How should distance be rounded when estimating OT distance?

Rounding distance to the nearest 100 meters when estimating the observed target (OT) distance is standard practice in military operations, particularly in artillery and fire support coordination. This approach provides a balance between accuracy and simplicity, allowing for effective communication and mission execution while avoiding over-complication in calculations.

Using the nearest 100 meters is particularly useful for establishing a clear understanding among the fire support team and maneuver elements, helping to ensure that all parties involved have a common frame of reference. This precision is adequate for most tactical scenarios, facilitating quicker responses without sacrificing too much accuracy.

In military context, too precise a distance could lead to confusion or discrepancies in targeting, while rounding to larger increments, like 500 meters or a full kilometer, may lose meaningful detail required for effective fire support. Not rounding at all could introduce complexities that complicate communication, especially in high-pressure situations. Thus, rounding to the nearest 100 meters achieves a practical compromise in the call for fire process.