What is a key consideration when selecting artillery targets?

Selecting artillery targets requires a thorough assessment of various factors to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the operation. A key consideration is the proximity to friendly forces. Ensuring that target locations are sufficiently distanced from allied troops is crucial to avoid friendly fire incidents, which can lead to unintended casualties and undermine the mission’s success.

When selecting targets close to friendly forces, commanders must assess the potential risk to their personnel, equipment, and overall mission integrity. This assessment involves considering the range of the artillery being used, the potential for dispersion, and the likelihood of changes in friendly troop positions during the strike.

While visibility, environmental impact, and logistical support are relevant in target selection, they do not carry the same immediate weight in terms of ensuring the safety of troops as the proximity to friendly forces does. Prioritizing the safety of allied personnel while remaining effective in achieving operational goals makes this consideration critical in target selection processes.