Category: Tactical

Forward Observer ( FO ) – A military observer who directs artillery and mortars onto targets. The FO stays close to either the Platoon Leader or the Weapons Squad Leader , to coordinate between the patrol and the fires .

Tools and Technology Used by Forward Observers

Forward Observers rely on a variety of tools and technologies to accurately identify and target enemy positions:

• Laser Rangefinders:
  • These devices help FOs calculate the precise distance to a target, improving the accuracy of fire support.
• Global Positioning System (GPS):
  • GPS technology helps FOs to pinpoint their own location and the target’s location with a high degree of accuracy, which is crucial for targeting artillery and airstrikes.
• Binoculars/Spotters:
  • Observing targets from a distance requires high-powered binoculars or spotter scopes to identify potential targets. In modern warfare, this often includes thermal and night vision optics for operations in low-visibility conditions.
• Radio Communication Systems:
  • FOs use secure radios to communicate with artillery units, air support teams, and command headquarters. These radios allow the FO to adjust fire based on observations and coordinate fire support in real-time.
• Drones:
  • In some cases, FOs may utilize drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gain an aerial perspective of the battlefield. Drones provide an excellent tool for observing targets over larger areas and for ensuring that fire support is accurately delivered.

It stands for Weapon Squad Leader (WSL) pronouned as weasel.

WSL is the squad leader of the gun team within weapon squad so usually weapon squad consiste of its squad leader (WSL) and his gun team. They usually provide fire support to A and B team of another infantry squad.

Weapon Squad usually consist of:

• Squad Leader (1)
• Machine Gun Team (2 soldiers): Soldier with M240 machine gun or M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) called gunner and assistant gunner call AG ( AG is the most senior in the gun team) (plus additinally soldier acted as Ammunition Bearers who helped carry the extra ammunition or help with carrying M240’s tripod)
• Anti-Tank or Anti-Materiel Weapon Team (2 soldiers)
• Grenadier (1 soldier): carry M4 with M320 Grenade Launcher Module 
• Riflemen (2-3 soldiers)

WSL is usually advised the Patrol Leader or Platoon Leader in a platoon-size element (PL). PL is usually a Second Lieutenant or Lieutenant (a lieutenan, junior commissioned officer rank)

Platoon Leader’s Typical Chain of Command:

• Platoon Leader (Officer – usually 2nd Lieutenant – O1 or 1st Lieutenant – O2)
  • Platoon Sergeant (Enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer – NCO, often a Sergeant First Class, SFC – E7)
    • Squad Leaders (Typically Sergeants or Staff Sergeants, SSG – E6)
      • Team Leaders (Typically Seargeants, SGT – E5)
        • Soldiers (Ranging from Privates to Specialists, SPC)