Mortars at the target of the offensive
A mortar battery can implement a concentration of fire in a dense fire, or become part of a howitzer battalion fire plan. Typically, mortars are used for stationary targets that are visible to observers in front, such as strong points in enemy company defenses(Support Point)., enemy mortars, command and observation posts, radar stations, staging areas, or enemy companies on the move. Among them, the easiest to destroy are unarmored targets that lack protection. Mortars are also used to fire and destroy enemy anti-tank missiles, anti-tank guns, lightly armoured or unarmoured vehicles, depending on the situation. As for the enemy's artillery, mortar companies, platoons, and other targets, they are attacked by higher-level artillery.
On the whole, the ability of artillery to deliver fire strikes on enemy targets from shielded firing positions depends on its target and the nature of the firing, the number of available mortars, the quantity and quality of ammunition available, and the time required to complete the task. Depending on the number of mortars that the battalion (company) has, the timing of the firing and the method of firing, it is possible to determine the number of mortar shells required. Dividing this figure by the average rate of ammunition consumption gives you the number of enemy targets that the artillery can suppress (destroy) during fire preparation.
During the offensive, mortar batteries are used to destroy or suppress enemy mortar batteries, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, anti-tank and other direct fire **, personnel, command posts, communications facilities and fortifications. In order to effectively carry out these fire tasks, the mortar battery must properly ensure the combat formation of the platoons and the command and observation posts. If necessary, the inclusion of a forward and lateral observation posts could also be added.
（in the offense, the mortar battery destroys or suppresses the enemy’s means of nuclear and chemical attacks, artillery and mortar batteries, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, antitank and other direct fire weapons, personnel, command posts, communications, and fortifications. in order to carry out these fire missions, the mortar battery is deployed into its combat formation. the combat formation consists of the mortar platoons deployed into their firing positions, a command and observation post, and, if necessary, an observation post (forward and lateral).
When the mortar is located in a sheltered firing position, the interval is 20-40 meters, and its transporter is usually placed in a concealed position about 300-500 meters behind the mortar. Command posts are used to observe the enemy situation and terrain, control fire, maneuver troops, and much more. As a rule, the command post of the artillery company is located together with the command post of the motorized infantry battalion (motorized infantry company).
The firing positions of the mortar batteries are generally 1-1 from the positions of the first line of the friendly side5 km. If the artillery company is ordered to participate in the preparation of fire when attacking the enemy in the defense of the position from the march, then it must be at least 15-2 hours to occupy firing positions. At the same time, the deployment of artillery is usually carried out at night in order to circumvent the enemy's land-air observation. This also means that it takes a certain amount of time to prepare the mortar for firing, such as laying the ammunition on the ground in advance, ensuring the spacing between the mortars, aiming the mortar at the target first, and so on（when attacking a defending enemy from the march, the battery, if it is involved in the preparation of the attack, must take up its firing position no later than 1.5-2 hours before the start of the artillery preparation of the attack. deployment in combat formation is carried out, as a rule, at night, hidden from enemy ground and air observation. this time is needed to prepare the mortars for firing, lay out the ammunition (which will be used during the artillery preparation of the attack) on the ground, ensure spacing between mortars, and aim the mortars at the targets on which fire will first be laid.）
Artillery firing in the offensive was carried out in the following stages:
The first stage: artillery covers the advance of the troops
The second stage: artillery implements fire preparation
Phase 3: Provide support for the offensive
Phase 4: Support for the offensive in depth.
The fire preparation of the artillery usually began when the motorized infantry company entered the deployment line of the battalion.
At this time, at the signal of the senior commander, the mortar battery began to perform the following tasks.
The main purposes of artillery fire preparation are:
1.Destroy or damage the main fire of the enemy's first interception line, as well as its mines and fortifications. So that our troops can break through the enemy's defenses.
2.Weaken the stability of the enemy's chain of command and weaken the commander's ability to control the troops.
3.Inflict heavy personnel on the enemy** and reduce its will to resist and combat effectiveness.
4.A neat smoke barrier was formed between the first and second lines of the enemy, which allowed the mobile units to act under their protection.
5.As planned, two paths were widened in the direction of the attack so that our tanks could force and overcome obstacles, waters, ravines, etc.
