|This chapter implements STANAG 2934, Chapters 5 and 6; QSTAG 225; and QSTAG 246.|
a. A call for fire (CFF) is a concise message prepared by the observer. It contains all information needed by the FDC to determine the method of target attack. It is a request for fire, not an order. It must be sent quickly but clearly enough that it can be understood, recorded, and read back, without error, by the FDC recorder. The observer should tell the RATELO that he has seen a target so the RATELO can start the call for fire while the target location is being determined. Information is sent as it is determined rather than waiting until a complete call for fire has been prepared.
b. Regardless of the method of target location used, the normal call for fire is sent in three parts consisting of six elements. The six elements, in the sequence in which they are transmitted, are discussed in paragraphs 4-2 through 4-7. They are as follows:
- Observer identification.
- Warning order.
- Target location.
- Target description.
- Method of engagement.
- Method of fire and control.
c. The three transmissions in a call for fire are as follows:
- Observer identification and warning order.
- Target location.
- Description of target, method of engagement, and method of fire and control.
There is a break after each transmission, and the FDC reads back the data.
d. DA Form 5429-R (Conduct of Fire) is used by the observer in conducting fire missions and recording mission data. The front page, Section I, is organized to help him record his call for fire and subsequent adjustment data. Section II, on the back of the form, is used to record registration data. Portions of DA Form 5429-R are shown with examples throughout this publication. Reproducible copies are at the back of this manual.
This element of the call for fire tells the FDC who is calling for fire.
The 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 element to fire for effect, and the method of target location. It is a request for fire unless prior authority has been given to order fire.
a. Type of Mission.
(1) Adjust Fire. When the observer believes that an
adjustment must be made (because of questionable target
location or lack of registration corrections), he announces
(2) Fire for Effect. 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 that the first volley should have the desired effect on the target so that little or no adjustment is required, he announces FIRE FOR EFFECT.
(3) Suppression. To quickly bring fire on a target that is not active, the observer announces SUPPRESS (followed by the target identification). Suppression (S) missions are normally fired on preplanned targets, and a duration is associated with the call for fire.
(4) Immediate Suppression and Immediate Smoke. When engaging a planned target or target of opportunity that has taken friendly maneuver or aerial elements under fire, the observer announces IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION or IMMEDIATE SMOKE (followed by the target location). Though the grid method of target location is the most common, any method of target location may be used in firing an immediate suppression or immediate smoke mission.
b. Size of Element to Fire for Effect. The observer may request the size of the unit to fire for effect; for example, BATTALION. Usually, he does this by announcing the last letter in the battalion FDC's call sign. For example, T6H24 is announced H. The observer should never refer to a battery or other unit in the clear. He should refer to it by call sign. If the observer says nothing about the size of the element to fire, the battalion FDC makes that decision. It is based on the target attack guidance received and the graphical munitions effectiveness table (GMET) or joint munitions effectiveness manual (JMEM) solution.
c. Method of Target Location.
(1) Polar Plot. If the target is located by the polar plot
method of target location, the observer announces POLAR;
for example, ADJUST FIRE, POLAR, OVER.
(2) Laser Polar Plot. The FDC needs to know as quickly as possible if the observer is using a laser. Although the data are still polar, the backup computer system (BUCS) uses a different format from the fire mission index. From the initial transmission of the call for fire, the FDC will know which of its four mission formats to display; for example, ADJUST FIRE, LASER POLAR, OVER.
(3) Shift From a Known Point. If the target is located by the shift from a known point method of target location, the observer announces SHIFT (followed by the known point); for example, ADJUST FIRE, SHIFT KNOWN POINT 1, OVER.
(4) Grid. If the grid method of target location is being used, the word grid is not announced; for example, ADJUST FIRE, OVER.
