What is the primary purpose of mensuration in Fire Support operations?

The primary purpose of mensuration in Fire Support operations is to measure and locate targets accurately. Mensuration involves precise measurements of distances, angles, and coordinates, which are crucial for effective target acquisition and ensuring that artillery and air support accurately engages enemy positions. Accurate mensuration helps to eliminate errors in targeting, thereby increasing the effectiveness of fire support and minimizing the risk of collateral damage.

In the context of fire support, mensuration provides the necessary data to calculate firing solutions and ensure that the ordinance lands on the intended target. This precision is vital for successful operations, as it directly impacts the overall effectiveness of the engagement and the safety of friendly forces.

While improving communication, determining accuracy of artillery strikes, and enhancing troop mobility are important aspects of military operations, they are secondary to the essential goal of accurately locating and measuring targets, which is the cornerstone of effective fire support.