1. What is the Call For Fire?
Call for Fire is the process by which a leader contacts the artillery or mortar assets and provides them with the information necessary to shoot at a target they can not see. It follows a prescribed format that demands leaders apply technical skills, be able to visualize all aspects of the battlefield and synchronize assets throughout time and space Leaders are assisted in the process by Forward Observers, known as FOs. The FO is a Soldier who is an expert in calling for indirect fires. He will know the process but be very clear - it is the leader who is responsible. Watch the video on an FO in Afghanistan and appreciate how much responsibility is in the hands of this individual. |
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2. Call for Fire Format
3. Call For Fire, Grid Method and How to Bracket
To eliminate confusion and ensure accuracy, requests for artillery follow a pre-determined format. There are several methods and variations for aircraft and bombers but the Grid Method is the fundamental skill for an Army Cadet. Listed below is the generic format to call for artillery or mortars.
To eliminate confusion and ensure accuracy, requests for artillery follow a pre-determined format. There are several methods and variations for aircraft and bombers but the Grid Method is the fundamental skill for an Army Cadet. Listed below is the generic format to call for artillery or mortars.
Download the Call For Fire Format (Below) and keep in your notebook. It is also available in your Cadet TACSOP.
call_for_fire_explained.pptx | |
File Size: | 326 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Bracketing can be confusing. This simulation explains the process. Also, keep in mind that the artillery is probably not firing directly over your head. The Soldiers at the FDC must do all sorts of math to translate your corrections into adjustments on their cannons and get the shells where you need them. Even if the Forward Observer does most of the work, it is absolutely the leader's responsibility to get the rounds where they are needed.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration.
4. Bringing it Together - One Last Video to Tie Up the Loose Ends
Here is one last video that puts together all the pieces - from the selection of the ordinance to the actual call for fire. You may want to look at your call for fire format while watching this.
Here is one last video that puts together all the pieces - from the selection of the ordinance to the actual call for fire. You may want to look at your call for fire format while watching this.
5. Conclusion:
Prep-Work is now complete. When you come to class, you must tie it all together with the skills and knowledge you have acquired. To properly call for and adjust fire, be able to:
- Plot a location on a military map
- Compute an azimuth and back-azimuth
- Apply the Rules of Engagement and Laws of Land Warfare
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate MS3 level battledrills
- Understand the effects of artillery and mortar systems so you can apply the correct one to the situation
- Use the proper format, radio procedures and techniques to call for adjust fire
Prep-Work is now complete. When you come to class, you must tie it all together with the skills and knowledge you have acquired. To properly call for and adjust fire, be able to:
- Plot a location on a military map
- Compute an azimuth and back-azimuth
- Apply the Rules of Engagement and Laws of Land Warfare
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate MS3 level battledrills
- Understand the effects of artillery and mortar systems so you can apply the correct one to the situation
- Use the proper format, radio procedures and techniques to call for adjust fire
6. Practice on Your Own
The button below takes you to the Call For Fire simulator that we will use in class. You can install it on your computer and practice.
The button below takes you to the Call For Fire simulator that we will use in class. You can install it on your computer and practice.