This element enables the FDC to plot the location of the target to determine firing data.
a. In a grid mission, six-place grids normally are sent. Eight-place grids should be sent for registration points or other points for which greater accuracy is required. The OT direction normally will be sent after the entire initial call for fire, since it is not needed by the FDC to locate the target.
|NOTE: Direction is expressed to the nearest 10 mils.|
b. In a shift from a known point mission (Figure 4-1), the point or target from which the shift will be made is sent in the warning order. The point must be known to both the observer and the FDC. The observer then sends the OT direction. Normally, it is sent in mils. However, the FDC can accept degrees or cardinal directions, whichever is specified by the observer. The corrections are sent next:
- The lateral shift (how far left or right the target is) from the known point.
- The range shift (how much farther [ADD] or closer [DROP] the target is in relation to the known point, to the nearest 100 meters).
- The vertical shift (how much the target is above [UP] or below [DOWN] the altitude of the known point, to the nearest 5 meters). (The vertical shift is ignored unless it exceeds 30 meters.)
Figure 4-1. SHIFT FROM A KNOWN POINT
c. In a polar plot mission, the word polar in the warning order alerts the FDC that the target will be located with respect to the observer's position. The observer's location must be known to the FDC. The observer then sends the direction and distance. A vertical shift tells the FDC how far, in meters, the target is located above or below the observer's location. Vertical shift may also be described by a vertical angle (VA), in mils, relative to the observer's location.
|NOTE: Laser data are sent to the nearest 1 mil and nearest 10 meters.|
The observer must describe the target in enough detail that the FDC can determine the amount and type of ammunition to use. The FDC selects different ammunition for different types of targets. The observer should be brief but accurate. The description should contain the following:
- What the target is (troops, equipment, supply dump, trucks, and so forth).
- What the target is doing (digging in, in an assembly area, and so forth).
- The number of elements in the target (squad, platoon, three trucks, six tanks, and so forth).
- The degree of protection (in open, in foxholes, in bunkers with overhead protection, and so forth).
- The target size and shape if these are significant. If the target is rectangular, the length and width (in meters) and the attitude (azimuth of the long axis 0000-3199) to the nearest 100 mils should be given; for example, 400 BY 200, ATTITUDE 2800. If the target is circular, the radius should be given; for example, RADIUS 200. Linear targets may be described by length, width, and attitude.
The observer may indicate how he wants to attack the target. This element consists of the type of adjustment, trajectory, ammunition, and distribution. DANGER CLOSE and MARK are included as appropriate.
a. Type of Adjustment. Two types of adjustment may be employed-precision and area. Unless precision fire is specified, area fire will be used.
(1) Precision fire is conducted with one weapon on a
point 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, the observer
(2) Area fire is used to attack an area target. Since many area targets are mobile, the adjustment should be as quick as possible, consistent with accuracy, to keep the target from escaping. A well-defined point at or near the center of the area to be attacked should be selected and used as an aiming point. This point is called the adjusting point during adjust fire missions. To achieve surprise, fire may be adjusted on an auxiliary adjusting point and, after adjustment is completed, the fire for effect shifted to the target. Normally, adjustment on an area target is conducted with one adjusting weapon.
b. Danger Close. DANGER CLOSE is included in the method of engagement when the target is (rounds will impact) within 600 meters of friendly troops for mortar and artillery, 750 meters for naval guns 5-inch and smaller, and 1,000 meters for naval guns larger than 5-inch. For naval 16-inch ICM, danger close is 2,000 meters.
c. Mark. MARK is included in the method of engagement to indicate that the observer is going to call for rounds for either of the following reasons:
- To orient himself in his zone of observation.
- To indicate targets to ground troops, aircraft, or fire support.
d. Trajectory. Low-angle fire is standard for field artillery. If high-angle fire is desired, it is requested immediately after the type of engagement. If high angle is not specified, low angle will (normally) be used. If the firing unit determines that high angle must be used to attack a target, the unit must inform the observer that high angle will be used. Mortars fire only high angle.
e. Ammunition. The observer may request any type of ammunition during the adjustment or the FFE phase of his mission. Shell HE with fuze quick is normally used in adjustment. If that is what the observer desires, he need not request it in his call for fire. If the observer does not request a shell-fuze in effect, the fire direction officer (FDO) determines the shell-fuze combination. Unit SOP may designate a standard shell-fuze combination. (See also Section II.)
|NOTE: Ammunition standards may vary from unit to unit. The observer must learn these standards upon assignment to a unit.|
(1) Projectile. Examples of requests for other than HE
projectile are ILLUMINATION, ICM, and SMOKE.
