Previous: C-35: Effects of Cover on High-Explosive Rounds
C-40. Suppression from mortar is not as easy to measure as the target effect. It is the psychological effect produced in the mind of the enemy preventing him from returning fire or carrying on his duties. Inexperienced or surprised Soldiers are more easily suppressed than experienced, warned Soldiers. Soldiers in the open are much more easily suppressed than those with overhead cover. Suppression is most effective when mortar fires first fall; as they continue, their suppressive effects lessen. HE rounds are the most suppressive, but bursting WP mixed with HE has a great psychological effect on the enemy:
- If a 60-mm mortar round lands within 20 meters of a target, the target probably will be suppressed, if not hit.
- If a 60-mm mortar round lands within 35 meters of a target, there is a 50 percent chance it will be suppressed. Beyond 50 meters, little suppression takes place.
- If an 81-mm mortar round lands within 30 meters of a target, the target probably will be suppressed, if not hit.
- If an 81-mm mortar round lands within 75 meters of a target, there is a 50 percent chance the target will be suppressed. Beyond 125 meters, little suppression takes place.
- If a heavy mortar round (proximity-fuzed) lands within 65 meters of target, the target probably will be suppressed, if not hit.
- If a heavy mortar round (proximity-fuzed) lands within 125 meters of a target, there is a 50 percent chance the target will be suppressed. Beyond 200 meters, little suppression takes place. The 120-mm mortar round is better for suppression than the 107-mm, but both are excellent suppressive rounds.
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