How is indirect fire defined?

Indirect fire is defined as fire delivered without a direct line of sight to the target. This method typically involves the use of artillery, mortars, or machine guns, where the shooter cannot see the target directly but relies on calculated trajectory and elevation to hit the intended area. Indirect fire is crucial in various combat scenarios, allowing forces to engage enemies that are obscured or at a distance beyond direct observation.

In contrast to this definition, the other choices focus on scenarios that require direct line of sight or specific targeting conditions. Direct line-of-sight fire limits the shooter’s ability to engage targets that are hidden or obscured, while focusing on airborne or mobile ground targets does not encompass the broader tactical applications of indirect fire, which include attacking fortified positions or providing support to ground troops without being directly exposed to enemy fire. Thus, understanding indirect fire is fundamental to grasping broader tactical employment techniques in combat situations.