A military artillery observer, spotter or FO (forward observer) is responsible for directing artillery and mortar fire onto a target and may be a Forward Air Controller (FAC) for close air support and spotter for naval gunfire support.
Are forward observers Special Forces?
They are also assigned to Special Forces and Special Operations Units as terminal controllers and Fire Support Non Commissioned Officers.
Do Army 13F see combat?
Summary. Army Joint Fire Support Specialists (MOS 13F) are critical to on-the-field combat operations. The most important duty of MOS 13F forward observers is to gather intelligence and locate enemy targets.
Is 13F a combat MOS?
Duties Performed by MOS 13F Soldiers in this job are critical to on-the-field combat operations. In combat situations, MOS 13F soldiers will prepare observer target lists and assist in formulating offensive and defensive fire support plans. They’ll also request and adjust field artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire.
Are forward observers officers?
U.S. Army. Forward Observers in the U.S. Army hold the Military Occupational Specialty of 13F for enlisted and 13A for officers designating them as members of the Field Artillery corps. Officers are referred to as Fire Support Officers (FSO) while enlisted troops hold the title of Forward Observers.
What was the life expectancy of a forward observer in Vietnam?
Then I learned that second lieutenants in the artillery routinely served as forward observers with a life expectancy of about 20 minutes.
Is 13F considered infantry?
These 13F’s are assigned to the Artillery but they are not with the Artillery, they are with the Infantry which makes them pretty much on their own.
How long is training for 13F?
Job training for a fire support specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Why are 13F called FISTers?
FORT BENNING, Ga. — Fire support specialists, also known as 13Fs, or FISTers as they often refer to themselves, provide a critical capability on the battlefield with their ability to synchronize and integrate fires.
What is the Fister creed?
Those I consider friends call me “Fister”. Those who fear me call me a high payoff target. As I hunt my enemy, my enemy hunts me, as my enemy attempts to kill me, I wipe him off the face of the Earth.
How old was the average soldier in Vietnam?
Fact: Assuming KIAs accurately represented age groups serving in Vietnam, the average age of an infantryman (MOS 11B) serving in Vietnam to be 19 years old is a myth, it is actually 22. None of the enlisted grades have an average age of less than 20. The average man who fought in World War II was 26 years of age.
What does a forward observer in the Army do?
In the United States Army, forward observers are called fire support specialists. They perform intelligence duties for a field artillery team as well as operate range finders and target devices.
What does forward observer mean?
A military artillery observer or spotter or FO (forward observer) is responsible for directing artillery and mortar fire onto a target, and may be a Forward Air Controller (FAC) for close air support and spotter for naval gunfire support.
What is the abbreviation for forward observer?
How is Forward Observer abbreviated? FO stands for Forward Observer. FO is defined as Forward Observer very frequently.
