As the main land combat force of the Army, Infantrymen capture or destroy opposing ground forces, repel enemy attacks and operate weapons and equipment in order to engage and eliminate the enemy. During peacetime, it's the Infantry's job to be ready to jump to the defense of our country. The Indirect Fire Infantryman specifically supervises or is a member of a mortar squad, section or platoon. The Mortar has the longest range and is the most devastating of any weapon system organic to any Infantry unit on the battlefield.
11C1O - Skill Level One
Assistant Gunner: The assistant gunner loads the mortar and assists the gunner in shifting the mortar.
Ratelo: The RATELO in the FDC is also the driver for the FDC vehicle. He must be trained in communications procedures as well as in the duties of the computers. Specific duties are to operate the telephones and radios within the FDC, to repeat CFFs received from an observer, to issue the message to the observer, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Ammo Bearer: The first and second ammunition bearers prepare the ammunition.
Driver/Radiotelephone Operator: The RATELO in the FDC is also the driver for the FDC vehicle. He must be trained in communications procedures as well as in the duties of the computers. Specific duties are to operate the telephones and radios within the FDC, to repeat CFFs received from an observer, to issue the message to the observer, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Gunner: The gunner manipulates the sight, elevating gear handle, and traversing assembly wheel. He also places firing data on the sight and lays the mortar for deflection and elevation.
Ratelo: The RATELO in the FDC is also the driver for the FDC vehicle. He must be trained in communications procedures as well as in the duties of the computers. Specific duties are to operate the telephones and radios within the FDC, to repeat CFFs received from an observer, to issue the message to the observer, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Ammo Bearer: The first and second ammunition bearers prepare the ammunition.
Driver/Radiotelephone Operator: The RATELO in the FDC is also the driver for the FDC vehicle. He must be trained in communications procedures as well as in the duties of the computers. Specific duties are to operate the telephones and radios within the FDC, to repeat CFFs received from an observer, to issue the message to the observer, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Gunner: The gunner manipulates the sight, elevating gear handle, and traversing assembly wheel. He also places firing data on the sight and lays the mortar for deflection and elevation.
11C2O - Skill Level Two
Squad Leader: Controls squad movement. Places the squad into position. Ensures the mortar is properly laid. Checks mask and overhead clearance. Ensures the mortar position is camouflaged. Ensures that proper deflection and elevation are indexed on the mortar sight. Ensures the ammunition is properly prepared for firing and reports any ammunition discrepancies to the FDC. Briefs his squad on the platoon leader’s orders. Informs his squad of any changes. Conducts emergency fire missions without an FDC, when required. Plots fires and determines firing data when operating separately from the section. Supervises the preparation and manning of squad fighting positions. Implements the squad sleep and security plans.
Ensures communication is maintained with the FDC. Ensures the squad uses proper radiotelephone operating procedures.
Supervises the maintenance of personal weapons and squad equipment. Supervises weapons test firing and mortar boresighting.
Ensures the ammunition and equipment are properly stored. Informs FDC of any changes in ammunition status. Is responsible for the training, welfare, and safety of squad members. Trains squad members in individual and crew-related skills and cross trains to maintain technical proficiency at all times. Submits NBC reports. Supervises squad NBC protective and decontamination measures.
Ensures communication is maintained with the FDC. Ensures the squad uses proper radiotelephone operating procedures.
Supervises the maintenance of personal weapons and squad equipment. Supervises weapons test firing and mortar boresighting.
Ensures the ammunition and equipment are properly stored. Informs FDC of any changes in ammunition status. Is responsible for the training, welfare, and safety of squad members. Trains squad members in individual and crew-related skills and cross trains to maintain technical proficiency at all times. Submits NBC reports. Supervises squad NBC protective and decontamination measures.
