TF heavy mortars in a 360-degree Battlefield: lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom

Infantry Magazine,  Jan-Feb, 2004  by Matthew C. Paul

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The following are some recommendations for the training and use of heavy mortars from a former mortar platoon leader based on his experiences during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

FLEXIBILITY--Many variables exist in combat. Soldiers get hurt or killed, leaders change jobs, and the enemy does not always do what we want him to do. Every member of the mortar platoon must learn all duty positions within the platoon. Gunners need to know how to perform as a squad leader. Squad leader's need to know how to execute fire direction center (FDC) procedures.

During combat, a Soldier can and will find himself performing a duty he is not normally accustomed to. Emphasize cross-training at home station and ensure all Soldiers are at least capable of performing two levels up and are proficient down to one level.

All squads must be prepared and equipped to accomplish the platoon's mission independently from the platoon headquarters element, should the opportunity arise. In Operation Iraqi Freedom, it was not uncommon to get separated during long movements due to vehicle, road, and/or weather conditions.

Every Soldier and leader must know the ins and outs of the mission. Thorough back-briefs are a valuable tool to reinforce understanding of the mission. During the planning phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I provided each squad and TC (tank commander) with a tabbed binder containing the task force and platoon operations orders, concept sketches, graphics, checkpoints, imagery, target lists, and mortar execution matrices. Each squad was afforded tim,. to study the materials within the binder. Once they had the information memorized, the entire squad back-briefed the platoon leader and platoon sergeant on the maneuver, fire support, and combat service support plans off of a map and terrain model.

POSITIONING--The task force (TF) S-3, fire support officer (FSO), and mortar platoon leader plan mortar positioning. The platoon should receive two to three position areas within a given TF mission. Any more than three is unrealistic and causes the platoon to lose its focus. The position areas should be large enough to provide the platoon with the flexibility to displace and maneuver if necessary. Triggers to displace also need to be planned. They should be event driven, based on a friendly or enemy action. Position the mortars behind the lead company during movement in order to maintain adequate range coverage to the TF. Keep in mind, a forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) does not fundamentally exist in a 360-degree battlefield where the threat is everywhere. Ideally, stay close enough to the action as possible, but far enough away to avoid direct fire contact. Position near a line company and make valuable use of the protection they can provide with their tanks, Bradleys, and infantry. Do not position the mortars on key terrain features like road intersections, for example. Many enemy do not have the ability to shift or adjust fire. They merely preregister their artillery/mortars on key terrain and trigger their fire at a predetermined event. Some mortar platoons that fought in Iraq learned this lesson the hard way. Conduct a good reconnaissance of tentative mortar firing positions utilizing satellite and/or aerial imagery and designate both primary and alternate locations for both firing positions. This is important when fighting in built-up areas because a standard topographic map does not depict where individual buildings/structures are located.

PROTECTION--The mortar platoon is an independent maneuver element and is also a soft target. As a result, the mortar platoon is extremely vulnerable to enemy direct fire. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the enemy would patiently wait for the Bradleys and tanks within a task force column to pass by, then initiate an ambush against lightly armored and soft skinned vehicles with RPG and sniper fire. Possible solutions include smart positioning and proactive observation for the enemy while moving and while static. While moving, mortars should be located between line companies in order to afford the protection they provide with their organic firepower assets. This is an important consideration while planning displacement triggers. Make every attempt to move behind or near a line company while displacing. While static, attempt to position the guns within supporting direct fire range of a friendly line company. Regardless of the location of friendly elements, the mortar platoon should always provide their own 360-degree local security and should never drop below 50-percent security during an ongoing operation. Aggressive scanning and local patrolling in and around your firing position are prudent measures to avoid enemy direct fire contact. Squad leaders should be issued a set of binoculars and should periodically scan potential enemy positions while moving, during short and long halts, and while occupied within a firing position. When occupied within a firing position, it is recommended that the mortar platoon employ a two to three-man listening post/ observation post (LP/OP). Their position should afford them cover and concealment, observation, and clear fields of fire. They should be equipped with binoculars, night vision goggles (NVGs) with thermal sights, machine gun, and anti-armor weapon systems. All of this equipment should be trained on likely enemy avenues of approach. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Iraqi's hid their armor under overpasses and between buildings, making observation by air and ground difficult. While my task force was securing the eastern half of Baghdad International Airport, their armor launched an assault from these clever hiding positions once they perceived the air threat had lifted. As a countermeasure, make every attempt to procure a Javelin system in order to adequately defend against enemy main battle tanks.