Indirect Fire

[collins355]

I'm getting confused using CSC '23 for indirect fire. One procedure is set out on page 164. But a different procedure is laid out on page 131.

Are they actually two parts of the same procedure? Or meant for use in different situations?

I can't grasp what is going on.

 

[boggo2300]

Those are procedures for different circumstances.
If you are making an Indirect fire attack then the procedure is on page 131

If you are making an attack with your fire being directed by a Forward Observer (which may or may not be an indirect fire attack, it could be an airstrike for example) then you use the procedure on page 164

 

[collins355]

Those are procedures for different circumstances.
If you are making an Indirect fire attack then the procedure is on page 131

If you are making an attack with your fire being directed by a Forward Observer (which may or may not be an indirect fire attack, it could be an airstrike for example) then you use the procedure on page 164

So page 131 is for an indirect fire attack where you have nobody capable of observing the fall of shot? So you're just firing blind at things you can't see?

 

[boggo2300]

So page 131 is for an indirect fire attack where you have nobody capable of observing the fall of shot? So you're just firing blind at things you can't see?

commonly known as artillery yes

those are the indirect fire rules, page 164 is the Forward Observer rules, and even says in the rules that it's for Observed Indirect fire, Airstikes, and Orbital Bombardment

 

[collins355]

commonly known as artillery yes

those are the indirect fire rules, page 164 is the Forward Observer rules, and even says in the rules that it's for Observed Indirect fire, Airstikes, and Orbital Bombardment

So, if the enemy are 1km away out of sight behind a hill, I use page 131 to fire at them with my light mortar.

If I have a spotter on the hill who can see the enemy below, I use page 164.

 

[Condottiere]

Nowadays, send a drone.

Or two.

One directing the other.

 

[boggo2300]

So, if the enemy are 1km away out of sight behind a hill, I use page 131 to fire at them with my light mortar.

If I have a spotter on the hill who can see the enemy below, I use page 164.

yup, exactly

 

[phavoc]

Redlegs!!!

Those pansy tube boys! We used to aim at the whole grid square. We didn't need no stinkin FO's or fire for effect. And nowadays if we get really angry we'd just toss a pair of ATACMs and be done with it.

(former Field Artillery, 13M, MLRS)

 

[MonsterX]

Nowadays, send a drone.

Or two.

One directing the other.

When I was a boy, there used to be a skill called "Forward Observer", which we hated because it wasn't "Gun Combat". Nowadays, the kids don't know how good they've got it with all these drones, and "Remote Ops", which is actually useful for PCs.

 

[Sigtrygg]

Did no one ever tell you that the "Forward Observer" skill set includes:
stealth and concealment
range determination
environmental awareness

all skills useful when sniping too

 

[Arkathan]

Did no one ever tell you that the "Forward Observer" skill set includes:
stealth and concealment
range determination
environmental awareness

all skills useful when sniping too

Didn't they effectively use a laser sniper rifle on low power to paint the targets?
Or was that just IMTU games?

 

[Sigtrygg]

Yes, the soldier on the facing page of LBB:4 Mercenary

"Mercenary Striker
Operating on a moderate-to-low tech level world (probably TL 5-7), this trooper is serving as an artillery forward observer. The tech level 8 laser carbine (page 43) is used as a range finder and target designation, as well as a personal weapon in an emergency. A ballistic cloth flak jacket (page 41) is worn over the combat uniform, and the helmet has been modified to include a personal commo link and night vision enhancement gear (page 43). The carbine's small power pack is worn high over the shoulder blades and a light assault pack (not visible) is hung below it.
Because of his role as forward observer, the large pockets of his fatigues and flak jacket are probably filled with a variety of colored smoke grenades (page 41) for signalling purposes."

That TL 8 laser carbine makes for a rather efficient sniper weapon...

 

[Condottiere]

In theory, nowadays, that would immediately trigger an alarm, and a somewhat lethal reaction from the targetted armoured vehicle.

Assuming, it has uptodate sensors.

And wasn't dragged out of the scrapyard, and refurbished with minimal upgrades.

You can always install the laser carbine on a drone.

 

[Sigtrygg]

Or change the wavelengh of the laser...

 

[MonsterX]

Did no one ever tell you that the "Forward Observer" skill set includes:
stealth and concealment
range determination
environmental awareness

all skills useful when sniping too

no one actually told me that as a bunch of 15 year olds, we weren't able to figure it out for ourselves.

 

[collins355]

Well aware of the uses of a forward observer, but my players were questioning the rule in MGT2e CSC where indirect fire could target someone out of sight and kilometres away with no forward observer.

 

[Condottiere]

Ranger class.

 

[Geir]

Well aware of the uses of a forward observer, but my players were questioning the rule in MGT2e CSC where indirect fire could target someone out of sight and kilometres away with no forward observer.

You could target a location (fortification, elementary school crossing, etc.) but if you wanted to hit something not fixed on a map, then you'd need a smart round or some sort of guidance once you reached line of sight.

So if you want to blow up a bridge, no problem.

If you want to hit the tank that crossed the bridge 3 minutes ago, then you're guessing where it would be and aiming for a set of coordinates with the hope that your guess is accurate.

 

[boggo2300]

Did no one ever tell you that the "Forward Observer" skill set includes:
stealth and concealment
range determination
environmental awareness

all skills useful when sniping too

though a FO doesn't need to be a good shot...

 

[Condottiere]

Depends if it's a hybrid role.

In theory, you could get assigned fire control coordinators from other branches, or services, or even some form of combined coordination.

You could get specialized sniper scouts, to just go forward, sit tight, observe, and forego potshots, in favour of something more explosive.