Call for and Adjust Indirect Fire

TSP 061-D-60030502, Phase II, OCS


Call for and Adjust Indirect Fire


The ProcessThe Process


Terminal Learning ObjectiveTerminal Learning Objective

Standard:

Conditions:

Action:

Understand basic Call for Fire terminology and concepts. Achieve a minimum of 70% on a written test.

Provide instruction using PowerPoint in a classroom setting

Adjust Indirect Fire


ReferencesReferences

Chap 4, para 4-5 and 4-6

May 93Map Reading and Land Navigation

FM 21-26

Chap 3, Sec 1; Chap 4, Sec 1; Chap 5 Sec 1 and 2 .

July 91 Tactics, Techniques, Procedures for Observed Fire

FM 6-30

Para no.DateTitleNumber


• SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS NONE• RISK ASSESSMENT LOW• ENVIRON. CONSIDERATIONS NONE• EVALUATION YES

Administrative NotesAdministrative Notes


Enabling Learning Objective 1Enabling Learning Objective 1

Correctly identify a 6 digit grid coordinate with a standard issue military protractor and map

Standards:

Provide instruction using PowerPoint in a classroom setting Conditions:

Review Map reading skills Action:


Can you read a map?Can you read a map?

If you cannot read a standard military map you will not be able to call for and adjust fire on the enemy!

•


Brief Map Reading ReviewBrief Map Reading Review

The protractor is your friend!


Where am I?Where am I?

1st step

2nd step

4th step3rd step

What is the grid coordinate? Answer:115813



Determine the call for fire within 3 minutes without error.

Standards:

Provide instruction using PowerPoint in a classroom setting Conditions:

Understand common Observer terms used for Call of Fire / Adjust Indirect Fire

Action:


ApprovalApproval

The maneuver commander is the approving authority for the fire support plan.

The S3 and FSO only make recommendations as staff officers.


Call for FireCall for Fire

A call for fire is a request for fire. It is a concise message prepared by you, the observer. It contains the required information needed by the FDC to determine the method of target attack. It must be sent quickly and clearly enough that it can be understood, recorded and read back to you without error by the FDC recorder.


Call for Adjust FireCall for Adjust Fire

A call to adjust fire is also a request for fire.


Adjust FireAdjust Fire

When the observer believes that an adjustment must be made because of questionable target location, he announces ADJUST FIRE.

Z57 this is H71 Adjust Fire, Over


• The observer should always strive for first-round FFE.

• The accuracy required to fire for effect depends on the accuracy of target location and the ammunition being used.

• When the observer is certain that the target location is accurate and desired effect on the target requires little or no adjustment, he announces FIRE FOR EFFECT.

• Example:

Z57 this is H71 Fire for Effect, Over

Fire for Effect (FFE)Fire for Effect (FFE)


The Six Elements The Six Elements • Observer Identification.

• Warning Order.

• Target Location.

• Target Description.

• Method of Engagement.

• Method of Fire and Control.

Third Transmission

First Transmission

Second Transmission


Observer IdentificationObserver Identification

• This element of the call for fire tells the FDC who is calling for fire.

• This is like your name, Using his name first.

Example– His name is Z57– Your name is H71

Z57 this is H71

The Six Elements• Observer Identification• Warning Order• Target Location• Target Description• Method of Engagement• Method of Fire and Control


Warning OrderWarning OrderThe warning order clears the net for the fire mission and tells the FDC the type of mission and the type of target location that will be used. The warning order consists of the type of mission, the size of the elementto fire for effect, and the method of target location. It is a request for fire unless prior authority has been given to order fire.



Target / Target LocationTarget / Target Location

• Point or object suitable for attack (planned/opportunity, point / area, soft / hard)

• Where is the target?• Three methods (only 2 for class)

– Grid– Polar



Target Description?Target Description?1. What is the target? ( troops, equipment, trucks).

2. What the target is doing? (digging in).

3. The number of elements in the target.(squad, platoon, three trucks).

4. Degree of protection (in open, in foxhole).

5. The target size and shape,if significant.

Does this look like an intelligencereport?



Method of EngagementMethod of Engagement

• Limited to danger close and requesting specific ammunition for classroom purpose.

• Danger Close: within 600 meters of friendly units



Method of Fire and ControlMethod of Fire and Control

This tells the supported unit how you want to attack the target

• Time of Target• At my Command• Check Fire The Six Elements

• Observer Identification• Warning Order• Target Location• Target Description• Method of Engagement• Method of Fire and Control



• Warning Order.





Third Transmission

First Transmission

Second Transmission


Danger CloseDanger Close• If you are firing within 600 meters of

friendly troops you should tell the supporting unit by announcing DANGER CLOSE in the fire command.

