Integrated Indirect Fire Operations Course
The ODD Integrated Indirect Fire Operations Course is a doctrine-based training program designed to develop and refine indirect fire capabilities for defense-adjacent organizations, private military contractors, security personnel, and specialized teams operating in complex environments. The course provides students with a structured understanding of mortar gunnery, fire direction control, observer procedures, mission planning, crew coordination, and indirect fire safety using methods derived from real-world military practices and adapted for modern operational requirements.
Unlike demonstration-style or purely recreational mortar instruction, this course focuses on disciplined processes, repeatable standards, and coordinated team operations. Students are introduced to the complete indirect fire workflow from target acquisition and call-for-fire procedures through fire direction computation, gun line execution, adjustment of fire, and mission completion. Emphasis is placed on communication, accountability, safety enforcement, and the ability to maintain effective operations under stress, degraded conditions, and limited timelines.
The curriculum incorporates both traditional field methods and modern digital fire control concepts. Students are exposed to manual plotting techniques, doctrinal fire control procedures, and the operational use of modernized digital systems such as the ODD-developed I3-FIRES platform. Training reinforces the importance of understanding the underlying principles of gunnery and fire direction rather than relying solely on automation. Manual verification methods, chart data validation, and procedural cross-checks are integrated throughout the course to ensure operational resilience when technology is limited or unavailable.
Areas of instruction may include:
- Mortar system capabilities and limitations
- Crew organization and responsibilities
- Observer procedures and target location methods
- Polar, shift, and grid missions
- Fire direction center operations
- Safety T development and enforcement
- Ammunition handling and accountability
- Environmental and meteorological considerations
- Direct fire and emergency employment considerations
- Mission planning and coordination
- Multi-gun operations and fire distribution
- Adjustment of fire procedures
- Introduction to Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) concepts
- Integration of digital fire control systems
- Range safety and operational risk management
The course is designed around scalable instruction and can be tailored to organizational needs, available equipment, and operational objectives. Depending on customer requirements, training may range from classroom-only academic instruction to field exercises and supervised live-fire operations utilizing inert or training ammunition where legally and operationally appropriate.
Throughout the program, students are expected to demonstrate professionalism, disciplined communication, and adherence to established safety procedures. The objective is not simply to teach mortar operations, but to develop competent indirect fire personnel capable of integrating fires into broader operational environments safely, effectively, and responsibly.
This course is intended for professional development and capability enhancement within lawful training environments. All instruction and live-fire activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, safety requirements, and range restrictions.
Contact the Ordnance Development Division for scheduling and prices.