Mortars vs Artillery: When to Use Each and Why
Understanding the differences between mortars and artillery is crucial in modern military operations. Both weapons serve distinct purposes and are essential for effective force deployment. This article will explore when to use mortars versus artillery in various scenarios, including assault, withdrawal, and base establishment.
When to Use Mortars
Mortars are often the preferred option for certain tactical situations due to their flexibility and maneuverability. They are particularly useful in small area operations or mobility gun and fire missions. Mortars can be rapidly moved and deployed, making them an ideal choice for situations requiring quick response times and dynamic tactics.
Close Support and Mobility
Mortars can be fired closer to friendly troops, providing close support without the need to establish a static artillery position. They are also highly mobile, allowing for rapid deployment and repositioning. This mobility is a significant advantage in urban combat or other situations where rapid adjustments in position are necessary.
Harassment and Interdiction
Mortars are frequently used for harassment and interdiction fire. They can be used to illuminate targets and provide cover for troops during withdrawals or assaults. Additionally, they can be used to blast mines out of the area, making it safer for friendly forces to advance.
Counter Battery Fire
Counter battery fire is a critical aspect of modern warfare. Both sides aim to locate and neutralize the opposing artillery batteries. However, this is a challenging task as locating enemy artillery can be difficult. Fire and maneuver tactics are often employed, where the battery fires a single short mission and then relocates to avoid accurate location and counterbattery engagement.
When to Use Artillery
Artillery, on the other hand, is best suited for establishing a base or providing long-range support. With its greater reach and variety of effects, artillery can perform tasks that mortars cannot, such as air bursting rounds, engaging armor, and destroying deep targets like trenches.
Range and Effectiveness
Artillery's primary advantage is its range. It can reach targets well beyond the effective range of mortars, making it ideal for situations where a longer reach is necessary. Artillery also has a wider variety of effects, allowing for more diverse and complex target engagement.
Maneuvering and Priority Targets
One of the challenges of using artillery is prioritizing targets. If an enemy has a higher priority target, artillery must be used selectively. Additionally, if mortars need to be moved beyond the range of the artillery, they may be out of luck without timely support. This highlights the importance ofmortars in providing direct fire support to infantry as they move.
Comparing Mortars and Artillery
Mortars and artillery each offer unique advantages and disadvantages. While artillery can provide deep strike capabilities and wider range, mortars are essential for close support and urban warfare due to their mobility and limited danger zone.
High Angle of Attack
In situations where the terrain presents obstacles like forests or urban environments, mortars can fire at high angles to engage targets that are obscured by buildings or natural cover. This capability is particularly useful in close-quarters combat or when firefighters need to overcome obstacles easily.
Flexibility and Reuse
Mortars are highly flexible and can be quickly moved and redeployed. This makes them ideal for rapid-response scenarios. In contrast, artillery systems require more time to establish and may not be as easily moved. For example, mortars can be loaded into the back of a truck or carried by soldiers into a Forward Operating Base (FOB), allowing for quick setup and use.
Smaller Footprint and Precision
Mortars have a smaller danger area compared to artillery, reducing the risk of friendly fire. They are capable of sustained fire engagement as close-range targets are approached, allowing for a more gradual transition from artillery to mortar support. Artillery ranges have a wider danger area, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the situation.
Conclusion
The choice between mortars and artillery depends on the specific tactical situation and the needs of the mission. Mortars are preferred for close support, rapid maneuvers, and urban operations, while artillery is better suited for long-range support and deep strike capabilities. Both weapons play crucial roles in modern warfare, and their effective use requires a clear understanding of their strengths and limitations.