The point of entry for the preparation of artillery fire for the offensive was at a distance of 600-1200 meters between our first line and the enemy's first line of interception. The intensity and duration of artillery fire depends on the enemy's defensive capabilities and fortifications, and generally lasts 30-50 minutes. The mortar battery, immediately after receiving the signal to attack, joined the fire and launched intensive strikes on the enemy's first line.
Artillery fire preparation begins with a sudden and heavy fire of all artillery on the planned targets, especially on the enemy's front-line personnel, artillery batteries and other important targets. Artillery preparation at the appointed time ended with a fire strike on the points of the first echelon company and anti-tank **. At this time, the artillery and mortar batteries began to fire covering the moving infantry before the end of the artillery preparation, until it reached the forefront of the enemy's defense.
All artillery units carried out short and intensive fire strikes within the specified time, which took the enemy by surprise and played a role in deterring the enemy. Immediately after the end of the shelling, our infantry and tanks launched an attack, occupied the enemy's first line of positions, and developed an offensive in depth. The mortar battery at the beginning of the offensive carried out heavy artillery fire on the enemy's forward positions. The main purpose of shooting is to learn the enemy's situation as soon as possible and suppress its firepower.
The artillery support offensive began with the arrival of the motorized infantry company at the starting line of the offensive and continued until the motorized infantry detachment occupied the first echelon position of the enemy brigade (regiment). In the midst of this, artillery support was carried out under non-stop firing. It can use a single or double-layer barrage to implement various ways and combinations such as continuous fire concentration, fire shielding, and concentrated shooting.
At the same time, the best way for artillery to implement fire support is to simultaneously destroy the enemy's direct fire ** at the maximum distance, in particular, anti-tank missiles. And in addition to offensive orders for artillery support, the battalion commander can also give specific orders for pre-requisite fire requirements or transfer of fire.
Artillery accompanying fire was carried out with the attack on the depth of the enemy's defenses. It begins after the end of the offensive with artillery support and lasts until the Moroccan infantry completes its combat mission, which generally lasts 2-3 hours. During artillery accompanying fire, the mortar battery could perform the following tasks: ensuring the entry of the second echelon into battle, repelling the counterattack of the enemy reserves, providing support when the squad crosses water, obstacles, as well as pursuing the retreating enemy.
During this period, the mortar was in a state of constant readiness and, at the request of the troops, usually performed on-call firing missions. Once instructed, be able to immediately fire at the enemy. Its firing methods are mainly concentrated and intensive. As for the firing time and density, it is determined according to the nature of the target and the operational requirements.
As the attacking troops go deeper, the mortar company will also adjust the direction and target of firing in a timely manner according to the requirements of the unit and the combat mission. It must ensure the continuity and density of firing to suppress and destroy the enemy to the greatest extent possible in order to create favorable conditions for the offensive of the troops.
The offensive preparation of the mortar battery began when receiving a combat mission from the battalion commander. Within the specified time, the commander of the mortar company is obliged to know the specifics of the company for which it is assigned support. At the same time, the commander of the mortar company must make an assessment of the company's establishment, position, status and support;Received tasks and prescribed ammunition consumption;The ability of the company to shoot;The location of the designated firing position area and command post;The time and order of occupation of them;The sequence of actions in battle;and the time it takes to start shooting, etc. In this way, the questions related to the specific use of the company in battle can be answered（the preparation of a mortar battery for an offensive begins with receiving a mission from the battalion commander. after receiving the mission from the battalion commander at the set time, the battery commander is obliged to support the company commander, for whose support the battery is assigned or supporting, and report the composition, position, condition, and security of the battery; the missions received and the established ammunition consumption; the battery’s fire capabilities; the assigned areas for firing positions and location of the command post; the time and order of their occupation; the order of movement during the battle; and the required time needed to open fire.He must be ready to answer the company commander's questions regarding the use of the battery in battle, this feeling is a bit of a big problem, and some bigwigs are welcome to point out the shortcomings).
In order to successfully complete the support of the motorcycle battalion (company), the artillery company commander needs to arrive at the designated place to conduct reconnaissance and receive mission and coordination instructions. When providing combat duty to a mortar company, the battalion commander must indicate in the combat order: the time of the start of the offensive and what to support, the targets to be destroyed or suppressed by the mortar company during the preparation of fire;Information on the tasks of the mortar battery when the second echelon is put into battle, when countering enemy counterattacks, firing positions, marching routes and sequences, time of preparation for firing, and the sequence of actions of each unit in battle, etc.
