How To: Run a Mortar (Crew + Spotter)

Why this matters

A mortar is a static, indirect-fire weapon built at a FOB. Run well, it provides fire support without exposing anyone to direct infantry combat. Run by one person with no spotter, it's mostly wasted shells.

Steps

1. Set up with a full crew if possible

Deploy with at least a gunner and a spotter. Position the crew on concealed terrain, away from the obvious FOB location if possible, and plan an exit route before you start firing — a mortar position that's found is a mortar position that's about to be destroyed.

2. Spotter identifies and calls the target

The spotter's callout should include: target type, map marker, urgency, nearby friendlies, and estimated direction and distance. Vague callouts waste shells — be specific about what tactical outcome the fire mission should achieve.

3. Gunner marks the target and confirms friendlies are clear

Before firing, confirm no friendlies are in the blast radius.

4. Read the grid and fire a ranging round

Use the map grid to establish range and azimuth (horizontal direction), then fire one ranging round — a deliberate test shot, not a real fire mission — and wait for the spotter's correction report.

5. Adjust and correct

Based on the spotter's report (short, long, left, right), adjust direction or distance. Repeat ranging as needed until you're dialed in.

6. Fire the real volley

Once corrected, execute a controlled volley on the actual target.

7. Relocate

Move the crew after a useful fire mission, or immediately if enemy reconnaissance appears near your position. Staying put after firing several volleys is how mortar crews get hunted down.

Countering an enemy mortar

If you're on the receiving end:

Spread out so a single impact doesn't hit your whole squad
Leave repeated impact points and don't return to them
Use hard cover and terrain, not open ground
Hunt the firing position via Recon/scouting rather than only enduring the fire
Disrupt their ammunition delivery or break the spotter's line of sight with smoke or movement
Pressure the crew directly — killing the spotter or gunner ends the fire mission faster than counter-battery fire alone

Common mistakes

Running a mortar completely solo with no spotter, wasting most shells on unconfirmed hits.
Vague spotter callouts ("shoot there") instead of specific direction/distance/urgency.
Staying in the same firing position after multiple volleys.
As the target: bunching up instead of spreading out when under mortar fire.