What does a marine artillery fire support man (mos 0861) do exactly? is this a danger [Archive]

artillery_officer

12-03-2010, 07:52 PM

A Marine 0861 (or scout observer/fire support man) attends MarDet Fort Sill for training after completing basic training and MCT. He (always male) will train in areas including basic communications (using primarily VHF and some UHF assets), computer systems (such as the AFATDS and the new StrikeLink) and most importantly learn to call for effective first-round accurate fires from various ground supporting arms (primarily artillery and mortars). They often attend courses in Coronado to work with naval surface fires as well; that is obviously being phased out with the Navy's new stance on providing supporting fires. However, the new JFO (joint forward observer) qualification is gaining prominence allowing the new scout observer/fire support man to gain familiarity with aviation assets.

Upon assignment to an artillery battalion (or rarely with an ANGLICO unit), the new 0861 will train to become even more proficient in calling for fires. Dependent upon tempo, he will be assigned as part of a Liaison section complement attached to an infantry battalion and conduct a work-up and deployment with them...as part of the battalion. Typically, there are two 0861s on each Forward Observer (FO) Team assigned to each rifle company under the supervision of a Marine Forward Observer (lieutenant) and a few radio operators. In current models, more 0861s are being assigned in billets such as additional JFOs and Joint Tactical Air Controllers (JTACs). Once with the infantry, 0861s are expected to perform as infantrymen, but with the added specialty of mastering calling for fires and talking to air. A well-trained 0861 can be a tremendous force-multiplier; there is a reason that a quite disproportionate number of 0861s have received very high recognition for heroism in times of significant danger.

I hope this helped.