Neutralization fires are delivered against targets located by accurate map inspection, by indirect fire adjustment, or by a target acquisition device. The assets required to neutralize a target vary according to the type and size of the target and the weapon-ammunition combination used. Thirty percent casualties or materiel damage inflicted during a short time span normally renders a unit ineffective. Direct hits are required to destroy hard materiel targets. Targets must be located by accurate map inspection, by indirect fire adjustment, or by a target acquisition device.
Destruction usually requires large expenditures of ammunition from many units.
Destruction of armored or dug-in targets with artillery weapons is not economical. Once an observer has decided to attack a target, he must select a weapon-ammunition combination that can achieve the desired effect with a minimumn expenditure of available ammunition stocks. To do this, the observer must know the characteristics, capabilities, and vulnerabilities of all fire support assets. The nature of the target and its surroundings and the desired effects dictate the type and amount of ammunition to be used. For a detailed discussion of ammunition and fuzes, refer to Table E-3 .