Gathering Data
When using assets other than our own there are some considerations to take in account. You should get this data before you hit ground.
1. Method of Fixation. What kind of map system are they using (Just look at any GPS and it will have in the set up menu the type of grid system, ie LONG/LAT, MGRS, UTM, etc)
2. Common mapping. There are issues with maps. Are they Metric /Imperial /Other? Are you using the same map?
3. Method of Orientation. True North? Grid North? Ad hoc Magnetic North?
4. Method of reporting direction. Are they using degrees & minutes (360), Mils (6400), DC (6000, like a wristwatch if you have never used it, you find this on former Warsaw pact gear).
5. Method of measurement (for distances). Metric or Imperial.
Ask this question for each type if fire support resource. Guns might use Grid North with Mils and aircraft might use Magnetic North with Degrees within the same nation.
Also ask if fire missions are offered or given. With commonwealth guns, the FEO has the ability designate what he needs and the volume of fire required to complete his aim. With US FO s, they offer fire missions to the FSCC and the FSCC will delegate the mission to which c/s is available and impose whatever restrictions are required depending on the current situation in the battle.
If you get the chance to do a coordinating meeting, ask for a copy of the orders format for their radio procedure. The principles for calling in a mission are the same. Using their procedure reduces any confusion on their part as they expect (through training and practice) to hear orders to come down in a certain format. This is no different than receiving hasty attack orders out of sequence and the confusion it can lead to. It is easier for you to convert data to get the desired results than have someone try to interrupt you intent.
Radio Gear
Many nations operate on different wavelengths than ourselves (ha). Heck different elements operate off of different equipment. This can be a nightmare trying to find compatibility in means of transmission. There can be a lot of relaying through other commands to pass on a simple Fire Mission. To make matters more interesting they can throw in crypto (which is nation specific). I remember when working with the Dutch and the Brits we simply communicated in clear to coordinate our efforts.
Language
Even when there is a common operating language, you may run into problems. One story relayed to me dealt with a country's guns whose first language was not English. Their communicator was using English to receive orders but the intent did not come across. The order was given to verify that they have â Å“Check Firingâ ? (for the laymen this means the guns will not fire but all other actions such as calculating data, laying on the target, preparing ammunition, etc still continues). I can only imagine the actual conversation between the signaler and his superior but the reply came back, â Å“we have Checked and Yes we are Firing.â ?
In answering the question: I If a Canadian FOO was attached to a deployed Canadian Recce Sqn that lacked Canadian guns/mortars could he bring in fire support from Coalition resources? The answer is yes. In most cases the homework involved in gathering data about the differences between the Canadian and US system has already been done. Your FEO will have (I am assuming here at this point) familuarize himself with the US methodology. The radio procedure is very similar (they use word azimuth and we use direct but the intent is understood). As for equipment, I believe Kirkhill presents this best.