Chapter 5

FIRE SUPPORT

Section VII. MORTARS

5-31. GENERAL

    The FSO should plan and control mortar fires to ensure they are integrated into the overall fire plan. Mortars are very effective against lightly protected personnel and for obscuration, illumination, and close-in defensive fires.

Mortars:

•     Are the most responsive FS assets of the battalion.

•     Provide highly responsive WP and illumination to the TF commander.

•     Are easily detected by counterbattery radars.

•     Necessitate different positioning considerations because of the range differences between the various munition types (HE, WP, and illumination).

•     Can carry only limited amounts of ammunition.

    Clearance of fires, including mortars, must be addressed in the commander's guidance and maneuver rehearsal process.

5-32. US MORTAR CAPABILITIES