Definition

Noun Fire for which the point of impact (the bursts) cannot be observed by the person or unit directing it. This typically refers to artillery or mortar fire aimed at a target that is not in the direct line of sight of the observer.

Usage

This is a technical military term. It describes a specific type of indirect fire mission. * The battery conducted unobserved fire on the suspected enemy position beyond the ridge. * Adjusting unobserved fire is difficult without forward observers or aerial reconnaissance.

Advanced Usage

• Unobserved fire mission: A complete task involving planning and executing unobserved fire.
  • The commander ordered an unobserved fire mission on the grid coordinates.
• Unobserved fire procedures: The standardized methods for calculating and delivering such fire.
  • Gunners are trained in unobserved fire procedures for situations with no visual contact.

Variants and Related Words

• Observed fire (n): The opposite of unobserved fire; fire for which the point of impact can be seen and adjusted by an observer.
• Indirect fire (n): A broader category that includes both observed and unobserved fire, where the weapon is not aimed directly at the target.
• Predicted fire (n): Fire delivered using map data and calculations without observation, often synonymous with unobserved fire in planning contexts.

Synonyms

• Predicted fire
• Map-fire (less common)
• Blind fire (informal)

Related Phrases

• Fire for effect (unobserved): The main bombardment phase of an unobserved fire mission.
  • After the initial spotting rounds, the unit commenced fire for effect.
• Final protective fire: A pre-planned barrier of unobserved or observed fire to stop an enemy assault.

Noun

1. fire for which the point of impact (the bursts) cannot be observed