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TTPs for the 60mm mortar section
Infantry Magazine, May-June, 2004 by Jason E. Levy
The 60mm mortar section can quickly fire large amounts of ammunition. The M224 can fire 120 rounds in four minutes, and a three-man crew can have 15 to 20 rounds in the air before the first round impacts. Only a highly trained crew can achieve this impressive rate of fire. It also is dependent on the amount of ammunition carried by the company.
In order for a company mortar section to be successful it must have an easily understood SOP for mortar ammunition in the company. Have the company carry dummy mortar rounds in all training and movements.
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This enables the rifle platoons to get used to carrying mortar ammunition. It also trains the platoon sergeants to develop detailed load plans for his platoon. Hold platoon sergeants accountable for the mortar ammunition. It is amazing how often ammunition will come up missing. An easy technique for mortar round drop off is as follows. Teach the company on distinguishing the difference between number one and two gun as they are in a mortar firing position. The orientation of the mortar tubes in an assembly area always has number two gun on the left in the direction of fire. As our Soldiers would pass through the company assembly point, the members of 1st and 3rd Platoons would drop their ammunition at number one gun (odd numbered gun), and the members of 2nd Platoon and Headquarters would drop their ammunition at the number two gun. It is a simple technique that is easily understood. Practice the pick up and drop off of mortar ammunition during missions.
Our SOP was for each mortar section member to carry an empty kit bag or A bag at the bottom of his Alice pack. Each rifle platoon fire team identified one Soldier who followed this SOP. These bags came to our aid when the emergency movement of ammunition was required. These bags can also be utilized for consolidation of a casualty's equipment for movement to the rear. Each kit bag or A bag has the ability to carry approximately 13-15 rounds.
Each rifle platoon should designate a mortar ammunition resupply team similar to an aid and litter team. This designated team is responsible for rapidly resupplying the mortar section during operations. The designated team must know the location of the mortar section during all operations.
Most operations and patrols in Iraq by my section were conducted by vehicle. Ammunition must be cross-loaded among all the vehicles in the company. I kept two cases of HE and two cases of illumination rounds on my designated mortar vehicle. Remember that you cannot transport white phosphorus and HE together on the same truck.
Keep a detailed log by bumper number of how and where your mortar ammunition is cross-loaded on the other vehicles. Let's say that the mortar section is in the middle of an engagement and requires the rapid resupply of ammunition at the firing point. At night, all green metal ammunition cans look the same. You can lose valuable time trying to locate the desired ammo. An easy technique is to paint the top lid of your ammunition cases a different color. You can paint the top lid of your HE cases red, the white phosphorus lids white, and the illumination case lids blue. Instead of communicating that you need three cases of HE and two cases of WP, you can ease confusion by calling forward the delivery of three red boxes and two white boxes. This is an easy technique that can be rapidly implemented and executed.
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