Indirect fire is used mainly because of which characteristic?

• A. Low cost, easy to employ
• B. High precision and rapid effect
• C. Requires direct line of sight
• D. Only for short-range targets

Answer: (A)

Indirect fire is valued for its ability to engage targets from a distance with a large volume of fire at a relatively low cost. It delivers rounds onto a target area without the shooter needing to see the target, using observers and fire-direction control to aim and adjust. This combination makes it easy to employ across wide areas, providing effective suppression and influence while keeping personnel and assets safer.

The other characteristics don’t fit as well: high precision and rapid effect are more associated with guided or direct-fire systems, whereas indirect fire trades some precision for volume and reach. It does not require direct line of sight, which is the opposite of what indirect fire relies on, and it is not limited to short-range targets, since indirect-fire weapons are designed for long-range engagements.