11C3O - Skill Level Three
Fire Direction Chief: The fire direction chief (chief computer/ section sergeant), as the senior enlisted member of the FDC, plans, coordinates, and supervises the activities of the FDC and is responsible for the training of all FDC members. The fire direction chief must operate all FDC equipment as well as supervise their operation. The fire direction chief/section sergeant also performs, but is not limited to, the following duties:
(1) Makes the decision to fire. When a target is reported, examines its location relative to friendly troops, boundary lines, no-fire lines, and fire coordination lines. Using that information, along with the nature of the target, the ammunition available, and the policy of the commander, decides whether to fire. If the decision is to engage the target, uses that same information in deciding how to do so.
(2) Issues the FDC order. Once the decision has been made to engage a target, issues the FDC order to inform the other members of the FDC how the mission will be conducted.
(3) Verifies corrections and commands. Verifies firing corrections obtained from a registration or a MET message before they are applied. Ensures that all firing data and fire commands sent to the mortar section are cross-checked to eliminate errors. Resolves discrepancies.
(4) Determines the altitude of a target from the map and announces it immediately after the FDC order so that the computers may compute and apply any altitude correction.
(5) Maintains records for all fire missions and all corrections to be applied.
(6) Evaluates and relays target surveillance data and intelligence reports from observers.
(7) Coordinates with the FIST chief regarding sectors of responsibility and up-to-date tactical information. If the FDC gets a CFF for a target it cannot engage immediately or effectively, it must inform the FIST chief so the mission can be assigned to another firing element.
Section Sergeant: The section sergeant is responsible for the same duties for the 81-mm mortar FDC as the chief computer for the 120-mm mortar platoon. The section sergeant also has the following duties:
(1) Makes the decision to fire. When a target is reported, examines its location relative to friendly troops, boundary lines, no-fire lines, and fire coordination lines. Using that information, along with the nature of the target, the ammunition available, and the policy of the commander, decides whether to fire. If the decision is to engage the target, uses that same information in deciding how to do so.
(2) Issues the FDC order. Once the decision has been made to engage a target, issues the FDC order to inform the other members of the FDC how the mission will be conducted.
(3) Verifies corrections and commands. Verifies firing corrections obtained from a registration or a MET message before they are applied. Ensures that all firing data and fire commands sent to the mortar section are cross-checked to eliminate errors. Resolves discrepancies.
(4) Determines the altitude of a target from the map and announces it immediately after the FDC order so that the computers may compute and apply any altitude correction.
(5) Maintains records for all fire missions and all corrections to be applied.
(6) Evaluates and relays target surveillance data and intelligence reports from observers.
(7) Coordinates with the FIST chief regarding sectors of responsibility and up-to-date tactical information. If the FDC gets a CFF for a target it cannot engage immediately or effectively, it must inform the FIST chief so the mission can be assigned to another firing element.
Section Sergeant: The section sergeant is responsible for the same duties for the 81-mm mortar FDC as the chief computer for the 120-mm mortar platoon. The section sergeant also has the following duties:
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Supervises tactical deployment of the mortar squads.
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Selects sites for tactical employment of mortar squads.
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Supervises the laying of the mortar section.
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Supervises the section during fire missions.
11C4O - Skill Level Four
The Mortar Platoon Sergeant: The principal assistant to the platoon leader and assists him in all matters pertaining to training and operation of the platoon. He assumes responsibilities of the platoon leader during his absence. In addition, he performs the following:
(1) Inspects and supervises to ensure the platoon leader’s orders are executed.
(2) Leads the reconnaissance party and conducts reconnaissance of routes and positions, when required.
(3) Supervises movements, as required. When the platoon is operating in two sections, he normally directly supervises one.
(4) Supervises the preparation of the platoon ground defense.
(5) Supervises camouflage, field hygiene, and sanitation.
(6) Supervises the platoon’s security and sleep plans.
(7) Lays the mortars for firing, when required.
(8) Ensures that situation maps are maintained in the FDC.
(9) Ensures available meteorological data is applied to firing data, when appropriate.
(10) Supervises the test firing and zeroing of weapons and boresighting of mortars.
(11) Ensures communication nets are established and personnel use proper radiotelephone operating procedures.
(12) Ensures platoon personnel are trained in their primary job assignments and cross trained to perform key functions within the FDC.
