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Mortar Tactics
Mortar Tactics
Mortar fires are inherently inaccurate. Mortars are an area weapon. Mortars are best used for
suppression, not destroying point targets.
McBreen 2001
MORTAR Techniques
Mortar Units Security. Mortar crews
provide their own security.
Mortar crews are valuable They should stay close to
support units. Do not use the units that they are
mortar crews to assault or supporting to minimize
engage in direct fire security needs.
combat.
Communications. Light
Light, Medium or Heavy? mortars should stay within
signal range of the units that
Light mortars move faster they are supporting, even
and are more responsive when connected by radio.
than medium or heavy Mortars are difficult to adjust
mortars. Medium and when visibility is poor.
heavy mortars move Medium and heavy mortars
slowly, and their operate almost exclusively
ammunition is heavy, but by radio.
they are more destructive.
Heavy mortars usually Shifting Positions
need vehicles to move on
the battlefield. Once they are set up, avoid
moving guns unnecessarily.
On the Move Defilade mortar position supports both the Moving mortar ammunition
primary and the alternate platoon defensive
positions without moving tubes or ammunition. is much more difficult task
While on the move, than moving the tubes.
mortars are an infantry Mortar Positions
commander’s most Planned Targets
responsive and immediate The best mortar position is a
fire support available. A compromise between defilade, In stationary positions, plan
mortar unit’s ability to set security and communications. and register targets. Target
up and fire quickly is dead space, choke points,
critical. Defilade: and Final Protective Fires.
McBreen 2001