A Closer Look at Forward Observers: Their Role in Supporting Infantry

In the complex landscape of modern military operations, the relationship between infantry and forward observers (FOs) is essential for effective combat operations. FOs act as critical liaisons between ground troops and artillery, ensuring that precise artillery fire is directed accurately towards enemy targets. This symbiotic relationship not only enhances the capabilities of infantry units but also guarantees the safety and success of missions.

The FO Relationship and its Symbiosis

The forward observer serves as a critical element in a successful infantry unit. Without an FO, infantry units would lack the crucial artillery support needed to neutralize enemy threats effectively. However, it is the infantry who provide the protection and support needed by the FO, creating a symbiotic relationship that is vital to the success of military operations.

An FO, whether operating on foot or in an OH-58D Kiowa helicopter, has a vital role: to observe enemy movements, call in artillery fire, and adjust shots as needed. If equipped with portable illuminating devices, they can even provide guidance for more advanced artillery strikes, such as Apache Missiles.

Understanding Call for Fire Procedures

The process of calling for fire involves a series of well-coordinated steps, starting with the initial call for fire to an artillery battery. The call for fire is made up of six essential elements that must be communicated accurately and efficiently:

Observer identification Warning order Target location Target description Method of engagement Method of fire and control

Each element is crucial to ensure that the artillery unit understands the situation and can react accordingly. For example, the Target Description element provides detailed information on the target, while Method of Engagement specifies the type of ammunition or weapon to be used.

Practical Application and Role of FOs

FOs are well-trained to recommend the best and quickest weapon system available, based on the tactical situation. They act as ammunition experts, knowing precisely what artillery is where and who can provide attacks or counter-fires effectively. While FOs are part of the divisional artillery, they often operate in a habitual relationship with the supported infantry, fostering trust and teamwork.

In practice, FOs frequently serve as the target spotters for artillery. They identify enemy locations, call in the strikes, and adjust the fire if necessary. This close cooperation often involves several layers of communication, typically from the dedicated artillery battery, through the FO, to the infantry unit. In the U.S. military, each artillery or mortar battery has a dedicated FO, who is always with the infantry unit command element, ensuring that the chain of communication is never broken.

One notable role of FOs is in coordinating with other supporting arms, such as tanks and armored units. For instance, a battery FO might ride with the lead tank in a tank company, ensuring that the gunner can get close enough to obtain a good target.

The role of FOs has been well-documented in military literature. One such example is a book that detailed how the integration of supporting arms, under the direction of a maneuver element commander, effectively disrupted enemy defenses. This close collaboration and mutual support between infantry and FOs continue to be a key factor in modern military operations.

Conclusion

The relationship between infantry and forward observers is a testament to the importance of specialized roles within military units. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of FOs, we can better appreciate the complex interplay that ensures success in today's combat operations. From calling for fire to directly engaging enemy targets, FOs play a critical role in supporting infantry, making the military operation more comprehensive and effective.