At the signal (order) of the senior commander at the specified time and at the signal (order), the artillery company began firing and performed the task according to the artillery support plan. Among them, the commander of the mortar company controls the execution of the firing tasks of the subordinate platoons, monitors the firing effect and makes corrections if necessary. As the tank and the motorized infantry approach the firing line, the mortar company commander, according to the instructions of the motorized infantry battalion (company) commander, transfers the firing to the next line in the order to ensure that friendly forces are at a safe distance from the distant mortar**.
During operations, the movement of the mortar battery was often adjusted in accordance with the orders of the battalion commander. In general, the transfer of mortar batteries should begin after the company in the first echelon occupies the platoon support points on the defensive positions of the enemy's front. At the same time, depending on the specific enemy situation, the artillery company can move as a whole or by individual platoons. In addition, the commander of the mortar company has the responsibility to move the command post in a timely manner and always maintain close contact with the battalion (company) commander.
When the second echelon of the battalion was put into operation under artillery cover, the mortar battery could suppress enemy fire by firing intensively lasting 8-10 minutes. During this period, the mortar battery should weaken the enemy's direct and indirect fire as the second echelon moves to the line of engagement. And once the enemy's reserves are detected preparing to advance and counterattack, the artillery company commander must be able to adjust the beam according to the change in the direction of the enemy's counterattack. Frustrate enemy tank and infantry counterattacks with constant moving block and stationary block fire. When the enemy is about to retreat, the mortar battery can usually maneuver quickly near the road in a certain formation to facilitate the enemy's withdrawal.
Mortars in defense of targets
In defense, mortar batteries usually occupy low-lying positions far from the direction of attack of enemy tanks, without significant topographical features. Mortar firing positions can be dug by hand, but generally the main excavation work is usually done by the brigade engineer battalion.
Artillery batteries in the defense need to be combined with other firepower to perform the following tasks:
- Use artillery to intercept and attack areas where enemy forces are deployed
- Use artillery to repel enemy attacks
- Artillery support for troops defending in depth;
- Cooperate with allies to defeat enemies in counterattacks.
In order to complete the firing task in the defense, the artillery company selects at least two firing positions, taking into account factors such as range, shielding, and transportation lines, so that it can maneuver at any time in battle. Its main firing positions are usually in the battalion defense area, behind the first echelon company, and mines are also required to be deployed on the nearest path to the firing position.
Preparatory firing positions are generally selected on the flanks and in depth of the main defense area. Its artillery observation posts were usually located in the area of battalion defense, scattered along the front line and in depth. This ensures the establishment of a system of continuous surveillance of the enemy along the front line of the line.
In defense, the mortar battery must be ready to support the defending forces in order to suppress and disrupt the enemy's offensive. Of course, mortar batteries can also be deployed in a mobile way to adapt to changes in the enemy's situation. Throughout the defense period, the mortar company maintained close contact with its battalion and adjusted its deployment in a timely manner according to the actions of both the enemy and the enemy, so as to maximize the role of mortars.
And in order to effectively defeat the enemy in defense, it is also necessary to create a complete system of artillery fire, which consists of pre-prepared concentrated defensive fire to defeat the enemy in front and depth, as well as the possibility of concentrating fire on any threatened axis.
During the defense, artillery observers and commanders should select observation points, establish comprehensive monitoring of the enemy's firepower and activities, and discover the enemy's build-up and offensive preparations in a timely manner. When the enemy attack is detected, artillery fire, especially the fire support of mortar batteries, is immediately requested and directed to suppress the enemy's offensive.
The artillery company commander and the observer should cooperate closely in the arrangement and command of the defensive position. The situation discovered by the observer should be reported to the company commander in a timely manner to provide reference for the formulation and adjustment of his shooting mission. The company commander should rationally use and direct artillery firepower on the basis of the information of the observers and his own judgment, ensure the coherent suppression of close lines, and weaken the enemy's offensive capability to the greatest extent.
It should be noted that during the defense, the artillery company was also ready to receive orders for tasks and redeployment from higher units. To this end, the flexibility and mobility of the defense require the artillery to be able to quickly change missions and reposition, which undoubtedly requires close coordination and coordination between units at all levels.
