be split in even 100 meter increments.
Example: The first round after your call-for-fire is spotted as OVER, 80 LEFT. Your OT
factor is 2. The first correction you should send would be RIGHT 160, DROP
400, OVER. You spot the next round as SHORT, 15 RIGHT. The correction
for this round would be LEFT 30, ADD 200, OVER. You spot the round as
OVER, 5 LEFT. The correction would be DROP 100, OVER. You spot the
round as OVER, 5 LEFT. The correction would be DROP 50, FIRE FOR
EFFECT, OVER.
3403. Hasty Bracketing
Experience has shown that effectiveness on the target decreases as the number of rounds used in
adjustment increases. This is due to the loss of surprise. An alternative to successive bracketing
is hasty bracketing. If the nature of the target dictates that fires are needed in less time than
successive bracketing would take, you need to use hasty bracketing. The success of hasty
bracketing depends on a thorough terrain analysis to give you an accurate initial target location.
You make a bracket with your first correction and use this as a yardstick to determine your next
correction. You then send the correction and FIRE FOR EFFECT.
Example: Your initial round impacts over the target. You spot it as OVER, 40 RIGHT.
Your OT factor is 3. You send a correction of LEFT 120, DROP 200, OVER.
The next round is spotted as SHORT, 10 LEFT. You now have a 200 meter
bracket. From your spotting you determine the first round was twice as far
from the target as the last round, so you send RIGHT 30, ADD 50, FFE,
OVER. This puts you within 50 meters of your target.
3404. One-Round Adjustment
With this method you do not establish a bracket. You spot the initial round, then you determine
and transmit the correction necessary to move the round onto the target and fire for effect. This
technique can be used when insufficient time exists for adjustment, when you are equipped with a
laser rangefinder, or when continued adjustment of fire may endanger you.
3-25
Example: Your initial round impacts short of the target. You spot it as SHORT, 35
LEFT. You had estimated the target to be 1200 meters. By using
flash-to-bang, you have determined the burst to be 1100 meters (you don't have
a MULE or AN/GVS-5). Your correction would be RIGHT 30, ADD 100,
FIRE FOR EFFECT, OVER.
3405. Creeping Fire
Creeping fire is used only during Danger Close missions. You make range corrections of 100
meters, or less, to "creep" the rounds onto the target so you don't endanger friendly positions.
You must know the location of friendly positions in relation to your target. Their safety is your
responsibility! All guns that will fire the FFE phase will also fire during adjustment when you use
creeping fires.
3406. Effects on Adjustments
You have learned that the FDC will, or should, notify you if the Angle-T is greater than 500 mils
or if the probable error in range (PE/R) is 38 meters or greater. They should inform you of this as
it could have an effect on your adjustment.
a. Angle-T. Angle-T is the angle formed at the target by the intersection of the observer
target (OT) line and the gun target (GT) line (fig 3-5).
Figure 3-5. Angle-T.

