Re: [DS] Detatched HQ elements

> 1. FIST, Fire Support Team, typically a Forward observer team
> attached from Division or Battalion levels that either coordinates
> fire support or acts as a forward observer. Typically it is comprised
> of an APC/MICV's worth of personnel. Some of those personnel are
> attached to the Company HQ unit, with the vehicle being allocated to
> act as an additional command post for the artillery coordination or
> to act as a FO team in support of fire units (combat platoons). The
> arrangement is dependant upon tactical needs and dispositions of
> vehicles and space available (sometimes the CO and a second of the
> FIST will ride with the CO of the unit, in armoured units this is
> difficult as the Coy CO rides in a tank and can't take additional
> personnel without compromising the tank's ability to fight, in that
> case the 2 additional people ride with the XO or stay in their own
> track.)
>
>
> Here in 1st Cav Division the FISTers always stay with their vehicle
(FISTV)
>or dismount from it forward. The reason for this is the hammerhead
Laser
>designator is used for artillery spotting at longer ranges then the
equipment
>on the M-1, although the M-1A2 will have almost the same lazing
capability.
> Where the FISTers come in is their training in all the different forms
of
Fire
>support like Air to Ground and Gun/Rocket coordinated missions for
example.