Forward observers in the U.S. military

• 1. Evolution Of The Role

  ›

  In 1942, the U.S. Army designated a specific officer position with the code number 1189 to serve as a forward observer during World War II. This role required personnel to direct artillery fire from a forward position while observing shell bursts and adjusting fire by computation methods. War Department Technical Manual TM 12-406 defined these duties as consulting with commanders of supported units to determine appropriate targets and zones of defense. Officers in this classification organized observation posts and maintained communication systems for extended periods behind enemy lines. By the early 1950s, the military began standardizing training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where enlisted soldiers attended an eleven-week course on call-for-fire techniques. The designation shifted over decades to reflect changing tactical needs, eventually becoming Military Occupational Specialty 13F for enlisted members and 13A for officers in the field artillery corps. Modern observers now operate within headquarters companies inside larger infantry or armor battalions rather than isolated positions. They must move, communicate, and interact with high proficiency alongside their parent units while maintaining independent operational capabilities. Some missions last for days or weeks without support due to the clandestine nature of their work on or behind enemy lines.

  12

• 2. Training And Certification

  ›

  Fort Sill, Oklahoma serves as the primary training ground for Army forward observers who complete an eleven-week course covering fundamentals of call-for-fire techniques. Enlisted soldiers attend this Advanced Individual Training before potentially joining airborne units like the 82nd Airborne Division or the 75th Ranger Regiment. Those assigned to airborne units then attend the United States Army Airborne School after completing initial training at Fort Sill. Ranger School remains open to both enlisted personnel and officers serving as forward observers throughout their careers. A secret security clearance is mandatory for all members because they must be aware of mission details from other U.S. and allied units operating in the same area. Marine Corps observers follow nearly identical requirements by attending training at Fort Sill and obtaining a secret security clearance. The Joint Fires Observer course provides standardized training to engage targets through detailed integration with Tactical Air Control Parties. This two-week program was first established at Nellis Air Force Base in 2004 before moving to Fort Sill in 2006. Marines now maintain their own JFO course location at Quantico, Virginia alongside the Army programs. Students graduate able to request, control, and adjust mortar, field artillery, and naval gunfire support while providing targeting information for close air support aircraft.

  125

• 3. Tactical Methodologies

  ›

  The grid mission represents the most common method used by U.S. Army forward observers to direct artillery fire based on map coordinates. Observers use standard maps to identify target locations using precise grid coordinate systems during active engagements. Shift from known point serves as the second primary technique where artillery adjusts based on direction and distance from fixed geographic points. This method relies on pre-established man-made or natural landmarks to calculate firing solutions for incoming shells. Polar missions remain the least common approach due to frequent confusion between observer locations and actual targets. In this scenario the observer gives current grid location while providing distance and direction to the intended target area. Fire Direction Centers often mistake the observer's position for the target when polar methods are employed during high-pressure situations. Combat Observation Lasing Teams specialize in directing long-range fire such as rocket-assisted artillery or GPS guided munitions like the 155 mm Excalibur series weaponry. These teams possess secondary spotting-reconnaissance capabilities allowing them to operate with unconventional forces including sniper and scout teams. The RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aircraft has been utilized since 2003 in Iraq and Afghanistan for artillery correction and reconnaissance purposes. Soldiers flying these drones hold the 15W MOS designation while performing close air support and reconnaissance missions.

  36

• 4. Inter-Service Collaboration

  ›

  Naval gunfire liaison officers provide observation and correction of naval gunfire in support of Army and Marine Corps ground units during amphibious operations. As early as 1921, the United States Marine Corps identified naval gunfire as one of six key elements required for successful amphibious landings. High velocity naval artillery trajectories differed significantly from field artillery howitzers typically used for standard gunfire support missions. Infantry officers faced surprise regarding flat trajectory naval guns inability to hit targets behind low hills during coastal assaults. Shipboard observation devices designed to observe shell splashes at sea could not determine whether shells struck intended shore targets effectively. Fleet Training Publication 167 became the tentative manual adopted in 1938 after earlier attempts failed to address coordination challenges. The Army issued a field manual with virtually identical text in 1941 to standardize procedures across branches. Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer courses now consist of five-week resident programs taught in Coronado, California for specialized training. NGLOs assigned to ANGLICO units may receive further training as JTACs at discretion of assigned unit commanders. These officers attach to operations sections of ground combat elements when deploying as part of marine expeditionary units. They remain responsible for shore fire control parties consisting of RT operators and forward observers during active deployments.

  45

• 5. Notable Medal Recipients

  ›

  George P. Hays received the Medal of Honor while serving as a forward observer during World War II operations. John R. Fox earned posthumous recognition for his actions as an artillery observer in the Pacific theater. Forrest E. Peden also received the Medal of Honor posthumously for bravery displayed while directing fire from forward positions. James E. Robinson Jr. achieved similar distinction as a forward observer who sacrificed his life during combat missions. Ronald E. Rosser stands among recipients who demonstrated exceptional courage while operating behind enemy lines. Lee R. Hartell received posthumous honors for his service as an artillery observer during intense fighting periods. Harold Bascom Durham Jr. earned the Medal of Honor posthumously after displaying extraordinary valor under fire. Paul H. Foster received posthumous recognition for his actions as a forward observer during critical engagements. Brian Miles Thacker and Jared C. Monti both earned the Medal of Honor while serving in forward observer roles. Ryan M. Pitts received the Medal of Honor for his service as an artillery observer in modern conflicts. These individuals represent the highest level of bravery within the forward observer community across multiple decades of warfare.

• 6. Cultural Impact And Legacy

  ›

  Maynard James Keenan served as a forward observer before becoming lead singer of American rock band Tool. Craig Morgan transitioned from military service to become a country music singer after completing his duties as an observer. Luke Thomas works as an MMA journalist following his time serving in forward observer capacities. Lombardo Boyar found success as a film and television actor after leaving the military as a forward observer. Mel Brooks worked as an actor, comedian, composer, and filmmaker after his service period ended. John A. Chapman served as a United States Air Force Combat Controller who received the Medal of Honor posthumously. The Forward observers in Vietnam notes section documents specific historical accounts from that conflict era. Podcasts like Former Action Guys Podcast continue to share stories from former forward observers today. Band of Brothers references depict fictionalized versions of forward observer experiences during World War II operations. These cultural representations influence public perception of forward observers while preserving their legacy through entertainment media formats.