3-26
When the Angle-T is small, your deviation and range corrections correspond to the firing unit's
deviation and range corrections. When the Angle-T is greater than 500 mils, your deviation
corrections become the firing unit's range corrections and your range corrections become their
deviation corrections. This has a significant effect on your adjustment. When notified that the
Angle-T is greater than 500 mils, you should continue making corrections in the usual manner
until they are not having the proper effect (for example, a right 200 correction appears to shift
right 300). You must adjust your corrections proportionately to compensate (cut your corrections
in half or thirds) for this error.
Note: When Angle-T is greater than 500 mils, you will observe PE/R as part of
deviation spotting. You may expect to observe a ping-pong effect, anytime
that the Angle-T is 500 mils or greater. When PE/R of 38 or greater and
Angle-T is 500 mils or greater are combined, you will see a pronounced
ping-pong effect. To minimize the effect on your adjustment, you can cut your
deviation corrections or you can request two guns adjust to get an average of
the spotting.
b. Dispersion and PE/R. Dispersion is the term for the fact that no two rounds will impact
exactly in the same spot, even though they are fired from the same tube with identical powder,
projectile, data, etc. The FDC measures dispersion in units called probable errors. If you were to
fire 100 identical rounds from the same howitzer with the same data, same weather conditions,
etc., the rounds would impact in an elliptical pattern similar to the illustration in figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6. Dispersion pattern.
To measure dispersion, a box containing 100 percent of the rounds fired at the same data is
assumed. Of the 100 percent, 50 percent will land over the target and 50 percent short of the
target. The amount that the rounds will land over or short is called one PE/R. For any weapon
system, dispersion increases as the weapon nears its maximum range for a powder charge. As
you can see in the figure, the greatest errors are in range. If the FDC reports PE/R 38, they mean
that rounds fired at the target may land somewhere between 38 meters over or short of the GT
3-27
line. They announce the PE/R to prevent you from attempting to correct the impact caused by
natural dispersion.
3407. Fire for Effect
The purpose of area fire is to cover the target area with fire so the greatest effects on the target
can be achieved. The type and amount of ammunition you have requested depends on the type of
target, its posture, and its activity. The fire for effect phase of an adjust fire mission is entered
when the deviation, range, and height of burst (if necessary) have been corrected to provide
effects on target. This would be when the adjusting round has effects on target, or when splitting
a 100 meter bracket, or when splitting a 200 meter bracket if the PE/R is 38 or greater.
Remember, you will be adjusting with HE/Quick (unless you requested something else) for
deviation and range. You enter the fire for effect stage by giving your corrections and
announcing FIRE FOR EFFECT.
If you have requested, or the FDC informed you that you will receive time in effect, you must
adjust the height of burst before requesting FFE. When you split the 100 meter bracket, you
request TIME, ADD (or DROP) 50, OVER. Then you adjust HOB. After you receive time, you
do not make any more range or deviation corrections. Once you receive a measureable airburst,
you send any correction necessary to achieve a 20 meter HOB and request FFE. For example,
your last correction was TIME, ADD 50, OVER. You spot the next round as AIR 20, with an
OT factor of 2. You would send DOWN 20, FIRE FOR EFFECT, OVER. You do not have to
fire for effect from a graze burst or if the HOB correction is greater than 40 meters.
3408. Obtaining Additional Fire
After you fire for effect, you may determine that additional rounds are needed on the same or
different location. If your FFE was on target, but additional rounds are needed, announce
REPEAT, OVER. If the location of fire needs to be moved to achieve satisfactory results, you
announce the appropriate corrections and REPEAT. For example, RIGHT 40, ADD 100,
REPEAT, OVER.
3409. End of Mission (EOM)
After all rounds have landed, there are two things you must do. First you must decide what class
of FFE was achieved, then you must take action on it. The action you take is easily remembered
by the acronym RREMS. RREMS stands for refinement, record as target, end of mission, and
surveillence. Refinement is the final corrections needed to move the mean point of impact onto
the target. Record as target is sent when you want the FDC to retain the target's plot for future
use as a point to shift from. End of mission is transmitted to end the fire mission. Surveillance is
your assessment of the damage inflicted by the FFE. Your surveillance must be accurate as to
numbers of vehicles damaged or destroyed and body counts when available. You also report the
surviving enemies actions (e.g., dispersing to the north). Your FFE will fall into one of four
categories. These are listed with the actions you must take for each.
3-28
a. Accurate and sufficient. This means that the mean point of impact of the rounds were on
target and the volume of fire was sufficient to have the desired effect. If you want the FDC to
record the target, announce RECORD AS TARGET, END OF MISSION, 2 BRDM'S
DESTROYED, ESTIMATE 6 CASUALTIES, OVER. If you don't want the target to be
recorded, omit RECORD AS TARGET.
b. Inaccurate but sufficient. This means the volume of fire was sufficient but the mean point of
impact was not on target. You must give refinement before ending the mission. For example, if
you spot your fire for effect as RANGE CORRECT, 10 RIGHT and your OT factor is 2, you
would send LEFT 20, END OF MISSION, TARGET NEUTRALIZED, ESTIMATE 10
CASUALTIES, OVER. If you want to record as a target, announce RECORD AS TARGET
after the refinement and before the end of mission.
c. Inaccurate and insufficient. This means that not only was the mean point of impact off the
target, but also the volume was not sufficient to have the desired effect on target. You must
make corrections onto the target (refinement) and request REPEAT. If this gives the desired
effect, you then end the mission and give your surveillence.
d. Accurate but insufficient. This simply requires a REPEAT until the desired effects are
achieved.
When ending a fire mission, you must follow the sequence of RREMS to be correct, particularly if
you want to record the target. When the FDC hears EOM they clear the computer for the next
mission and your mission data is lost. Sending surveillance marks the end of the fire mission and
you are ready to engage another target.
---------------------------------------------- -------------------
3-29
Matching: For items 1 through 4, match the adjusting technique in column 1 with its
correct definition in column 2. Place your responses in the spaces provided.
Column 1 Column 2
Technique Definintion
___ 1. Successive bracketing a. Will not attempt to establish a bracket

