The FOS is used as a
forward observer and target identification and location system for day and night operations.
Their organization did not include the personnel and equipment found in divisional direct support battalions to field sufficient liaison and
forward observer parties.
This provides
forward observers and close air support operators with diode-pumped laser technology, which Elbit says in its literature enables accurate laser designation with low lifecycle costs and reduced battery consumption.
But this was apparently not the case, because the tanks and artillery were not yet deployed at that time, and these were not fully used because of the marshy ground and the lack of a
forward observer, the senators investigating the clash noted.
Olihovik was a World War II veteran with the Service Battery 277th Field Artillery Battalion serving as a
forward observer with General Patton in the 3rd Army and General Bradley in the 8th Army.
During the war, he served as a mortarman, a
forward observer, and an infantryman.
Although this has provided excellent results in Afghanistan, it has also had the second order effect of allowing the
forward observer and his maneuver commander to become extremely reliant on CAS for fire support.
On 29 January 1945, Lieutenant Diamond, who was serving as a
forward observer, successfully directed mortar fire during the initial stages of the action, killing and wounding what appeared to be a reinforced platoon of Japanese.
His skill with radio led to a job as
forward observer, a most dangerous job, where he was wounded twice.
In action, the weapon will be able to attack a target directly or loiter for hours until a
forward observer directs the weapon to a target.
Franks first saw combat during the Vietnam War, where he earned three Purple Hearts as an artillery
forward observer and fire support officer with the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong River Delta.