Direct Fire to Indirect Fire: Changing Artillery for the Future
Abstract
In 1907 the artillery community initially codified indirect fire concepts learned during the period between the US Civil War and the Russo-Japanese War. These initial concepts identified the scientific elements of the indirect fire problem. Widespread distribution of the new doctrine throughout the artillery community did not occur until forces were committed into combat in France. Because the US was not a party to the war in Europe during the early years of World War I, the American people and its Army remained isolated from the war. By choosing isolationism as a national policy the President and the Congress chose not to fund preparations for the massive build-up that occurred in 1917. U.S. artillery entered the war in France lacking both the equipment and the experience necessary to provide effective indirect fire. Lessons learned from World War I were captured in artillery notes, doctrinal manuals and in the findings of post World War I boards. The findings and lessons learned from World War I continue to influence artillery doctrine today.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389830
Entities
People
- Dave Wellons
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College