What is indicated when a round detonates short?

When a round detonates short, it signifies that it has landed closer to the Forward Observer than the intended target. This situation typically indicates a range issue where the artillery has not traveled the correct distance to reach the target. In artillery terms, "short" means the round fell before it could reach the intended area of impact; therefore, the Forward Observer would be at greater risk because the explosion happened nearer to them.

Understanding this concept is crucial for effective communication during fire missions, as it helps the observers make quick adjustments to their calls for fire. Ranging errors must be corrected promptly to ensure that subsequent rounds are fired with the right trajectory and distance. This ensures both accuracy in hitting targets and the safety of personnel involved in the operation.