ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Chapter 5 5-2 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 5-3. The observer normally makes spottings the instant the bursts occur. However, delayed spottings sometimes provide additional information based on drifting smoke or dust. The observer is usually required to announce the spottings during early training; experienced observers make spottings mentally. HEIGHT OF BURST SPOTTING 5-4. The HOB spottings may be any one of the following: Air—A round or group of rounds that bursts in the air. The number of mils also is given. For example, spot a burst of 10 mils above the ground as AIR 10. Graze—A round or group of rounds that detonates on impact. Mixed—A group of rounds that results in an equal number of airbursts and graze bursts. Mixed air—A group of rounds that results in both airbursts and graze bursts when most of the bursts are airbursts. Mixed graze—A group of rounds that results in both airbursts and graze bursts when most of the bursts are graze bursts. RANGE SPOTTING 5-5. Definite range spottings are required to make a proper range adjustment. Normally a round which impacts on or near the observer-target line results in a definite range spotting. Figure 5-2 (on page 5-3) shows the approximate areas for various range spottings. Any range spotting other than DOUBTFUL, LOST, or UNOBSERVED is definite. An observer may make a definite range spotting when the burst is not on or near the observer-target line by using knowledge of the terrain, drifting smoke, shadows, and wind. However, even experienced observers must use caution and good judgment when making such spottings. Possible range spottings are: Over—A spotting of “OVER” is a round that impacts beyond the adjusting point. Short—A spotting of “SHORT” is a round that impacts between the observer and the adjusting point. Target—A spotting of “TARGET” is a round that impacts on the target. Use this spotting only in precision fire (registration or destruction missions). Range Correct—A spotting of “RANGE CORRECT” is a round that impacts at the correct range. Doubtful—A spotting of “DOUBTFUL” is a round that can be observed but cannot be spotted as “OVER, SHORT, TARGET, or RANGE CORRECT.” Lost—A spotting of “LOST” is a round whose location cannot be determined by sight or sound. Unobserved—A spotting of “UNOBSERVED” is a round not observed but known to have impacted (usually heard). Note. For safety considerations regarding lost and unobserved rounds, refer to Army Regulation (AR) 385-63. Unobserved over or short—A spotting of “UNOBSERVED OVER” or “UNOBSERVED SHORT” is a round not observed but known to have impacted over or short.