Normally, the combat mission of the construction battalion, and especially that of the mortar platoon, is of a defensive nature. The mortars are set up within the perimeter of the camp in improved, permanent positions. The ammunition and equipment are kept nearby in readiness. However, the unit commander does have authority to deploy these weapons in offensive missions and the following procedures relate to this type of deployment. By learning these simple procedures, a

Figure 14-12.-Placing baseplate against baseplate stake.

well-trained crew should be able to prepare a mortar for firing in approximately 1 minute.

Direct the initial fire of the mortar to the center of the target sector. The initial direction of fire is determined by the section leader or given to them by the forward observer (FO) or by the fire direction center (FDC). The section leader points out the mortar position and announces the direction of fire to the squad leader. The squad leader then places a baseplate stake where the baseplate is to be positioned. The squad leader then places a lensatic compass on the baseplate stake and rotates the compass until he can sight along the determined direction. He directs the ammo bearer to place a direction stake into the ground at least 25 meters from the baseplate stake along their line of sight. After the direction stake has been placed, the number 1 ammunition bearer for the squad places the outer edge of the baseplate against the baseplate stake, so the left edge of the cutout portion of the baseplate is aligned with the left edge of the stake (fig. 14-12).