What is the Observation and Adjustment (O&A) process?

• A. The observer designs the airspace plan.
• B. The observer identifies impacts, instructs corrections, and the fire unit adjusts based on feedback until the target is achieved.
• C. The observer maintains radio discipline.
• D. The observer selects which targets to ignore.

Answer: (B)

The Observation and Adjustment process is the iterative loop where the observer watches the effects of fires, decides whether the target has been achieved, and then directs the firing unit to make precise corrections until the desired effect is reached. After rounds land, the observer notes impacts and compares them to the target. If the results aren’t satisfactory, the observer tells the fire unit exactly what to change—such as altering elevation (range), deflection (azimuth), or fuse settings—and the unit adjusts and fires again. This cycle continues until the target is effectively engaged and the intended effect is achieved. It’s not about designing airspace plans, maintaining radio discipline, or choosing targets to ignore—the focus is on accurately interpreting fire effects and guiding changes to hit the target.