___ 2. Hasty bracketing b. The best method for an experienced
___ 3. One round adjustment observer
___ 4. Creeping fires c. The best method for an
inexperienced observer
d. Pick an alternate aiming
point and adjust with
corrections of 100 meters
or less
Situation: You spot the initial round as SHORT, 10 RIGHT. You have estimated the
range to the target as 3600 meters. Your OT factor is 4.
5. Based on the above situation, what would your correction be using successive
bracketing?
a. LEFT 10, ADD 100 c. LEFT 40, UP 400

b. SHORT, 10 RIGHT d. LEFT 40, ADD 400
6. You are performing creeping fires. The rounds have impacted at an alternate
adjusting point and you spot them as RANGE CORRECT, LINE. You have
determined the distance to the target as 600 meters. You have determined the
distance to the alternate adjusting point as 800 meters. What is your correction?
a. LEFT 100, DROP 250 c. DROP 100

b. DROP 200 d. LEFT 100, DROP 100
7. Which transmission from the FDC would cause you to consider "ping-pong" in your
adjustment?
a. Angle-T 150, PE/R 25 c. Angle-T 500, PE/R 38

b. Angle-T 350, PE/R 38 d. Angle-T 400
3-30
8. In an adjust fire mission, using successive bracketing, you have sent a correction of
LEFT 30, DROP 100. The round was fired and you spot the burst as SHORT LINE.
What would your correction be?
a. ADD 50, OVER c. FFE, OVER

b. ADD 50, FFE, OVER d. DROP 50, OVER
Situation: You are conducting an adjust fire mission using hasty bracketing. Your first
round was spotted as OVER, 50 RIGHT. You gave a correction of LEFT 100, DROP 200.
Your next spotting was SHORT, 10 RIGHT. You determined the last round was an equal
distance short of the target as the first round was over so you send ADD 100, FIRE FOR
EFFECT, OVER. You spot the mean point of impact of your FFE rounds as SHORT, 10
RIGHT.
9. What is the result of the fire for effect in the situation above?
a. Accurate and sufficient

b. Inacurate and insufficient
c. Accurate and insufficient
d. Inaccurate and sufficient
10. To end the mission, which should you send?
a. Refinement, record as target, end of mission, and surveillance

b. Record as target, refinement, end of mission, and surveillance
c. Refine, record, estimate, and repeat
d. Record as target, end of mission, and estimate casualties
UNIT SUMMARY
In this study unit, you learned how to conduct fire missions. You now have the basic knowledge
necessary to call for adjusting and reporting the results of fires on target using artillery or mortars.
3-31
Solution Reference
1. a. 3101b
2. c. 3101a
3. b. 3101c
4. c. 3104
5. c. 3103a
6. c. 3105
7. b. 3106
Solution Reference
1. a. 3202
2. c. 3204
3. b. 3203
4. d. 3201a (1)
Solution Reference
1. d. 3301a
2. a 3301b
3. c. 3306
4. d. 3307
5. d. 3303b
6. k. 3302c
7. e. 3303b
8. l. 3302d
9. a. 3304b
10. m. 3302e
11. c. 3304a
12. b. 3304b
3-32
Solution Reference
1. c. 3402a
2. b. 3403
3. a. 3404
4. d. 3405
5. d. 3402
6. c. 3403
7. c. 3406a
8. b. 3402
9. d. 3409
10. a. 3409
3-33
BASIC FORWARD OBSERVATION PROCEDURES
REVIEW LESSON
INSTRUCTIONS: The purpose of the review lesson is to prepare you for your final examination.
We recommend that you try to complete your review lesson without referring to the text, but for
those items (questions) you are unsure of, restudy the text. When you have finished your review
lesson and are satisfied with your responses, check your responses against the answers provided
at the end of this review lesson examination.
Select the ONE answer which BEST completes the statement or answers the item. For
multiple-choice items, circle your response. For matching items, place the letter of your response
in the space provided.
1. Which are the three types of indirect fire support?
a. Naval gunfire, howitzers, close air support

b. Howitzers, naval gunfire, mortars
c. Mortars, howitzers, tanks
d. Howitzers, mortars, close air support
Matching: For items 2 through 4, match the type of indirect fire support in column 1 with
the characteristics that best describe it in column 2. Selections in column 2 may be used
more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Indirect Fire Support Characteristics
___ 2. Naval gunfire a. Low trajectory, medium artillery, high rate

___ 3. Howitzers of fire
___ 4. Mortars b. Light artillery, high rate of fire, high
trajectory
c. Medium trajectory, medium artillery,
massed fires
d. High trajectory, low rate of fire, light
artillery
R-1
Matching: For items 5 through 7, match the member of the gunnery team in column 1 with
the duties that best describe his job in column 2. Selections in column 2 may be used more
than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Member Duty
___ 5. Observer a. Coordinates the fires of different

