War is an art, and the modern Forward Observer is an artist. They use Joint Fires and Effects to mould the battlespace into fighting conditions that are in favour of the manoeuvre arms commander’s intent. Confidence and trust is key to the successful operation of a Joint Fires Team. A key principle to the Forward Observer’s (FO’s) success is therefore the embrace of mission command.

Combat Team commanders provide a collection of observers, known as a Joint Fires Team, their guidance and intent. Soldiers are then required to make tactical decisions that can have significant impacts on the battlespace, requiring excellent appreciation skills.

‘While blurring of the levels of command is almost inevitable, the effective practice of mission command remains paramount to ensure tactical opportunities may be readily exploited.’
– LWD 1

As a solution to the unforeseen events during combat it is seen as a necessity within the trade to show initiative and resourcefulness, within given limitations, to be able to meet the supported commander’s intent. Freedom of judgement is a luxury in the observer’s tool box. The flexibility on how FOs can be employed allows the use of educated judgement.

‘Mission command is the practice of assigning a subordinate commander a mission without specifying how the mission is to be achieved. Through this process, a commander grants their subordinate the freedom and duty to accomplish the mission. Effective mission command encourages initiative with the added benefit of allowing commanders to focus on higher level concerns rather than subordinate mission execution.
The effective practise of mission command is essential to deal successfully with the chance, friction and uncertainty of conflict. Mission command allows faster, more relevant decision-making in complex, volatile environments, but also relies more heavily on individual judgement and tactical exertion. It is based on the clear expression of the senior commander’s intent and the granting of trust and freedom to subordinates to act creatively within that intent.’
– LWD 1

Observers understand using directive command to implement fire support is unrealistic. The decentralisation of Joint Fires coordination relies heavily on the commander’s trust and confidence in their observers. This calls for FOs to be subject matter experts and to be willing to make risky tactical decisions.

It is a requirement of FOs to have exceptional tactical appreciation skills. Observers exploit this advantage over adversaries to establish positions with prime command of the ground to enable maximised targeting, prosecution, and intelligence gathering on enemy forces.

Effective FOs also require an understanding of manoeuvre theory. This provides them with a unique view of operations that enables them to have the ability to influence the planning and decision-making cycles at the Platoon to the Division.

As the Australian Defence Force realigns its posture to a more conventional force, the need for competent observers will exponentially increase.

So the question is, how will Joint Fires Teams adapt to this evolutionary posture change?

Joint Fires Teams will now see themselves employed to their maximum capability across the battlespace. Teams of FOs will be required to operate at greater distances to focus on depth reconnaissance, precision targeting, long-range strike, and long-range communications. This will undoubtedly test the bond between supported commanders and Joint Fires Teams by having such dislocated assets.

The modern FO has not fallen behind in the innovation of military hardware with highly capable thermal surveillance systems, laser range finders, target designators, and the next-generation suite of the Digital Terminal Control Systems (DTCS).

All FOs are specialised combat communicators who have an in-depth knowledge of military communication systems as they may find themselves far ahead of other friendly forces, making the successful employment of this equipment essential to achieving their mission.

DTCS provides observers with a second-to-none digitally aided system that showcases large scale situational awareness tools enabling battle tracking and troop safety, but even more useful to the FO, it provides the ability to conduct Digitally Aided Fire Support and Digitally Aided Close Air Support with Australian and Coalition Joint Fires Assets. This capability shortens the kill chain by providing accurate, expedited, prioritised, and lethal effects on an adversary.

Australian Army Joint Fires Teams have showcased a capability increase and proved the need for precision lethality for the Australian Army. Mission Command will continue to be exploited and prove its worth in Joint Fires Teams.

Commanders will sleep well at night knowing the watchful eyes of the FO is looking over their soldiers. The FO will forever remain the lethal eyes of the battlefield.