september - october - Fort Sill

METHODS OF FIRE DIRECTION
As the displacement between observation posts increases, the errors
computed in offsets will increase, hence the necessity for full description.
A target well described with a considerable error made in deflection
will often be more quickly identified than one poorly described whose
direction is more exactly given.
Often in cases of moving targets of high mobility a general direction is
given and a clearly visible landmark is located. In such cases azimuths,
bearings, and coördinates are dispensed with.
OBSERVATION OF EFFECT
In all cases it must be remembered that the Battalion Commander has
not completed his work when his designations have been made and
identification by batteries reported.
He and some members of his staff must observe effect and take
corrective action when same is not being obtained. A few pertinent remarks
as "Your fire is all over," "Your fire is thirty mils right" will often be all
that is necessary to bring the fire of the batteries to the proper places.
Batteries have been known to report identification on the wrong target.
When this is discovered, designations must be made anew.
CONDUCT OF FIRE AT BATTALION OBSERVATION POST
In cases where targets are not visible from battery observation posts, the
direction and range of the target may be sent to the battery and fire adjusted
from the battalion observation post by lateral methods.
This should be employed only in rare cases as conduct of fire is the
normal function of the battery commander.
CONCLUSION
The principles of fire direction discussed are simple—their execution is
difficult. The highest degree of coöperation is essential if fire is to be
placed quickly on the targets chosen by the battalion commander.
The solution is obtainable by constant practice in peace-time. By this
practice the battery commanders and the telephone operators will master
the language and methods of the battalion commander and the battalion
should be able to function efficiently in new terrain without maps.
It is believed that the subject of fire direction has not received for
some years the attention which its importance warrants. The impetus for
efficiency in this art must come from the field officers of the Field
Artillery.
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