___ 6. Fire direction center supporting arms
___ 7. Firing element b. Locates and identifies targets to the firing
unit
c. Receives call-for-fire and translates it into
firing data
d. Fires the rounds as directed
8. The duties of the fire support coordinator (FSC) include
a. monitoring command and fire nets to coordinate the fire support assets and use
them to their best advantage.
b. instructing observers when to fire targets of opportunity.
c. maintaining radio discipline during fire missions.
d. determining firing data for supporting arms.
9. Marine Corps units designate targets using
a. observer target numbers.

b. an assigned block of two letters and four numbers.
c. two numbers and four letters.
d. individual unit designators.
10. What are the two types of targets?
a. Priority targets and targets of opportunity

b. On-call targets and scheduled targets
c. Planned targets and targets of opportunity
d. Planned targets and on-call targets
11. What are three types of planned targets?
a. Priority targets, on-call targets, and targets of opportunity

b. Priority targets, targets of opportunity, and on-call targets
c. Priority targets, planned targets, and scheduled targets
d. Priority targets, scheduled targets, and on-call targets
R-2
12. A known point is
a. any target with its map location known to the supporting arms.
b. any point on the ground which is known to the supporting arms.
c. any point on the ground or map with its location known to the observer and the
FDC.
d. a previously fired target or hill top.
Matching: For items 13 through 15, match the desired effect of artillery fires in column 1
with the definition that best describes it in column 2. Selections in column 2 may be used
more than once. After the corresponding item number on the answer sheet, blacken the
appropriate circle.
Column 1 Column 2
Effect Definition
___ 13. Destruction a. Target temporarily ceases activity, requires

___ 14. Neutralization high ammunition expense
___ 15. Suppression b. At least 30 percent personnel casualties,
requires high ammunition expense
c. At least 10 percent personnel casualties,
requires low ammunition expense
d. At least 30 percent personnel casualties,
requires minimum ammunition expense
16. What are the five types of artillery shells?
a. HC, FASCAM, ICM, HE, and Illum

b. WP, HE, Smoke, Illum, and ICM
c. ICM, Smoke, Illum, WP, and HE
d. HE, HC, WP, Smoke, and Illum
17. What are the four types of HE fuzes?
a. Delay, VT, Ti, and Quick

b. PD, Quick, Ti, and Delay
c. Ti, Delay, VT, and PD
d. PD, Quick, Ti, and VT
R-3
Matching: For items 18 through 22, match the type of artillery shell in column 1 with the
description that best identifies its proper usage in column 2. Selections in column 2 may be
used more than once. After the corresponding number on the answer sheet, blacken the
appropriate circle.
Column 1 Column 2
Shell Description
___ 18. HE a. Can be used to start fires, or for screening

___ 19. WP b. Used for screening and obscuration
___ 20. Smoke c. Is more effective against personnel than
___ 21. ICM other types
___ 22. Illumination d. Is versatile when used with different fuzes
e. Is used to observe the battlefield
23. To orient yourself to the target area, you must first ____________, then
___________, and _____________.
a. establish your position, establish direction, locate your targets

b. establish direction, establish your location, locate your targets
c. establish your location, locate your target, determine direction
d. establish direction, locate your targets, establish your position
24. Which of the following is a terrain sketch?
a. A reference tool for determining directions within the target area

b. A technically correct representation of the target area from your viewpoint
c. A precise record of targets you have located
d. A sketch of targets and known points you can see
25. What is an OF fan used for?
a. Determining directions to known points on a map

b. Determining directions to targets on a map
c. Locating targets on a map
d. Locating known points on a map
26. What are two methods for measuring angles between objects?
a. Hand measurement or binocular reticle pattern

b. Directional instrument or estimating
c. Leapfrogging or hasty measurement
d. Directional instrument or binocular reticle pattern
R-4
27. You measure an azimuth of 1430 to a target using your lensatic compass. The
declination diagram shows a GM angle of (magnetic left) 140 mils. What is the
target direction?
a. 1290 c. 1570
b. 1430 d. 1750
28. What are the two quickest methods for measuring angles between objects?
a. Leapfrogging or hasty measurement

b. Directional instrument or hand measurement
c. Leapfrogging or binocular reticle pattern
d. Hasty measurement or binocular reticle pattern
29. In the illustration below, what is the angle between the vertex and the target?
a. 3 mils c. 30 mils
b. 3.5 mils d. 35 mils
R-5
30. Using the illustration below, determine the distance to the target. You have
determined your target to be located at the narrowest point of the saddle. What is the
distance to the target?

31. When you observe an enemy crew-served weapon firing, you see the muzzle flash
and count 4 seconds until you hear the report of the weapon. What is the distance to
the target?