• Included in Method in Engagement

600 METERS


Known PointKnown PointPoint known to both observer and FDC


Observer Target LineObserver Target Line

Imaginary line extending from the observer to, through, and beyond, the target


MILMILMIL: A unit of measure (or direction) used primarily for artillery, tank and mortar gunnery. – 6400 MILS on a protractor.– 6400 MILS = 360 degrees


8 Cardinal Directions: MILS8 Cardinal Directions: MILSNN

6400 MILS6400 MILS

3200 MILS3200 MILSSS

1600 MILS1600 MILSEEWW

4800 MILS4800 MILS

NWNW5600 MILS

NENE800 MILS

SWSW4000 MILS

SSEE2400 MILS


Correction TermsCorrection TermsRange Corrections: (Y Axis)

• ADD (+) – Used to denote and increase in horizontal distance

• DROP (-) – Used to denote a decrease in horizontal distance

Lateral Deviations Corrections: (X Axis)

• RIGHT (R) – Used to denote a leteralshift to the right

• LEFT (L) – Use to denote a lateral shift to the left

54321

67

1 2 3 4 55 4 3 2 1

Range Correction: along ‘Y’ Axis

Lateral Deviation Corrections: along ‘X’ Axis

‘X’

‘Y’


OT FactorOT Factor• The OT factor is used to determine

corrections for deviation and height. • Estimate the distance (or scale it from a

map) from your position to the target. Express the distance to the nearest one thousand meters. Then divide by 1,000. The result is the OT factor.

Distance = 1100 = 1000/1000 = 1 OT Factor


Check on Learning: ELO #2Check on Learning: ELO #2Question: Who approves the fire support plan?Answer: The maneuver commander


Check on Learning: ELO #2Check on Learning: ELO #2Question: What is adjust fire?

Answer: A call for fire is a concise message prepared by the you, the observer. It contains all information needed by the FDC to determine the method of target attack. It must be sent quickly and clearly enough that it can be understood, recorded and read back to you without error by the FDC recorder.


Check on Learning: ELO #2Check on Learning: ELO #2Question: What is a known point?

Answer: Point known to both observer and FDC


Check on Learning: ELO #2Check on Learning: ELO #2Question: The target description is the same as a what?Answer: Intelligence report


Check on Learning: ELO #2Check on Learning: ELO #2Question: What is the OT Line?

Answer: Imaginary line extending from observer to, through, and beyond, the target


Check on Learning: ELO #2Check on Learning: ELO #2Question: What is a MIL? How many mils in 360 degreesAnswer:

• A unit of measure• 6400


Check on Learning: ELO #2Check on Learning: ELO #2Question: What is the OT factor?

Answer: • The OT factor is used to determine

corrections for deviation and height. • Estimate the distance (or scale it from a

map) from your position to the target. Express the distance to the nearest one thousand meters. Then divide by 1,000. The result is the OT factor.




Standards:

Provide instruction using PowerPoint in a classroom setting Conditions:Determine Call for fireAction:


The Whole ProcessThe Whole Process



• Warning Order.





Third Transmission

First Transmission

Second Transmission


Example Using the Six Elements- Call for Fire (1st Round) -

Example Using the Six Elements- Call for Fire (1st Round) -

OBSERVER:• T2F18 this is T2F24, Over• Grid ZA123456, 155 degree,Over• 3 Tanks and 3 BMPs in the open,

DPICM in effect, at my command over

• I authenticate Charlie, out

FIST / FDC• T2F24 this is T2F18, Out• Grid ZA123456, 155 degree, Out• 3 Tanks and 3 BMPs in the open,

DPICM in effect, at my command out, authenticate Papa Bravo

1st: Observer ID and WO 2nd: Target Location

3rd: Target description, method of engagement of fire and control


Target Location: Grid MissionTarget Location: Grid Mission• The location of the target will be given in a six or

eight digit grid including the Grid Zone Identifier.

• Include a direction from you to the target in mils, degrees or a cardinal direction.

• Considered the standard method of target location

Example of directions• 2400 mils Southwest• Mils is always assumed 70 degrees


Target Location: Polar MissionTarget Location: Polar Mission

• The word POLAR alerts the FDC that the target will be located with respect to the observer's location.

• Supporting unit MUST know your location• A polar plot is an azimuth (direction) and a

distance from your location to the target• Distance can be:

– Estimate– Using a map


Corrections of ErrorsCorrections of Errors• You must minimize errors• If an error is made during transmission you

must announce CORRECTION and then transmit to correct information

Example:The observer transmitted LEFT 200, ADD 400, OVER.He then realizes that he should have sent DROP 400.To correct this element, he sends CORRECTIONLEFT 200, DROP 400, OVER. The FDC must readback the entire subelement back to the observer.


