indirect fire

Definition

Shooting at enemies you can't actually see by lobbing projectiles over obstacles using math and hope, unlike direct fire where you at least get to aim at your target. Artillery, mortars, and your drunk uncle tossing horseshoes all use indirect fire.

Example Usage

The mortar team provided indirect fire support from behind the ridge line throughout the assault.

Origin

Distinguished from direct fire in early artillery doctrine, formalized as cannon ranges increased beyond visual range in the 19th century

Fun Fact

Modern GPS-guided artillery can achieve accuracy within 10 meters with indirect fire from 30+ kilometers away, turning ballistic guesswork into precision science.

Source: Artillery and fire support doctrine

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