TF heavy mortars in a 360-degree Battlefield: lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom

Infantry Magazine, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Matthew C. Paul

While vulnerable to direct fire, the mortar platoon is also vulnerable to indirect fire. A mortar's high-angle fire is easy to detect by enemy counterfire radar. If this threat exists, I recommend that the mortar platoon conduct a survivability move to a subsequent firing position after every fire mission, if practical. After yon occupy a firing position, send your grid coordinates to your fire support element (FSE) and ensure they subsequently send it to the Q36/ Q37 radar teams so they do not mistake your high angle fire for enemy mortars. You can accomplish this during the planning phase of an operation by requesting radar "sensing zones" be placed around your planned mortar position areas.

MARKSMANSHIP--At home station, where opportunities and resources to conduct training are limited, it is very easy to focus solely on mortar training. In a 360-degree battlefield, any Soldier may be placed in a situation to employ his own assigned weapon. Our TF mortar platoon fired our own personal weapons more frequently than our mortars. TF mortars fought through multiple enemy ambushes, engaged bypassed pockets of resistance, and were forced to repel an assault of up to 100 enemy soldiers with our organic M16 and M4s, M240Bs, MK-19s, and .50 caliber machine guns. Every Soldier should be an expert on his assigned weapon and should be, at a minimum, familiarized on all other organic platoon weapon systems. Emphasize advanced marksmanship training at home station and focus on quick fire techniques as well as firing from the standing and kneeling positions.

AMMUNITION CONSERVATION--During OIF, logistics shortcomings caused problems in resupplying mortar rounds. In an effort to conserve ammunition, ensure the FDC utilizes the appropriate shell/fuse combination per target. For example, we received a fire request on a large enemy trench network. We fired 20 rounds of high explosive ammunition with proximity fuses, then 12 rounds of white phosphorous ammunition. This produced a catastrophic effect on the enemy, equipment, and ammunition contained inside the trench. Forward observers reported all enemy infantry destroyed with multiple secondary explosions observed. This effect may not have been achieved had we fired just high explosive ammunition with all point detonating fuses. We would have had to fire at least twice as much of this ammunition to achieve the same effect. Also, when the target description lends itself, request to adjust fire as opposed to firing immediate suppression or fire for effect. Ultimately you will conserve ammunition by moving one round at a time on to the target instead of firing a massive volley initially, then adjusting and repeating.

DIRECTION OF FIRE--Designating a direction of fire is an extremely important consideration while fighting a 360-degree threat. This is due to the limited 1600 rail mortar coverage while mounted on the mortar carrier. The platoon leader, with the help of the FDC, must battle track and maintain situational awareness of where friendly and enemy elements are located at all times. This will dictate the direction with which the guns are laid. Responsiveness is a mortar platoon's greatest asset. When the situation dictates, do not hesitate to relay the guns while occupied in a firing position. Do not wait until after you receive a fire request on a target that you cannot cover with your current direction of fire. Proactive cross-talking with the company commanders on the TF command net, as well as cross-talking with the company FSOs on the TF fire support net is also useful in maintaining situational awareness. During the planning process, use templated enemy locations while determining the direction of fire.