(2) Fuze. Most missions are fired with fuze quick during the adjustment phase. If fuze quick is desired or if a projectile that has only one fuze is requested, fuze is not indicated. Illuminating, ICM, and smoke projectiles are fuzed with time fuzes; therefore, when the observer requests ILLUMINATION, ICM, or SMOKE, he does not announce TIME.
(3) Volume of Fire. The observer may request the number of rounds to be fired by the weapons firing in effect. For example, 3 ROUNDS indicates that the firing unit will fire three volleys.
f. Distribution. The observer may control the pattern of bursts in the target area. This pattern of bursts is called a sheaf Unless otherwise requested, the battery, computer system (BCS) assumes a circular target with a 100-meter radius. The BCS determines individual weapon aiming points to distribute the bursts for best coverage of this type of target. A converged sheaf places all rounds on a specific point and is used for small, hard targets. Special sheafs of any length and width may be requested. An open sheaf separates the bursts by the maximum effective burst width of the shell fired. If target length and width are given, attitude also must be given. If target length is equal to or greater than five times the target width, the BCS assumes a linear target. The mortar ballistic computer assumes the target is linear and fires a parallel sheaf unless a special sheaf is requested.
The method of fire and control element indicates the desired manner of attacking the target, whether the observer wants to control the time of delivery of fire, and whether he can observe the target. Methods of control at my command (AMC) and time on target (TOT) are especially useful in massing fires. The AMC and TOT missions achieve surprise and maximize the effects of the initial volley on a target. When used by the observer, these methods of control can reduce the sporadic engagement of the target, or "popcorn effect," which can be the result of rounds fired when ready. Methods of fire and control are announced by the observer by use of the terms discussed below.
a. Method of Fire. In area fire, the adjustment normally is conducted with one howitzer or with the center gun of a mortar platoon or section. If for any reason the observer determines that PLATOON RIGHT (LEFT) will be more appropriate, he may request it. (Adjusting at extreme distances may be easier with two guns firing.) The normal interval of time between rounds fired by a platoon or battery right (left) is 5 seconds. If the observer wants some other interval, he may so specify.
b. Method of Control.
(1) At My Command. If the observer wishes to control
the time of delivery of fire, he includes AT MY
COMMAND in the method of control. When the pieces
are ready to fire, the FDC announces PLATOON (or
BATTERY or BATTALION) IS READY, OVER. (Call
signs are used.) The observer announces FIRE when he is
ready for the pieces to fire. AT MY COMMAND remains
in effect throughout the mission until the observer
announces CANCEL AT MY COMMAND, OVER.
(2) Cannot Observe. CANNOT OBSERVE indicates that the observer cannot see the target (because of vegetation, terrain, weather, or smoke); however, he has reason to believe that a target exists at the given location and that it is important enough to justify firing on it without adjustment.
(3) Time on Target. The observer may tell the FDC when he wants the rounds to impact by requesting TIME ON TARGET (so many) MINUTES FROM...NOW, OVER or TIME ON TARGET 0859, OVER. The FO must conduct a time hack to ensure that 0859 on his watch is 0859 on the FDC's watch.
(4) Continuous Illumination. If no interval is given by the observer, the FDC determines the interval by the burning time of the illuminating ammunition in use. If any other interval is required, it is indicated in seconds.
(5) Coordinated Illumination. The observer may order the interval between illuminating and HE shells, in seconds, to achieve a time of impact of the HE coincident with optimum illumination; or he may use normal AT MY COMMAND procedures.
(6) Cease Loading. The command CEASE LOADING is used during firing of two or more rounds to indicate the suspension of loading rounds into the gun(s). The gun sections may fire any rounds that have already been loaded.