32. You have observed a target to the right of a known point. The distance to the known
point is 1500 meters. You measured the angle between the two points to be 50 mils.
What is the lateral distance from the known point to the point on the right?

Situation: Determine your answers to items 33 through 35 based upon the information
given and the illustrations on the next page.
Illustration 1 on the next page is your oriented map and OF fan with target AF2010 plotted
at grid 316808. The direction to AF2010 is 2170, the distance is 4300. The contour
interval is 20 meters.
R-6
Illustration 1.
Illustration 2 is your observation of your target, a stopped tank. The blockhouse on

which you have your reticle oriented is Target AF2010. You have measured the flash
to bang to the tank as 12 seconds.
Illustration 2.
R-7
33. What is the grid to the target?
a. 313806 c. 318802
b. 316811 d. 321810
34. Which is the correct polar plot of the target?
a. DIRECTION 2250, DISTANCE 4200

b. DIRECTION 2090, DISTANCE 4200
c. DIRECTION 2250, DISTANCE 3600
d. DIRECTION 2090, DISTANCE 3600
35. What is the shift from known point 1 to the target?
a. DIRECTION 2170, RIGHT 320 DROP 100

b. DIRECTION 2250, LEFT 320, ADD 100
c. DIRECTION 2090, LEFT 320, DROP 100
d. DIRECTION 2250, RIGHT 340, DROP 100
36. Spotting is most correctly defined as
a. an estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur on

the target or at the proper height above the target.
b. a mental determination of the impact of the round in relation to the target and OT
line for HOB, range, and deviation.
c. a measurement of the impact of the round in relation to the OT line for deviation and
HOB.
d. an estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur on
the target.
37. Which is the correct definition for corrections?
a. Estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur on the

target or at the proper height above the target
b. Measurement of the impact of the round in relation to the target for range and HOB
c. Measurement of the impact of the round in relation to the target and OT line for
deviation, range, and HOB
d. Estimation of the adjustment necessary to cause subsequent impacts to occur on the
target
R-8
38. You spot an impacting round as 50 LEFT. Your distance to the target is 3500 meters.
What is your correction?
a. RIGHT 200 c. LEFT 200

b. RIGHT 150 d. LEFT 150
39. You spot a round as AIR 10. Your distance to the target is 1450 meters. What is your
correction?
a. REPEAT c. ADD 10
b. UP 10 d. DOWN 10
40. You observe the round as being past the target and to the left of the vertex. Which is the
correct spotting?
a. OVER___LEFT c. OVER___RIGHT
b. SHORT___LEFT d. LINE
41. You observe the round left of the vertex and next to the target on the horizontal line.
Which is the correct spotting?
a. TARGET c. OVER
b. DOUBTFUL d. RANGE CORRECT
42. You observe the round in front of the target and to the right of the vertex. Which is the
correct spotting?
a. FRONT___RIGHT c. SHORT___RIGHT
b. OVER___RIGHT d. UNDER___RIGHT
43. You observe the round beyond the target and left of the vertex. Which is the correct
spotting?
a. FRONT___LEFT c. SHORT___LEFT
b. OVER___LEFT d. UNDER___LEFT
44. The impacts occur half on the ground, half in the air. Which is the correct spotting?
a. AIR c. MIXED AIR

b. GRAZE d. MIXED
R-9
45. The impacts occur with two on the ground and four in the air. Which is the correct
spotting?
a. AIR c. MIXED AIR

b. MIXED GRAZE d. MIXED
46. The impacts occur with four on the ground and two in the air. Which is the correct
spotting?
a. AIR c. MIXED AIR

b. MIXED GRAZE d. MIXED
47. The impacts occur to the right of the target, on the horizontal line. Which is the correct
spotting?
a. MIXED GRAZE c. MIXED AIR

b. RANGE CORRECT, RIGHT d. OVER, RIGHT
Matching: For items 48 through 51, match the adjusting technique in column 1 with its
correct definition in column 2. Selections in column 2 may be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Technique Definition
48. Successive bracketing a. The best method for an inexperienced

49. Hasty bracketing observer
50. One round adjustment b. Pick an alternate aiming point and adjust
51. Creeping fires with corrections of 100 meters or less
c. Will not attempt to establish a bracket
d. Spot and correct for deviation and range
concurrently
R-10
Items 52 through 54 refer to the following situation. Use the illustration below and read the
situation carefully, then answer items 52 through 54.
Situation: You have estimated the range to the target as 1050 meters and counted the
flash-to-bang for the impact as 4 seconds.
52. What would be your correction for successive bracketing?
a. RIGHT 250, DROP 400 c. RIGHT 25

b. RIGHT 25, DROP 400 d. RIGHT 250
53. What would be your correction for hasty bracketing?
a. RIGHT 250, DROP 400 c. RIGHT 30, DROP 350

