FO's

[gts2096]

New guy here...it feels almost like cheating when i have my FO in the rear callin in arty strikes against

targets he has no LOS too....i read the arty thread on how ppl play...some keep there FO back..some have him up front.

Can someone rationalize for me how the FO can have no LOS and call in the strikes so i feel better

Are the front line troops radio-ing him and he is calling the coordinates to the arty?

[planner 3]

Having the FO in a LOS position is dangerous, but has a higher % of hits. (nicer if you have more than one FO seperated for protection).

Your second theory is correct, he (simulated/assumed) gets his info from units that have radio facilities/contact.
You can also use a SPOTTER (F key), but someone else should explain just how this is done as I have not had much to do with it myself.

[Alby]

I belive not only the percentage of hits goes up, but also damge done IIRC

[JEB Davis]

+50%

[Cross]

FOOs used all sorts of methods to direct artillery. Map coordinates were often used.

I highly recommend this website which explains WWII artillery:

http://nigelef.tripod.com/maindoc.htm#Organisation and Equipment - Observers

It has Royal Artillery bent, but it will give you the answers you seek.


Cross

[KG Erwin]

Since I don't use C&C, I have no need for FOs. I simply use my Battalion HQ to call in offboard artillery. Given that US artillery has such rapid response time, it works for me.