Fire commands originate with the computer at the FDC or when the mortars are used without an FDC, with the leader at the observation post. These commands contain the technical instructions that enable the gunners to lay the mortars for deflection and elevation. It is often desirable to transmit fire commands in fragmentary form as the elements of the command are determined. When transmitted in this manner, the command can be executed while it is being issued. Whenever practical, fire commands are given orally. When it is not practical to give oral commands in person, telephone or radio maybe used. The gunners repeat the elements of every fire command as they receive them. There are two types of fire commands: the initial fire command and the subsequent fire command.

NOTE: All fire commands, initial and subsequent,

are repeated by the gunner.

The elements of both follow a definite sequence; however, subsequent commands include only such elements as are changed, except that elevation is always announced.

Initial Fire Command

The initial fire command consists of the data necessary to fire the first round. There are eight elements of the initial fire command which are as follows:

1. MORTARS TO FOLLOW. (Alerts the firing element.)

2. SHELL AND FUZE. (Specific ammunition type and fuze to be used.)

3. MORTAR TO FIRE. (Designates the specific weapon or weapons to fire. Each weapon has a different number.)

4. METHOD OF FIRE. (Indicates the number of rounds to be fired and any special instructions.)

5. DEFLECTION. (The word deflection always precedes the sight setting. This element gives the exact deflection required to engage the target.)

6. CHARGE. (This element is announced by CHARGE and followed by the desired number.)

7. TIME. (This element provides the fuze setting for the illuminating rounds. Omit this element for HE rounds.)

8. ELEVATION. (Elevation is given in roils preceded by ELEVATION. Elevation is the authority to fire except when the method of fire includes the statement AT MY COMMAND.)

Subsequent Fire Command

The subsequent fire command contains changes to the initial fire command data. Subsequent commands include only those elements that have changed except that elevation is ALWAYS announced, changed or not. Changes in direction are given in total deflection; for example, to change deflection from 2,700 to the left 50 roils, the leader would give a subsequent command of DEFLECTION TWO-SIX-FIVE-ZERO. When a change is made in mortars to fire or in the method of fire, the leader gives a subsequent command that includes both elements to avoid a misunderstanding.

Action

As soon as the gunner receives and repeats the command, he begins setting the designated deflection and elevation on the sight unit. The number 1 ammo bearer, as soon as the gunner repeats the command, prepares the round for firing and hands it to the assistant gunner who does the actual loading. By the time the mortar is laid to the direction, the ammunition should be ready for loading.