MCWP 3-15.2 Chapter 8: Special Considerations for the 60-Mm
CHAPTER 8 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE 60-mm MORTAR SECTION This chapter presents special considerations for the tactical employment of the 60- mm mortar section by airborne, air assault, light infantry, and ranger companies. It does not stand alone. It is dependent on the rest of this manual and FM 7-10. 8-1. LIGHT MORTARS ON THE BATTLEFIELD The 60-mm mortar, M224, provides the mortar sections of the light infantry, air assault, airborne, and ranger infantry battalions an effective, efficient, and flexible weapon. a. The rifle company commander depends on light mortars to supply close fire support, suppression, smoke, and illumination. Light mortars are the most responsive and versatile sources of indirect fire support available. Their maneuverability, high rate of fire, low minimum-range restrictions, lethality, and proximity to the commander ensure the versatility, reliability, and responsiveness needed in light infantry operations. Because of the demands placed on FA assets by counterfire, suppression, interdiction, and the employment of special munitions in nontraditional artillery roles, infantry leaders must plan and train well to ensure that light mortar sections provide the needed support in combat. b. High-angle trajectories and multioption fuzes allow light mortars to effectively attack targets-- · In defilade on hilly, mountainous, or rolling terrain. · Under jungle canopies. · On marshy or snow-covered terrain. · Behind buildings and on rooftops and top floors. The short minimum range of the M224 makes the mortar well suited for close protective fires against an assaulting enemy, for block-to-block fighting in cities, and combat over close terrain with restricted visibility. c.
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