Call for Fire, GRID: Example 1Call for Fire, GRID: Example 1You see 2 tanks in the tree line at grid AJ560812. Direction to the tanks is 155 degrees at a distance of 2000 meters. Your call sign is H99 and FDC is B39. Formulate your call for fire.

Answer:

• B39 THIS IS H99, ADJUST FIRE, OVER.

• GRID AJ560812, DIRECTION 155 DEGREES, OVER.

• 2 TANKS IN TREE LINE,OVER.


You have a squad of infantry soldiers moving on your position at grid AK307998. They are Northwest from your OP at about 500 meters. You are N24 and the FDC is R81. Formulate your call for fire.

• R81 THIS IS N24, ADJUST FIRE, OVER.

• GRID AK307998, DIRECTION NW, OVER.

• INFANTRY SQUAD IN THE OPEN,

• DANGER CLOSE, OVER.

Call for Fire, GRID: Example 2Call for Fire, GRID: Example 2


You see a company assembly area in a valley. The distance to the target 3000 meters at a direction of 1730 mils. Your call sign G81 and FDC is P66. Formulate your call for fire.

• P66 THIS IS G81, POLAR, OVER.

• DIR 1730, DIS 3000, OVER.

• COMPANY ASSEMBLY AREA IN THE OPEN, OVER.

Call for Fire, POLAR: Example 3Call for Fire, POLAR: Example 3


Message to ObserverMessage to ObserverAfter the FDC receives the call for fire, it determines how the target will be attacked. The decision is announced to the observer in the form of a message to observer or MTO. The MTO consists of 4 items:

1. Units to fire2. Changes to the call for fire3. Number of rounds4. Target number


MTO ExampleMTO Example• The battalion call sign is A8T36. Battery A call

sign is R6G36. No changes to the call for fire are made. FDC wants to shoot 4 rounds per tube and wants to shoot VT (Variable Time). The MTO would be:

• T, G,: VT IN EFFECT, 4 ROUNDS, OVER.

• The observer reads back the MTO:

• T, G,: VT IN EFFECT, 4 ROUNDS, OUT.


Check on Learning: ELO #3Check on Learning: ELO #3Question: How many transmissions are in the call for fire?

Answer: 3 Transmissions1. Observer identification and warning

order2. Target location3. Target description, method of

engagement method of fire and control.


Check on Learning: ELO #3Check on Learning: ELO #3Question: What are two ways that you can give the direction to the target?

Answer: • Grid coordinates• Polar plot


Check on Learning: ELO #3Check on Learning: ELO #3Question: What are the elements for a Call for Fire?Answer:

• Observer identification• Warning order • Target location• Target description • Method of engagement • Method of fire and control.


Check on Learning: ELO #3Check on Learning: ELO #3Question: What is the difference between a GRID mission and a POLAR Mission?Answer:

• Grid: location of the target with direction from you to the target

• Polar: Supporting unit MUST know your location. A polar plot is an azimuth (direction) and a distance from your location to the target


Check on Learning: ELO #3Check on Learning: ELO #3Question: What are the 4 items given to the observer in the message to observer?

Answer:• What unit will fire your mission• Changes made to your call for fire• The number of rounds that will be fired

in effect on your target• The target number assigned to your

target.


Question: Why does the FO send the FDC the direction to the target?

Answer: To orient the FDC to the observer’s view of the target

Check on Learning: ELO #3Check on Learning: ELO #3




Standards:

Provide instruction using PowerPoint in a classroom setting Conditions:Determine required round correctionsAction:


Determine CorrectionsDetermine Corrections

• OT Factor• Range Spotting• Deviation Spotting 1: Binoculars• Deviation Spotting 2: Hand Measurements


OT FactorOT FactorThe OT factor is based on the distance from you (your location) to the target and is used to compute the lateral deviation correction that you are going to send to FDC.


Computing OT FactorComputing OT Factor• Distance to target: 4200 meters• Distance expressed to the nearest

thousand: 4000• Divide by 1000 = OT factor of 4


Range SpottingRange SpottingOver – correction is DROP

Short – correction is ADD

Left –correction is RIGHT

Right –correction is LEFT

OT Line

The corrections are made in the opposite direction of the spotting based where they land relative to the OT Line


Deviation Spotting 1: BinocularsDeviation Spotting 1: Binoculars• Using the Reticle Pattern on the Binos.