(7) Check Firing. CHECK FIRING is used to cause an immediate halt in firing.
(8) Continuous Fire. In field artillery, mortars, and naval gunfire, continuous fire means loading and firing as rapidly as possible, consistent with accuracy, within the prescribed rate of fire for the equipment. Firing will continue until suspended by the command CEASE LOADING or CHECK FIRING.
(9) Repeat. REPEAT can be given during adjustment or FFE missions.
(a) During Adjustment. REPEAT means fire another
round(s) with the last data and adjust for any change in
ammunition if necessary. REPEAT is not sent in the initial
call for fire.
(b) During Fire for Effect. REPEAT means fire the same number of rounds using the same method of fire for effect as last fired. Changes in the number of guns, the previous corrections, the interval, or the ammunition may be requested.
(10) Followed By. This is part of a term used to indicate a change in the rate of fire, in the type of ammunition, or in another order for fire for effect; for example, WP FOLLOWED BY HE.
a. Errors are sometimes made in transmitting data or by the FDC personnel in reading back the data. If the observer realizes that he has made an error in his transmission or that the FDC has made an error in the read back, he announces CORRECTION and transmits the correct data.
The observer transmitted SHIFT KNOWN POINT 2, OVER, DIRECTION 4680 .... He immediately realizes that he should have sent DIRECTION 5680. He announces CORRECTION, DIRECTION 5680. After receiving the correct read back, he may continue to send the rest of the call for fire.
b. When an error has been made in a subelement and the correction of that subelement will affect other transmitted data, CORRECTION is announced. Then the correct subelement and all affected data are transmitted in the proper sequence.
The observer transmitted LEFT 200, ADD 400, UP 40, OVER. He then realizes that he should have sent DROP 400. To correct this element, he sends CORRECTION LEFT 200, DROP 400, UP 40, OVER. The observer must read back the entire subelement, because the LEFT 200 and UP 40 will be canceled if they are not included in the corrected transmission.
Calls for fire from higher headquarters and from the observer are similar in format. The call for fire from higher headquarters may specify the unit to fire for effect. However, the observer's call for fire can only request the firing unit. An example of a call for fire from higher headquarters is shown below.
Warning order: FIRE FOR EFFECT, B (battalion call sign), OVER.
Target location: TARGET AA7731 (or GRID NB432789, ALTITUDE 520), OVER.
Method of engagement: VT, 3 ROUNDS.
Method of control: TIME ON TARGET IS 10 MINUTES FROM...NOW, OVER.
After the FDC receives the call for fire, it determines how the target will be attacked. That decision is announced to the observer in the form of a message to observer (MTO). The MTO consists of the four items discussed below.
a. Unit(s) to Fire. The battery (or batteries) that will fire the mission is (are) announced. If the battalion is firing in effect with one battery adjusting, the FDC designates the FFE unit (battalion) and the adjusting unit by using the last letter of the call sign.
The battalion call sign is A8T36. Battery A is R6G36. Battery A will adjust, and battalion will fire for effect. The MTO would begin T, G.
b. Changes to the Call for Fire. Any change to what the observer requested in the call for fire is announced.
The observer requested ICM in effect and the FDO decides to fire VT in effect. The MTO begins T, G, VT IN EFFECT.
c. Number of Rounds. The number of rounds per tube in fire for effect is announced; for example, T, G, VT IN EFFECT, 4 ROUNDS.
d. Target Number. A target number is assigned to each mission to facilitate processing of subsequent corrections; for example, T, G, VT IN EFFECT, 4 ROUNDS, AA7732, OVER.
|NOTE: Messages to observers for registrations are shown in TC 6-40.|
The additional information shown below normally is transmitted separately from the MTO.
a. Probable Error in Range. If probable error in range (PEr) is 38 meters or greater during a normal mission, the FDC informs the observer. If PEr is 25 meters or greater in a precision registration, the FDC informs the observer.
b. Angle T. Angle T is sent to the observer when it is 500 mils or greater or when requested.