During the enemy's march and deployment, the artillery battery can carry out concentrated fire strikes on individual targets in the enemy's advance, attempting to inflict losses on the enemy on the move. When the enemy is transitioning to an offensive formation, the artillery battery can carry out fixed-point and follow-up fire strikes on the enemy's combat formation in action. During this period, the artillery battery must form a network of fire to destroy enemy tanks and other armored vehicles, disrupt enemy combat formations, and isolate their infantry from tanks. （during the advance and deployment of the enemy, the battery lays fire concentrations and fire against individual targets, attempting to inflict defeat on the advancing enemy. when the enemy transitions to the attack, the battery conducts standing barrage fire or moving barrage fire on the combat formations of the advancing enemy subunits. during this time, the artillery fires with the greatest intensity. the battery uses barrage fire to defeat tanks and other armored vehicles, to disrupt the combat formations of enemy units, and to cut off the infantry from the tanks. calls for fire are directed by the commanders of the company and battalion. in the event of a penetration of the enemy into the defensive area of the battery, the battery lays fire concentrations, standing barrage fire, or moving barrage fire in an attempt to prevent the spread of the enemy into the depth of the defense and towards the flanks.）
If the enemy's offensive finally completes the breakthrough at great cost, the artillery battery strikes at the transport lines behind the enemy with intensive fire in order to cut off its supplies and increase its losses. In short, skillful use of maneuver and fixed fire strikes help to deter the enemy's advanced advances. Only by having a comprehensive grasp of the intensity and accuracy of firepower can we give full play to the role of artillery and effectively support the defense of friendly forces.
When the second echelon of friendly forces carries out a counterattack, the artillery battery can be assigned as support. Before a friendly counterattack begins, the artillery battery can be fully prepared for fire, targeting weaknesses and vital points in the enemy's defenses. In the midst of this, the artillery battery will support the battalion's counterattack by concentrating and firing on individual targets. Its priority targets are enemy artillery, mortar batteries, anti-tanks**, tanks, personnel, and other direct fire** in the direction of friendly counterattacks. As friendly forces advance, the artillery battery's firepower should be ready to shift and reposition at any time in order to cut off the enemy's retreat and increase its losses.
When the command post was moved to a new position, the artillery company commander was to establish contact with the battalion commander. Artillery observers should maintain close contact with commanders at all levels in the process of advancement, provide first-hand information to artillery company commanders, and provide reference for command decision-making. It is necessary to accurately report the changes and demands of both the enemy and the enemy to ensure the timeliness and effectiveness of firepower.
Summary
Mortars play a vital role in providing close fire support and smoke screen cover, and their high rate of fire, flexible deployment, and low cost make them an indispensable means of firepower for mechanized forces. There is no doubt that it will continue to be an important part of the Russian army's mechanized infantry battalion.
However, as the battlefield environment changes, mortars also face new challenges.
The use of UAVs and high-precision firepower increases the risk of mortar positions being exposed to enemy fire reconnaissance and strikes. This requires that the mortar must have greater mobility and survivability.
In addition, the Arctic and polar environments make the use of mortars difficult, often requiring specialized vehicles as transport vehicles and firing platforms. The Russian army is currently testing its 82 mortars, 120 mortars on truck chassis and hinged tracked vehicles in the field. Russian engineers are also stepping up the development of the 82 mortar for independent firing, so that it can operate independently of the squad. These efforts will undoubtedly strengthen the increase in mobility, accuracy and rate of fire of the Russian artillery battalions and brigades.
In any case, as an important means of firepower for mechanized troops, the improvement and development of mortars is closely related to the coordinated development of the artillery system. The development of 82 mechanical mortars and the delivery of mortars on a variety of chassis are important ways for the Russian army to improve the survivability and combat effectiveness of mortars. To a certain extent, these means can reduce the exposure of positions, improve their mobility, and adapt them to the operational needs of different regions.
It can be said that the application of new ** equipment and technology has brought new opportunities for the development of mortars, but at the same time it has also put forward higher requirements. Only by keeping pace with the times in terms of rate of fire, mobility, survivability and effectiveness can mortars keep pace with changes in the environment and continue to provide effective fire support to combat units. This requires the Russian army to make efforts in both theoretical research and practical exploration, and constantly improve the development route and use concept of mortars, so as to ensure its survival and combat on the future battlefield.