Indirect fire is a military term used to describe firing weapons at a target that is out of the direct line of sight. The spelling of this word is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, which represents the sound of the word through a series of symbols. In IPA, the correct pronunciation of "indirect fire" is /ɪndɪˈrɛkt faɪər/, with the stress on the second syllable. This transcription indicates the correct way to spell the word according to the sounds it contains.
Indirect fire is a military tactical term that refers to a method of launching projectiles towards a target without having a direct line of sight between the weapon and the objective. It is a technique utilized by artillery units to engage distant or obscured targets by using calculations and adjustments to aim and deliver ordnance effectively.
In indirect fire, the weapon is typically positioned at a location separate from the target area, providing a measure of protection for the artillery crew. The firing solution involves determining the target's coordinates, determining the position of the weapon, and employing mathematical calculations to calculate the trajectory and necessary adjustments for accurate fire.
To achieve accuracy, various instruments are employed, including range finders, targeting computers, maps, and compasses. These tools allow the artillery crew to establish firing angles and distances, compensating for variables such as wind speed, temperature, and elevation differences. Fire support officers or forward observers often play a crucial role in providing real-time information about the target location and adjusting the firing solution accordingly.
Indirect fire offers several advantages, such as the ability to engage targets from a concealed or protected position, increasing the survival chances of the artillery unit. It also enables engagement of targets beyond line-of-sight or behind cover and provides flexibility in the face of changing battlefield conditions.
Overall, indirect fire is a crucial aspect of modern warfare, facilitating the projection of lethal force accurately and effectively over significant distances, dissuading or neutralizing enemy threats, and providing support for ground troops across diverse scenarios.
The word "indirect" derives from the Latin word "indirectus", which is a combination of the prefix "in-" meaning "not" or "without", and the word "directus" meaning "direct". The Latin word "directus" comes from the verb "dirigere", which means "to straighten" or "to direct".
The term "fire" in this context refers to the act of firing projectiles, such as artillery shells. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "fȳr", which has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word "fiur" and the Gothic word "faihu".
When combined, "indirect fire" refers to the technique of firing projectiles at a target without directly aiming at it, often by utilizing the assistance of a forward observer or spotter who provides coordinates or directions for the firing position.