c. Time of Flight. Time of flight is sent to an observer during a moving target mission, during an aerial observer mission, during a high-angle mission, and for shell HE in a coordinated illumination mission when using BY SHELL AT MY COMMAND, or when requested.
a. When nonsecure communications are used and excluding unique fire support operations (such as suppressive fires posture), challenge and reply authentication is considered a normal element of initial requests for indirect fire. The FDC challenges the FO after the last read back of the fire request (see examples in paragraph 4-13). The FO transmits the correct authentication reply to the FDC immediately following the challenge. Authentication replies exceeding 20 seconds are automatically suspect and a basis for rechallenge. Subsequent adjustment of fire or immediate engagement of additional targets by the FO originating the initial fire request normally would not require continued challenge by the FDC. FM 24-35 provides information on authentication procedures.
b. Two methods of authentication are authorized for use: challenge and reply and transmission (which is commonly referred to as self-authentication). The operational distinction between the two is that challenge and reply requires two-way communications, whereas transmission authentication does not. Challenge and reply authentication will be used whenever possible. Transmission authentication will be used if authentication is required and it is not possible or desirable for the receiving station to reply; for example, imposed radio silence, final protective fire, and immediate suppression.
Transmission authentication for final protective fire would be FIRE THE FPF. AUTHENTICATION IS WHISKEY HOTEL, OVER.
Transmission authentication for immediate suppression would be T23 THIS IS T44, IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION, GRID NK124321, AUTHENTICATION IS TANGO UNIFORM. OVER.
c. The FO is given a transmission authentication table as per unit standing operating procedures (SOP). The transmission authentication table consists of 40 columns of authenticators with S authenticators in each column. For immediate suppression, the FO must use the column assigned to his supporting unit. Authenticators from the numbered columns of the transmission authentication table should be used only once. The first unused authenticator in the assigned column is used, and a line is drawn through that authenticator to preclude its reuse.
The following are sample calls for fire and FDC responses for various type missions.
FIRE MISSION (GRID)
Initial Fire Request
Z57 THIS IS Z71, ADJUST FIRE, OVER. THIS IS Z57, ADJUST FIRE, OUT. GRID NK180513, OVER. GRID NK180513, OUT. INFANTRY PLATOON IN TH OPEN, ICM IN EFFECT, OVER. INFANTRY PLATOON IN THE OPEN, ICM IN EFFECT, AUTHENTICATE PAPA BRAVO, OVER. I AUTHENTICATE CHARLIE, OUT.
Message to Observer
Observer FDC Z, 2 ROUNDS, TARGET AF1027, OVER.
Z, 2 ROUNDS, TARGET AF1027, OUT.
DIRECTION 1680, OVER. DIRECTION 1680, OUT.
|NOTE: Direction is sent before or with the first subsequent correction.|
FIRE MISSION (SHIFT) Initial Fire Request
H66 THIS IS H44, ADJUST FIRE, SHIFT AA7733, OVER. THIS IS H66, ADUST FIRE, SHIFT AA7733, OUT. DIRECTION 5210, LEFT 380, ADD 400, DOWN 35, OVER. COMBAT OP IN OPEN, ICM IN EFFECT, AUTHENTICATE LIMA FOXTROT, OVER I AUTHENTICATE PAPA, OUT.
Message to Observer
H, 1 ROUND, TARGET AA7742, OVER. H, 1 ROUND, TARGET AA7742, OUT.
FIRE MISSION (POLAR) Initial Fire Request
Z56 THIS IS Z31, FIRE FOR EFFECT, POLAR, OVER. THIS IS Z56, FIRE FOR EFFECT, POLAR, OUT.
DIRECTION 4520, DISTANCE 2300, DOWN 35, OVER. DIRECTION 4520, DISTANCE 2300, DOWN 35, OUT. INFANTRY COMPANY IN OPEN, ICM, OVER. INFANTRY COMPANY IN OPEN, ICM, AUTHENTICATE TANGO FOXTROT, OVER. I AUTHENTICATE ECHO, OUT.
