Mortars Flashcards
Number of mortars in PLT?
3-5
What is the MAX distance allowed between firing positions?
300 m
Number of mortars in SQD?
1
Number of mortars in section?
2-3
What does RSOP stand for?
Reconnaissance
Selection (position)
Occupation of mortar
Positions
What are the three methods by which recon can be done?
Map
Air
Ground
What are the 9 criteria that must be considered when selecting mortar firing positions?
Mission accomplishment Tactical situation Range Target area coverage Survivability Overhead and mask clearance Surface conditions Communications Routes
What is the 1/2 to 2/3 rule?
Mortars should be able to fire at least 1/2 to 2/3 of their max range to the front of the forward elements of supported friendly force
What is overhead interference?
Interference overtop of mortar positions, ie, trees or buildings
What is mask interference?
To the front of mortar: hill, building, or tree
What are the three types of occupation?
Deliberate
Hasty
Emergency
Deliberate occupation
Extensively planned and prepared for
Hasty occupation
Not as much planning or prep as deliberate
Emergency occupation
Takes place when call for fire received while the platoon tactically moving
Most important criteria to remember during displacement?
Range
Two triggers of displacement?
- Commander orders platoon to displace
2. Event oriented: time schedule, phases, phase lines, or receipt of code words
When platoon displacement used?
When there is little immediate likelihood of enemy contact
What is biggest risk of platoon displacement?
Platoon cannot provide immediate fire support while moving
What are the five mortar firing formations?
Parallel Lazy W Diamond Triangle Six mortar star formation
Burst area for 60 mm mortars?
30 m
Burst area for 81 mm mortars?
40 m
Burst area of 120 mm mortars?
60 m (Old) 70 m (New)
What is nomenclature for 81 mm mortar?
M252
Max elevation for M252?
1511 mils
Minimum elevation for M252?
0800 mils
How many mils for each turn of elevation wheel?
10 mils
Total turns on traversing hand wheel?
20 turns
Minimum range of M252?
83 m
Maximum range of M252?
5,608 m
What is max ROF on the M252?
30 rds per minute for 2 minutes
What does BAD stand for?
Blast Attenuator Device
How do you achieve max range on M252?
Lowest elevation, Max charge(4)
How do you achieve minimum range on M252?
Max elevation, 0 charges
When do you bore sight a mortar?
Before firing it
What is the most important criteria when selecting firing position?
Mission accomplishment
What is the minimum range that you can Boresight a mortar at?
200 m
Range of angle of site scale?
1200-0-1200 mils
What is the azimuth scale on the M2 compass?
0-6400 mils
Weight of M2 compass?
8 oz
Dimensions of M2 compass closed?
2 3/4 in x 1 1/8 in
What increments of mils on angle of site mechanism?
20 mil increments
How is angle of site on M2 compass numbered?
Every 200 mils
What color is north seeking arrow on M2 compass?
White
What color is the azimuth reading arrow (South end)?
Black
When is M2 compass used to lay in Mortars?
Only when it’s the only means for getting direction
What mil increments are on azimuth scale?
20 mil increments
How is azimuth scale numbered?
200-mil intervals
Which member of mortar team responsible for placing stakes?
AG
What deflection and elevation settings on M252 when laying the gun?
Deflection 3200 mils
Elevation 1100 mils
What are deflection and elevation set at when boresighting M252?
Deflection 0
Elevation 0800
How far out are far and near stakes places from mortar position?
Far 100 m
Near 50 m
Total mils on traversing bar?
200 mils, 100 L and R of center
What does section sergeant say when he’s oriented the 0-3200 line and he’s ready to lay in mortars?
“Aiming point this instrument.”
What does gunner say after he’s been directed to orient to the aiming circle and has done so?
“Aiming point identified”
After orienting vertical line in sight dead center down the lens of respective gun sight, what does he announce to the gunner?
The deflection
After gunner receives command to change deflection what does he do?
He repeats the deflection, splits the lens of aiming circle and announces,”ready for recheck.”
Once gun and aiming circle are sighted on each other, with a difference of no more than 1 mil, gunner announces what?
“0 (or 1) mil, mortar laid.”
When gunner makes announcement that gun is laid in, what does section sergeant say?
“Refer sight to 2 8 0 0 deflection and set out aiming stakes.”
How far aiming stakes placed out for reciprocal lay?
1 at 100 m and the shorter 1 at 50 m