(13) Ensures the required basic load and platoon equipment are on hand.
(14) Monitors ammunition expenditures and ensures ammunition records are maintained.
(15) Submits timely ammunition resupply requests.
(16) Supervises ammunition prestockage, when used.
(17) Ensures maintenance is actively supervised by subordinate leaders.
(18) Coordinates and supervises POL resupply and maintenance support.
(19) Coordinates and supervises vehicle recovery.
(20) Requests fortification materials.
(21) Coordinates resupply needs.
(22) Adjusts personnel as needed and cross-levels personnel within mortar squads to maintain maximum firepower.
(23) Conducts hasty crater analysis and submits SHELREPs and MORTREPs.
(24) Ensures that aiming circles are declinated properly.
(25) Ensures that all necessary safety, borescope, and pullover gauge inspections are performed and recorded.
(26) Coordinates casualty evacuation.
(27) Assists in the preparation of paragraph 4 of the platoon.
(1) Inspects and supervises to ensure the platoon leader’s orders are executed.
(2) Leads the reconnaissance party and conducts reconnaissance of routes and positions, when required.
(3) Supervises movements, as required. When the platoon is operating in two sections, he normally directly supervises one.
(4) Supervises the preparation of the platoon ground defense.
(5) Supervises camouflage, field hygiene, and sanitation.
(6) Supervises the platoon’s security and sleep plans.
(7) Lays the mortars for firing, when required.
(8) Ensures that situation maps are maintained in the FDC.
(9) Ensures available meteorological data is applied to firing data, when appropriate.
(10) Supervises the test firing and zeroing of weapons and boresighting of mortars.
(11) Ensures communication nets are established and personnel use proper radiotelephone operating procedures.
(12) Ensures platoon personnel are trained in their primary job assignments and cross trained to perform key functions within the FDC.
(13) Ensures the required basic load and platoon equipment are on hand.
(14) Monitors ammunition expenditures and ensures ammunition records are maintained.
(15) Submits timely ammunition resupply requests.
(16) Supervises ammunition prestockage, when used.
(17) Ensures maintenance is actively supervised by subordinate leaders.
(18) Coordinates and supervises POL resupply and maintenance support.
(19) Coordinates and supervises vehicle recovery.
(20) Requests fortification materials.
(21) Coordinates resupply needs.
(22) Adjusts personnel as needed and cross-levels personnel within mortar squads to maintain maximum firepower.
(23) Conducts hasty crater analysis and submits SHELREPs and MORTREPs.
(24) Ensures that aiming circles are declinated properly.
(25) Ensures that all necessary safety, borescope, and pullover gauge inspections are performed and recorded.
(26) Coordinates casualty evacuation.
(27) Assists in the preparation of paragraph 4 of the platoon.
School Information
Infantry Center/School, Fort Benning, GA
school: 809 School Location: FT BENNING, GA
Course Title: INDIRECT FIRE INFANTRYMAN
Class Schedule FY: 2009 School: 809 Course: 010-11C10 (R) Phase: Course Length: 6 Weeks 3.0 Days
Course provides a logical progression of individual skills and tasks, selected to develop a disciplined, motivated soldier proficient in common entry-level infantry tasks. Course develops self-discipline, motivation, physical readiness, and proficiency in combat survivability and gunnery techniques with infantry mortar systems that will enable the soldier to become a productive member of a unit. Duty-position-unique unit training will be required to fully integrate the graduate into the unit.
Course Title: INDIRECT FIRE INFANTRYMAN
Class Schedule FY: 2009 School: 809 Course: 010-11C10 (R) Phase: Course Length: 6 Weeks 3.0 Days
Course provides a logical progression of individual skills and tasks, selected to develop a disciplined, motivated soldier proficient in common entry-level infantry tasks. Course develops self-discipline, motivation, physical readiness, and proficiency in combat survivability and gunnery techniques with infantry mortar systems that will enable the soldier to become a productive member of a unit. Duty-position-unique unit training will be required to fully integrate the graduate into the unit.