Message to Observer
Y, VT, 3 ROUNDS, TARGET AF2036, OVER. Y, VT, 3 ROUNDS, TARGET AF2036, OUT.
FIRE MISSION (SUPPRESSION)
H18 THIS IS H24 SUPPRESS AB3104 OVER. THIS IS H18, SUPPRESS AB3104, AUTHENTICATE DELTA JULIET, OVER. I AUTHENTICATE DELTA, OUT.
FIRE MISSION (IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION)
H18 THIS IS H24, IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION GRID 211432 AUTHENTICATION IS TANGO UNIFORM OVER. THIS IS H18, IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION, GRID 211432, OUT.
|NOTE: Immediate suppression missions are normally fired by a two-gun section using two rounds of HE or VT. However, this procedure is addressed in individual unit SOP and may vary between units.|
Once the observer has located a target, he must decide how he wants to attack the target to get maximum effect. A thorough knowledge of the ammunition available will allow a rapid selection of the correct type of shell and fuze to use against the target. If it is not specified by commander's guidance, the type of effect is the first decision the observer must make. He has three choices--destruction, neutralization, or suppression.
a. Destruction puts a target out of action permanently. Thirty percent or more casualties normally will render a unit combat-ineffective. Direct hits with HE or concrete-piercing (CP) shells are required to destroy hard materiel targets.
b. Neutralization knocks a target out of action temporarily. Ten percent or more casualties will neutralize a unit. Neutralization can be achieved by using any type of shell-fuze combination suitable for attacking a particular type of target. Neutralization does not require an extensive expenditure of ammunition and is the most practical type of mission.
c. Suppression of a target limits the ability of the enemy personnel in the target area to perform their jobs. Firing HE/VT or smoke creates apprehension and confuses the enemy. The effect of suppressive fires usually lasts only as long as the fires are continued. Suppression requires a low expenditure of ammunition; however, its inability to have lasting effect on a target makes it an unsuitable type of mission for most targets.
d. When deciding whether to use impact fuze action (produces ground bursts) or time fuze or proximity action (produces airbursts), the observer should consider the following:
- The nature of the target.
- The cover available to the enemy.
- The mobility of the target.
- Whether adjustment is required.
e. See Appendix E for a discussion of munitions effects and examples of optimum shell-fuze combinations for particular targets.
Shell HE is the shell most often used by the observer in adjustment. It can be used with impact, time, or proximity (VT) fuzes for various effects.
a. Shell HE, Fuze Quick. Shell HE, fuze quick bursts on impact. It is used against the following:
- Personnel standing.
- Personnel prone on the ground.
- Unarmored vehicles.
- Light materiel.
Shell HE, fuze quick loses its effect if troops are in trenches, on uneven ground, in frame buildings, or on earthworks.
b. Shell HE, Fuze Delay. A 0.05-second delay can be set on the quick fuze to allow either ricochet fire or penetration (Figure 4-2). If the observer is firing into dense woods, against light earthworks or buildings, or against unarmored vehicles, he should use fuze delay for penetration. If a very high charge is fired at a small angle of impact on a very hard surface, a ricochet may occur, which results in low airbursts.
Figure 4-2. FUZE DELAY
c. Shell HE, Fuze Time. Shell HE, fuze tirne bursts in the air at a given time along the trajectory. An airburst is shown in Figure 4-3. It is used against the following:
- Troops in the open.
- Troops in trenches.
- Troops in deep foxholes.
- Troops in soft-skinned vehicles.
Fuze time must be adjusted to the proper height of burst unless the firing unit has corrections for nonstandard conditions computed. Therefore, consideration should be given to another shell-fuze combination if time is critical and airbursts are desired. Fuze time should never be used for high-angle missions.
