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Originally Posted by OkComputer398
I was just wondering if anybody had any info on the job of an FO (forward observer). I plan on being enlisted in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard and I was wondering if I would be able to do that job, and what exactly the job entails. Please help me out.
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This is obviously after the fact, but I'll put it out there for anyone else who wants to know. The Forward Observer, 13F, is more commonly referred to now as a FISTER. Our job kind of splits into two areas. The most common is to be linked with a Cav, Armor, or Infantry maneuver unit and be the link to any artillery assets that they may require. This includes calling for fire and directing the incoming fire to get it on target. You may be assigned to a COLT or KNIGHT team (which use specially outfitted Humvees), or in heavier units, a BFIST, an M1068 or M577 (command post vehicles). The command post vehicles are where the second area of a FISTER's job lies.
If you are assigned to the command post, you can expect to use a lot of computers and satellite imagery. At the Battalion level, you will receive calls for fire from field units, reference the maps or imagery for collateral damage risks, and send the request up to brigade. You may also be monitoring radar feeds for incoming fire so you can conduct counterfire missions. You could also be helping work up pre-planned targets to blow up. (These are fun when you can get them approved.)
These are usually used to deney the enemy use of an area or structure that they shoot at you from on a regular basis. As a FISTER or FO, you will be required to do anything that the unit you are attached to does in addition to your artillery job. If they are going on patrols and kicking in doors, so are you.
You tend to be a little bit seperated from everyone in a lot of units. I don't mean physically seperate, neccessarily, but you get the feeling that you aren't really part of the maneuver unit you are attached to. At the same time you don't fit in with the artillery guys anymore either because you are never with them. FISTERs tend to be a tight group for this reason. All in all, it's not a bad job.