b. RIGHT 30, DROP 400 d. RIGHT 250, DROP 350
54. What would be your correction for one-round adjustment?
a. RIGHT 250, DROP 400 c. RIGHT 30, DROP 350

b. RIGHT 25, DROP 400 d. RIGHT 250, DROP 350
55. What are the maximum range corrections in creeping fires?
a. 100 c. ADD/DROP 50
b. 50 d. ADD/DROP 100
R-11
56. You have spotted the first round in offset adjustment as OVER, 35 LEFT. The
flash-to-bang time to the impact is 3 seconds. The target is at direction 1650 and distance
1200. The alternate adjusting point is at direction 1800 and distance 1000. What will your
next correction be?
a. RIGHT 150, DROP 200 c. LEFT 150, ADD 200

b. LEFT 35, DROP 50 d. LEFT 115, ADD 150
57. Which transmission from the FDC would cause you to consider ping-pong in your
adjustment?
a. ANGLE-T 0150, PE/R 25 c. PE/R 38

b. ANGLE-T 0500, PE/R 10 d. ANGLE-T 0300
58. You observe a company of infantry dismounting from vehicles. You wish to severely
degrade their combat efficiency without a large ammunition expenditure. Which effect do
59. You have observed an enemy fortified gun position which has halted the advance of your
unit and you want to kill it. Which effect do you desire from the fire mission?
a. Immediate suppression c. Destruction

b. Suppression d. Neutralization
60. You must temporarily stop an enemy OP from directing fires against your unit's advance.
Which effect do you desire from the fire mission?
a. Destruction c. Neutralization
61. You are engaging an enemy defensive position in order to neutralize it. You have located
the target accurately by grid. Which type of fire mission will you conduct?
a. Suppression c. Fire for effect

b. Immediate suppression d. Adjust fire
62. Which adjust fire mission is conducted solely to locate the target?
a. Adjust fire c. Creeping fire

b. Precision fire d. Area fire
R-12
Matching: For items 63 through 66, match the type of sheaf in column 1 with its correct
definition in column 2. Selections in column 2 may be used more than once. After the
corresponding number on the answer sheet, blacken the appropriate circle.
Column 1 Column 2
Sheaf Definition
63. Circular a. Forms a pattern of bursts that resemble

64. Open placement in the gun position
65. Parallel b. Forms a pattern of bursts in a straight line,
66. Converged separated by an effective burst width
c. Forms a pattern of bursts impacting in a
circle
d. Forms a pattern of bursts impacting around
the same point
e. Forms a pattern of bursts impacting 50
meters apart
67. In which of the four listed situations would you call for a suppression mission?
a. An enemy OP that might direct fires against attacking Marines

b. An enemy machinegun position providing supporting fires against your position
during a counter attack
c. An enemy OP directing fires against your defensive positions
d. An enemy reconnaissance patrol scouting your flanks
68. In which of the four listed situations would you call for an immediate suppression mission?
a. An enemy OP directing fires against your defensive positions during an attack

b. An enemy OP directing fires against a reconnaissance patrol
c. An enemy OP that might direct fires against attacking Marines
d. An enemy OP directing fires against your Marines during an attack
R-13
69. What are the six elements of the call-for-fire in correct transmission order?
a. Warning order, observer identification, target description, target location, method of

engagement, and method of fire and control.
b. Warning order, observer identification, target location, target description, method of
c. Observer identification, warning order, target description, target location, method of
d. Observer identification, warning order, target location, target description, method of
70. You are calling for a time on target mission. How do you coordinate the timing with the
FDC?
a. Send the mark immediately after you say TIME ON TARGET.

b. Send the FDC the time to fire off of you wrist watch
c. Send a time mark in relation to H-Hour.
d. Announce the time to fire by separate transmission.
71. Which of the below correctly lists the elements of the message to observer.
a. The elements to fire, changes to the call-for-fire number of rounds, and mission
number
b. The elements to fire, the number of adjusting rounds, the number of FFE rounds, and
the mission number
c. The elements to fire, the type of adjusting rounds, the number and type of FFE
rounds, and mission number
d. The elements to fire, the adjusting round, the number and type of FFE rounds, and
mission number
72. When calling for subsequent adjustments for a mission in which you are one of two
observers on the net conducting missions, which is the correct method to use?
a. Key the handset and announce your corrections

