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How did a forward observer adjust artillery fire onto a target?
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artillery
Learn about the types of artillery used in the American Civil War.
A forward observer is a specialist trained to operate with front-line troops to direct and adjust artillery fire. Because modern artillery is often concealed from the target, the initial firing solution is calculated using map coordinates, azimuth, and elevation tables.12
Once the initial shells are fired, the forward observer monitors the impact relative to the target. They then provide specific corrections to the gunners, instructing them to adjust the azimuth and elevation settings on their sights. The gunners refine these settings until the shells strike the target accurately. Once the observer confirms the target is being hit, the remaining guns in the battery apply the same corrections to initiate a full bombardment.2