indirect fire support

Definition/Scope: Indirect fire is that support from weapons unable to have direct sight of units. The implication is that azimuth and/or elevation ‘aiming' is done using indirect methods. In practice and in the modern sense it usually means both. This means that indirect fire means applying ‘firing data' to azimuth and elevation sights and laying these sights. Calling in and adjusting indirect artillery fire on a target unseen to the soldiers manning the cannonsIndirect fire is most commonly associated with field artillery. It is also used with mortars and naval guns against shore targets, sometimes with machine guns and has been used with tank and anti-tank guns and by anti-aircraft guns against surface targets. The original purpose of indirect fire was to enable fire from a ‘covered position', one where the firers could not be seen by their enemies. However, it is also used where visible targets may become obscured by dust, smoke or darkness. Modern indirect fire during daylight is usually because distance and or terrain make direct fire impossible.

Use:

counterfire

Used For:

Fires WFF
Protection WFF

Broader Terms:

11C
Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System
Firepower Control Team
Fires WFF
Target Acquisition Battery

Narrower Terms:

AN/TPQ-36 (Firefinder)
forward observer

Related Terms:

11C
Naval Surface Fire Support