Out of This World

Video by Shantika Ogletree

Sights and Sounds from the Best Mortar Competition

Fort Benning Public Affairs Office

April 11, 2019 | 1:18

The 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment hosted the second annual Best Mortar Competition which kicked-off the Maneuver Center of Excellence Infantry Week.

Twenty-one four-man teams from US Army active duty, National Guard, Reserve components and International military, gathered to compete for the title of best mortar. Participating teams completed a gauntlet of rigorous physical and mental events that tested the range of mortar skills both technically and tactically that include, but are not limited to, Mortar Technical Gunnery Skills, Fire Direction Center Tasks, Call-For-Fire Task, regular Infantryman skills (M17 Pistol Qualification, M4 Rifle Qualification), and abilities to move as a team successfully negotiating physical events.

Mortars provide indirect fire, are organic to the maneuver commander, and aid in the success of the unit’s mission. Their ability to provide high-angle fires is invaluable when fighting enemy troops. There are currently three major calibers of mortars used by the Army: the 60 mm, 81 mm, and the 120 mm. This competition fielded new tactics, techniques, and procedures and is meant to build esprit de corps among the mortar community according to its organizers.