text: Environmental and Terrain Considerations for Fire Support
  POSITIONING
  D-91. Often, firing positions for FA and mortars are very limited; and some positions may be inaccessible by
  roads. While mortars may be dismounted and airlifted into position, artillery will be severely limited in its
  movement and ability to position. Platoons may have to be widely separated, increasing the difficulty of
  mutual defense and resupply. Each position must have 6,400-mil firing capability, regardless of weapon
  types. Remember that a position occupied too long is subject to ground attack. Also, the enemy will quickly
  determine the range of weapons in that position and stay out of their range. If GPS are not available, consider
  using a helicopter-mounted position azimuth determining system or Doppler radar to survey air-inserted
  mortar positions inaccessible by road.
  CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
  D-92. CAS can be effective in the jungle but hard to control because of the inability of the pilot to see the
  friendly ground elements. Also, because the combat is usually of such close nature, the delivery of the
  munitions must be closely controlled to avoid injuring friendly personnel.
  D-93. Pyrotechnics should be used to mark friendly forces and the target area. A joint fires observer or JTAC,
  should monitor the air strike, but only a JTAC or FAC(A) can clear an attacking aircraft. It is extremely
  important that the method used for this marking not be duplicated by the enemy. Strict security is required.
  D-94. Heavy bombs (2,000 to 3,000 pounds) with fuze extenders can clear away the jungle canopy. Many
  cluster munitions are designed to penetrate jungle canopy. Depending on the type and quantity delivered,
  bomblets are effective against area targets consisting of personnel, light materiel, and armor.
  COMMUNICATIONS
  D-95. Communications considerations for jungle operations include:
  * Remember that communications in a triple-canopy jungle are severely degraded.
  * Elevate antennas above the canopy, when possible.
  * Use air observers or airborne command platforms as relay stations.
  * Consider using directional antennas.
  * Plan to use retransmission assets.
  SECTION V – DESERT OPERATIONS
  D-96. The three types of desert terrain are mountainous, rocky plateau, and sandy or dune-type desert. FS
  planning and considerations vary significantly between operations in each type of desert terrain. Often, those
  considerations resemble those for other environments, such as arctic and mountain. The type of terrain in the
  AO must be analyzed before effective FS planning can be performed. Tactics, techniques, and employment
  of munitions are greatly affected by the different terrain characteristics. Restricted desert terrain can offer
  significant disadvantages for movement and emplacement of indirect fire systems, depending on the
  trafficability of the surrounding valley areas.
  MUNITIONS
  D-97. Mountain deserts, munitions effectiveness is the same as in any mountainous region except that the
  considerations involving snow usually do not apply. The following are added considerations:
  * HE-point detonating is very effective because of the extra fragmentation created by splintering
  rocks.
  * FA mines are very effective and should be used to deny the enemy the use of roads, valleys, narrow
  defiles, and level terrain.
  * Smoke and illumination may be degraded by swirling winds. They must be closely coordinated
  with adjacent units to ensure that the vision of adjacent troops is not obscured, or troops are not
  highlighted. Both smoke and illuminating shells can be used to silhouette the enemy.
  * Airbursts on reverse slopes are extremely effective.