Direct Support (DS)

No fire support element.

Lacks diversity of ammunition.

Area weapon system (Danger Close 2km).

MLRS fires less responsive than cannon.

Ammunition resupply (sustaining fires).

P 3-7

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Title: Direction Support (DS)

Dialogue: The direct support (DS) mission is not normally an appropriate mission for a MLRS battalion. MLRS lacks the diversity of ammunition normally found with a DS cannon unit (HC smoke, Illumination, etc.). Danger close for the M26 rocket depends on the range to target. Fires at longer ranges cannot be brought in closer than 2000 meters from friendly troop positions. The quantity of ammunition required for a unit in a direct support role may quickly exceed the resupply capabilities of the MLRS battalion. Finally, there is no fire support element assigned, nor are there sufficient communication nets available, to a MLRS battalion.