Reducing effectiveness of enemy target acquisition systems. Disrupting enemy movement, operations, and command and control. Deceiving the enemy as to the intent of friendly forces. Technical information regarding ammunition and the employment of smoke is contained in applicable mortar field manuals and technical manuals. Immediate smoke missions are conducted with minimum planning, normally to counter some enemy action or anticipated enemy action of immediate concern to a commander.
Immediate smoke is used to cover a small area and is of short duration.
Preplanned smoke is planned in greater detail. It is often employed over a large area for a relatively long period. Mortars are mainly used to fire immediate smoke but can also participate in preplanned smoke missions. Preplanned smoke missions often require extensive logistical support due to large expenditures of smoke ammunition. Basic Applications on the Battlefield.