The Art of Calling Artillery Strikes: Strategies for Precise Fire Missions

From the experiences of military operations during World War II to modern artillery engagements, the art of summoning an artillery strike has remained a critical skill for military units. This article delves into the various methods and procedures involved in calling an artillery strike on a specific target, highlighting the importance of clear communication and precise targeting.

Introduction to Artillery Strikes

In military conflicts, artillery strikes are often used to neutralize the enemy, provide support to infantry units, and soften up defensive positions. The process involves several steps, from the initial warning order to the final 'Fire for Effect' or 'End of Mission' report. In this article, we explore the procedures and strategies used to coordinate these strikes, often referred to as 'fire missions.'

Calling a Fire Mission

To initiate a fire mission, the first step is a 'warning order.' For example, a soldier might radio, 'Hunter 3 hunter base fire mission over.' This instructs the battery to be ready for incoming communication. The response could be, 'Hunter base hunter 3 copy send traffic over,' confirming the readiness to receive the fire mission details.

The Communication and Coordination Process

Ain't Gonna Talk Dirty

Using a mnemonic such as 'Ain't Gonna Talk Dirty' (AGTD) by each service member ensures that everyone repeats a segment of the order, verifying that the instructions have been correctly received. For instance, the communication process might go as follows:

Hunter 3 Hunter Base AGTD Hunter Base Hunter 3 AGTD Hunter 3 AGTD Hunter Base AGTD Hunter 3 Grid Hunter Base Grid Hunter 3 Target: Troops in the open tank column Hunter Base Target: Troops in the open tank column Hunter 3 Direction and Distance Hunter Base Direction and Distance

This step-by-step process helps to prevent misunderstandings that could result in friendly fire or missed targets.

Types of Fire Missions

Target Grid: The Most Common Type of Fire Mission

A target grid is arguably the most common type of fire mission. This involves an observer or 'spotter' providing a precise location to the artillery battery. In contemporary scenarios, such as those depicted in Arma 3, the observer might be using modern equipment to pinpoint the target.

Rough Map Example

Imagine an infantry platoon taking heavy fire from a yellow house in the distance. The spotter determines the grid location and radioes the artillery battery with the coordinates. The battery officer plots the target, calculates the bearing and elevation for the guns, and then fires the rounds. The spotter then observes the landings and adjusts the fire as needed.

The communication might go as follows:

The spotter calls: 'Hunter 3 Hunter Base fire mission. Target: Yellow house 450 meters east of the main road. Adjustments: Up 50 meters.' The battery responds: 'Hunter Base Hunter 3 copy, yellow house 450 meters east of the main road, up 50 meters.'

Pre-Planned Targets

In situations where a known enemy attack is expected, pre-planned targets can be established in advance. These targets are coded or designated with specific names, allowing the artillery to quickly engage the designated areas when needed.

For example, in a rough map depicting an area under threat, the artillery battery might have set up targets marked 'ZP-001,' 'ZP-002,' 'ZP-003,' and 'ZP-004.' The spotter at an observation post can then call for fire when enemy units reach these designated areas, utilizing the pre-planned firing solutions.

Polar Mission

A polar mission is a type of fire mission that often involves an observation post (OP) providing precise bearings and distances to the target. This method is crucial for accuracy and precision, especially in complex terrains.

For instance, the spotter might observe enemy vehicles in a valley through a scope and report a bearing of 128 degrees and a distance of 538 meters. The battery officer uses this information to plot the grid and calculate the bearing and elevation for the guns, ensuring a precise strike upon the target.

Conclusion

The process of calling an artillery strike is a critical part of military operations, requiring clear communication and precise targeting. Understanding the different types of fire missions, from target grid to polar missions, can help effective coordination and accurate execution, ensuring mission success in often challenging and dynamic environments.