Figure 4-3. FUZE TIME OR VT
d. Shell HE, Fuze Proximity. The VT (or proximity) fuze is a radio-activated fuze that detonates at a predetermined height of burst. A VT fuze provides the same effect as fuze time but does not have to be adjusted. It is an excellent fuze to fire with shell HE for surprise and unobserved fires. Also, it is very effective in high-angle fires. It should be used in missions conducted by an aerial observer when an airburst is desired. It is used against all targets that can be attacked with fuze time.
|NOTE: The VT fuzes M513 and M514 should not be used in the rain or on targets that are on water, snow, or ice. The M532, M728, and M732 VT fuzes ate not sensitive to water, snow, ice, or rain and may be used. M728 and M732 VT fuzes function at approximately 7 meters HOB ald can easily be misspotted as graze bursts by inexperienced observers. (A 7-meter HOB looks like a fireball at ground level.) M513 and M514 fuzes function at approximately 20 meters HOB.|
e. Shell HE, Fuze Concrete-Piercing. The CP fuzes are used with shell HE in all cannon weapon systems except the M110A2 against concrete structures or earth- and log-reinforced emplacements. There are two types of CP fuzes: nondelay (used primarily for spotting or for clearing rubble and shattering concrete) and delay (used to destroy the concrete target) (Figure 4-4).
|NOTE: Current CP fuzes (M78 and M78A1) are not safety-certified for peacetime use but may be used in combat. This problem is expected to be eliminated with the future production of the MK399 fuze (for use in military operations on urbanized terrain [MOUT]).|
Figure 4-4. FUZE CONCRETE-PIERCING
Shell white phosphorus (WP) has four uses: incendiary, marking, obscuring, and screening. It can be used to destroy the enemy's equipment or to limit his vision. It is used against the following:
- Petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) and ammunition storage areas.
- Enemy observers.
Also, shell WP can be used as an aid in target location and navigation. It can be fired with fuze time to obtain an airburst.
The following is an example of a WP call for fire: Z57 THIS IS Z18, ADJUST FIRE OVER. MARK CENTER OF SECTOR, OVER. WP 200 METERS HOB, OVER.
Shell smoke is a base-ejection projectile that is filled with canisters containing smoke. It is more effective than WP as a screening agent, because it lasts longer and has less tendency to pillar. The direction of the wind must be considered in the use of any smoke shell (WP or hexachloroethane [HC]). Further employment considerations are in Chapter 6, Section IV.
The illuminating shell is a base-ejection projectile containing a flare attached to a parachute. Normally, it is used to illuminate areas of known or suspected enemy activity or to adjust artillery fire at night. Shell illuminating with a fuze setting for a graze burst may also be used to mark targets. Depending on the caliber, an illuminating shell can provide light for up to 2 minutes and can light an area of up to 1,000 meters in diameter. Further employment considerations are in Chapter 6, Section III.
a. The family of scatterable mines (FA.SCAM) includes shell FASCAM, which is fired by a 155-mm artillery weapon. It delivers antipersonnel or antitank mines against an enemy force to deny access to a particular area, to delay the attacking force, or to canalize them.
b. This all-weather, day-or-night mine emplacement system can be used in offensive, defensive, or retrograde operations. Antitank mines (remote antiarmor mine system [RAAMS]) are used to create antitank or antivehicle obstacles. Antipersonnel mines (area denial artillery munitions [ADAM]) are used in conjunction with antitank mines to create antitank obstacles difficult for dismounted personnel to breach.
c. Antipersonnel mines also can be used alone to create antipersonnel obstacles, to disrupt dismounted personnel operations, to restrict enemy use of terrain, and in counterfire.
d. All of these mines have a short or long self-destruct time depending on the type of shell fired to the target area. Further employment considerations are in Chapter 6, Section II.
The cannon-launched guided projectile (CLGP) (Copperhead) is a high-explosive 155-mm projectile. It has a high hit probability on point targets, moving or stationary, and is extremely lethal. To use Copperhead, the observer must have a laser target designation capability and the proper pulse repetition frequency (PRF) setting. Also, he must be aware of the commander's Copperhead targeting priorities. Further employment considerations are in Chapter 6, Section V.
For employment of ICM and dual-purpose ICM (DPICM), see Chapter 6, Section I.
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