b. Identify yourself and announce your corrections
c. Identify yourself, the mission number, and announce your corrections
d. Identify the mission number and announce your corrections
R-14
Review Lesson Solutions Reference
1. b. 1101
2. a. 1102b
3. c. 1102c
4. b. 1102a
5. b. 1201a
6. c. 1201b
7. d. 1201c
8. a. 1204
9. b. 1204
10. c. 1203a & b
11. d. 1202a (1), (2),(3)
12. c. 1205
13. b. 1301a
14. c. 1301b
15. a. 1301c
16. b. 1302
17. a. 1302a
18. d. 1302a
19. a. 1302c
20. b. 1302d
21. c. 1302b
22. e. 1302e
23. b. 2101a, b, c
24. a. 2102
25. c. 2302
26. b. 2202
27. c. 2202b
28. d. 2203
29. d. 2204a
30. d. 2302b
31. b. 2301b
32. d. 2303
33. a. 2402
34. a. 2401
35. d. 2403
36. b. 3301a
37. a. 3301b
38. a. 3304
39. b. 3307
40. a. 3301a
41. d. 3301c
42. c. 3301b
43. b. 3301b
R-15
Review Lesson Solutions (cont.) Reference
44. d. 3302c
45. c. 3302d
46. b. 3302e
47. b. 3303c
48. a. 3401a
49. d. 3401b
50. c. 3401c
51. b. 3401d
52. b. 3402
53. b. 3403
54. a. 3403
55. d. 3405
56. b. 3407
57. b. 3406
58. a. 3101b
59. c. 3101a
60. b. 3101c
61. c. 3103
62. d. 3103a
63. c. 3202e(6)
64. b. 3202e(6)
65. a. 3202e(6)
66. d. 3202e(6)
67. a. 3105
68. b. 3106
69. d. 3202
70. c. 3202f(2)
71. a. 3203f(2)
72. b. 3203
R-16
COURSE CONTENT ASSISTANCE REQUEST
08.61 Basic Forward Observation Procedures
Use this form for questions you have about this course. Write out your question(s) and refer to
the study unit, lesson, exercise item, or the review lesson exam item you are having a problem
with. Before mailing, fold the form and staple it so that MCI’s address is showing. Additional
sheets may be attached to this side of the form. Your question(s) will be answered promptly by
the Distance Instructor responsible for this course.
NAME RANK MOS
COMPLETE MILITARY ADDRESS (INCLUDE RUC IF KNOWN)

RUC
PHONE NUMBER
DSN COMMERCIAL (AREA CODE)
Your Question:
Instructor Response:
COURSE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
MCI 08.61 Basic Forward Observation Procedures
Directions:
This questionnaire is extremely important to the Marine Corps Institute. The course you have just
completed has undergone extensive development and revision. As an integral part of the
continued success of this course, YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. By completing this questionnaire,
your responses may result in a need to review the course.
Please take five minutes, complete the questionnaire and return it to MCI in the self-addressed
envelop provided with your course materials. Additional comment sheets may be attached to this
questionnaire. If you want to be contacted by the course instructor, please provide your name,
rank, and phone number. Regardless of whether you want to be contacted or not, please enter
your primary military occupational speciality (MOS).
Information About YOU:
Name (Optional) Rank MOS
Telephone Number (Optional)
DSN Commercial (Area Code)
Information About the COURSE:
1. How long did it take you to complete this course including the review lesson examination?
___ Less than three hours If more than fifteen hours
___ Three to six hours enter number of hours
___ Seven to ten hours here: ______
___ Eleven to fourteen hours
2. Were the learning objectives stated at the beginning of each lesson clear?
(Circle your response)
a. Yes b. No
If you circled "NO" please list below the study unit and lesson number
for those unclear objectives.
COURSE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
Information About the COURSE (continued):
3. Did the figures, that is illustrations, photographs, tables, charts, etc., clearly support
the information/text within the lesson? (Circle your response)
a. Yes b. No
If you circled "NO" please list the figure or table number(s) below.
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
4. Did the exercise at the end of a lesson or study unit test your skills and knowledge
gained by studying the lesson? (Circle your response)
a. Yes b. No
If "NO" please list the exercise question/item number, the lesson number,
and the study unit number below. (Attach additional sheet, if necessary)
Question Number Lesson Number Study Unit Number

______ ______ ______
5. When you read the lesson the first time, did it make sense to you? (Circle your
response)
a. Yes b. No
If "NO" please list the lesson number and/or paragraph number below.
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
6. Would you recommend that a revision be made to any portion of this course? (Circle
your response)
a. Yes b. No
If "YES", is your recommendation based on (check all that apply):
___ Outdated procedures or process. Enter Study Unit Nos. ____

___ Outdated equipment or material. Enter Study Unit Nos. ____
___ Information not accurate. Enter Study Unit Nos. ____
___ Other (Please describe)
7. Comments: Please attach separate sheet.

MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE--STUDENT REQUEST/INQUIRY-MCI - R-11 (3/96)
MCI 08.61
Basic Forward Observation Procedures DATE: _______________
SECTION 1. STUDENT IDENTIFICATION
INSTRUCTIONS: Print or type clearly:

(Section 1. Information is needed by MCI to act/respond to input provided in Section 2.
SECTION 2. STUDENT REQUEST/INQUIRY
INSTRUCTIONS: Only those sections requiring an action/response from MCI.
RANK FIRST NAME MI. LAST NAME MOS RUC SOCIAL SECURITY
NO.
MILITARY ADDRESS (INCLUDE ZIP CODE) (Reservists may use civilian address)
FROM: TO:
CHANGE NAME: NAME:
RANK: RANK:
SSN: SSN:
RUC: RUC:
The following materials are needed:

Final Exam Overdue:
Lessons: Lesson sent to MCI on ___________
Manual:
Answer Sheets: Missing Diploma or Completion Certificate:
The course or program was completed
Others: (day) ________ (month) ________ (year) ________
Exam sent to MCI on ____________
Request Extension _____

Request Reenrollment _____
(Students are only eligible for one extension prior to
their Course Completion Date (CDD)) (Students are only eligible for reenrollment once and
only after their CDD. If already reenrolled and
Request New Enrollment ______ OTHER Requested Action:
AUTHORITY: Title 5, USC, Sec. 301. Use of your Social Security Number is authorized by Executive Order 9397 of 22 Nov 43.
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE: The Student Request/Inquiry is used to transmit information concerning student participation in MCI courses.
ROUTINE USES: This information is used by MCI personnel to research student inquiries. In some cases information contained therein is used to
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Basic Forward Observation Procedures

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MCI 08.

MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE

MCI 08.61 BASIC FORWARD OBSERVATION PROCEDURES

Student Information ............................................. iii

Study Guide .................................................. v

Study Unit 1 Indirect Fire Support Characteristics

Lesson 1 Fire Support Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Study Unit 2 Target Location

Lesson 1 Map/Terrain Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Study Unit 3 Conducting Fire Missions

Lesson 1 Fire Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Lesson 3 Spotting and Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

Review Lesson ............................................... R-1

RRC: 4 Reserve Retirement Credits

ACE: To be reviewed by the American Council on Education in 1996

YOU ARE PROPERLY MOTIVATED. You made a positive decision to get

YOU SEEK TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. You enrolled to improve those skills

YOU ACCEPT CHALLENGES. You have self-confidence and believe in your

YOU ARE ABLE TO SET AND ACCOMPLISH PRACTICAL GOALS. You

To begin your course of study, familiarize yourself with the

COMPLETING To determine your mastery of the learning objectives and text,

CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Try to recall the entire learning

USE UNUSED MINUTES. Use your spare moments to review.

APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED. It is always best to use

USE THE "SHAKEDOWN CRUISE" TECHNIQUE. Ask

MAKE REVIEWS FUN AND BENEFICIAL. Reviews are good

GRADUATING! As a graduate of this distance training course and as a dedicated

INDIRECT FIRE SUPPORT CHARACTERISTICS

Lesson 1. FIRE SUPPORT CHARACTERISTICS

1101. Types of Indirect Fire Support

1102. Characteristics of Indirect Fire Support Weapons

b. Naval surface fire support.

c. Howitzers (Figures 1-3 and 1-4)

Figure 1-3. M198 howitzer.

Figure 1-4. M101A1 howitzer.

1. Which of the following are three types of indirect fire.

a. Naval gunfire, howitzers, close air support

Indirect Fire Support Characteristics

___ 2. Naval Gunfire a. High trajectory, low rate of fire, light

2. List the duties of the fire support coordinator (FSC).

4. Identify the target numbering system.

5. Define known point.

1201. The Gunnery Team

1202. The Fire Support Coordinator

1203. Types of Targets

1204. Target Numbering

The FSCC is assigned AA1000 through AA1999.

1205. Known Points

___ 1. Observer a. Locates and identifies targets to the firing

4. The duties of the fire support coordinator (FSC) include

a. maintaining radio discipline during fire missions.

5. Marine Corps units designate targets using

a. individual unit designators.

6. What are the two types of targets?

a. Planned targets and on-call targets

a. Priority targets, on-call targets, and targets of opportunity

1. Identify the three effects of indirect fires with their descriptions.

2. Identify artillery shells by types.

1301. Effects of Artillery Fires

b. Neutralization. Neutralization fires disrupt the combat effectiveness of an enemy unit.

c. Suppression. Suppression of a target causes the enemy to temporarily stop functioning.

1302. Types of Ammunition

It is more effective against It is less effective against