• This example shows that the round has impacted 50 mils to the LEFT of the target


Deviation Spotting 1: Binoculars(another way of looking at it)

Deviation Spotting 1: Binoculars(another way of looking at it)

TARGET IS IS 30 MILS LEFT

54321

67

1 2 3 4 55 4 3 2 1

TARGET IS 50 MILS RIGHT

54321

67

1 2 3 4 55 4 3 2 1


Deviation Spotting 2: Hand MeasurementDeviation Spotting 2: Hand Measurement

A = target, B = Location of round


Check on Learning: ELO #4Check on Learning: ELO #4Question: What are the 4 methods to determine correction

Answer:• OT Factor• Range Spotting• Deviation Spotting 1: Binoculars• Deviation Spotting 2: Hand

Measurements


Check on Learning: ELO #4Check on Learning: ELO #4Question: How do you calculate OT Factor?

Answer:• Distance to target in meters• Distance expressed to the nearest thousand• Divide by 1000 = OT factor



Question: What is the spacing in MILS between recticle lines in binos?

Answer: 10 mils



Question: What is the distance in MILS if two fingers are used to adjust fire?

Answer: 70 Mils




Standards:

Provide instruction using PowerPoint in a classroom setting Conditions:Determine round adjustmentsAction:


Range Corrections 1: BracketingRange Corrections 1: Bracketing

OT Line

When you make the first correcting for RANGE you are attempting to BRACKET - use the a 400 meter bracket rule

• 1st Correction: add/drop 400• 2nd Correction: add/drop 200• 3rd Correction: add/drop 100• 4th Correction: add/drop 50• FIRE FOR EFFECT

We want to bracket the target by having one round over and one round short. If the first round impacted over the target, the correction would be DROP 400.


Bracketing: 1st Range CorrectionBracketing: 1st Range Correction

OT Line

1st round is over targetCorrection: Drop 400


Bracketing: 2nd Range CorrectionBracketing: 2nd Range Correction

OT Line

2nd round is under targetCorrection: Add 200


Bracketing: 3rd Range CorrectionBracketing: 3rd Range Correction

OT Line

3nd round is over targetCorrection: Drop 100


Bracketing: 4th Range CorrectionBracketing: 4th Range Correction

OT Line

4nd round is under targetCorrection: Add 50,Fire for Effect

You will receive 6 to 8 rounds impacting the target


Range Corrections with Lateral Deviation Corrections

Putting it all together

Range Corrections with Lateral Deviation Corrections

Putting it all together


Using the OT FactorUsing the OT Factor• The distance to the target is 2200 meters• OT Factor: 2200/1000 = 2.2 2• Round impacted 50 mils LEFT of the target• Correction is: 50 mils * 2 (OT Factor) = 100

There is no lateral deviation if:

(Mils * OT ) < 30


1st Correction1st Correction

OT Line

The distance to the target is 2200 meters. The 1st round impacted ABOVE & 50 mils to the RIGHT of the target. What is your correction?

LEFT 100 DROP 400

OT = 2200/1000=2.2 2

2x50 = 100

Range correctionDeviation


2nd Correction2nd Correction

OT Line

The 2nd round impacted30 mils to the LEFT and BELOW the target. What is your correction?

RIGHT 60 ADD 200OT = 2200/1000=2.2 22x30 = 60


Distance to target: 2200 meters


3rd Correction3rd Correction

OT Line Remember: There are no deviations if (Mils * OT ) < 30

The 3rd round impacted10mils to the LEFT and ABOVE the target. What is your correction?

NONE DROP 100OT = 2200/1000=2.2 22x10 = 20


Distance to target: 2200 meters


4th Correction4th Correction

OT Line

Your correction for the 4th

round will be ADD 50 FFE

Lastly, send OEM to FDC and state what occurred (killed, no effect, etc.)

NONE ADD 50 Range correctionDeviation

You will receive 6 to 8 rounds impacting the target


Check on Learning: ELO #5Check on Learning: ELO #5Question: What is the distance you always want to use when bracketing a target?

Answer: 400 meters


Check on Learning: ELO #5Check on Learning: ELO #5Question: FFE will usually consist of how many rounds?

Answer: 6 to 8


Check on Learning: ELO #5Check on Learning: ELO #5Question: How do you calculate OT Factor?

Answer:• Distance to target in meters• Distance expressed to the nearest thousand• Divide by 1000 = OT factor


SummarySummary

• Review Map reading skills• common Observer terms• Determine Call for fire• Determine required round corrections• Determine round adjustments


QuestionsQuestions


ConclusionConclusionNot knowing Call for Fire / Adjust for fire when you need it will have devistating effects on your unit.

You are the leader! Do not let that happen

Documents

Call for and Adjust Indirect Fire