Rick_the_new_guy

agreed.

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Iamthefallen

In my (limited) experience with the artillery, I'd advocate having at least two Forward Observers for an arty squad. One of which should be SL.

While only one person can spot at a time, it really sucks when your FO moves across the map, only to run into a random bullet before getting the spot. Having a secondary target and go-to guy for the artillery is simply good use of resources.

With multiple FOs, the SL should also prioritize targets and keep a close look on the entire battlefield. Without explicit commander instructions, he needs to call who will spot and where.

I played a map last week with three spotters where the gunner directed spotters to the points he thought would be the next hot area while he was firing on an active marker. The spotters would call out the targets (if any) they could see at their location before spotting so that he could decide who should actually make the next arty-spot. This meant he had nearly no down time and there were no conflicting spots.

While the SL is the only one who can place an attack marker, the other FO's can simply spot the enemy through the compass and the SL can then place an attack marker on the spotted enemy.
This way the FO and SL can designate and mark the next target in advance while the gunner is engaging a current arty-marker. When the call comes to disengage the current target, he aims for the attack marker and lets the FO know he's ready for an arty-spot again. While the arty is firing, the SL designates the next target and places another attack marker. Lather, rinse, repeat.

As for communication and procedures http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_discipline is a good start.

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WhiskeySix

It's important to note that the actual spot for the arty (where the red icon is on the map) doesn't need to be where the target is. Sure it's helpful, but it's not necessary. So you can put one down just about anywhere while you're out of range and the gunner can still zero-in on the attack-point.

If you're a FO, it's more important to keep the arty symbol on the map so the gunner can at least get close - don't worry about being too accurate w/ the binocs! (They're bugged pretty hard anyway and rarely put the mark where you intend)

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Dali

Exactly....This is the one thing that most people don't realize. Once you learn the ranges with the arty. All you really need is a random spot to be able to track your shells (yes, the camera follows the shell, no matter where the spot is) so you can fine tune your shot.

So if you have binocs and notice the arty calling for a spot a few times without a response, give the guy a random spot anywhere. Most likely you'll be rewarded with a few arty assists. Sure a accurate spot would be nice...but after half a round of shooting randomly at cp's...a random spot is greatly appreciated.