Specialties

So, you want to fill a specialty role, but you don’t know how to use the equipment. This wiki page is for you my friend.

Sniper/Spotter:

In a well-made sniper/spotter kit you will find:

• Rangefinder

• Map tools

• Rangecard

• Kestrel 4500

• ATragMX

Along with a rifle, pistol and other standard equipment.

Rangefinder: There are several kinds of rangefinders: such as any of the laser designators, the vector 21, Lerca 1200, and PDU-4. These are used to get the exact distance to a target quickly and easily.

Map tools: Used on the map to get accurate distance estimates.

Rangecard: Gives the scope adjustments according to range, wind speed, and target speed in increments of 50m, 4m/s, and 1m/s, respectively. The scope adjustments are accurate to one decimal place. Results can be interpolated for target variables not on the exact increments.

Kestral 4500: Used to measure wind speeds and atmospheric conditions at the sniper/spotter’s location.

ATragMX: This is the bible for making this shit easy. It will take the information given by the Kestral and Rangefinder to produce an exact mil adjustment to two decimal points. Can be used to estimate target speed and distance without map tools or a rangefinder by using MIL, TMOA, or IOA measurements through a scope. Can even adjust for the Coriolis effect on extreme distance shots. Basically if you have this you should never miss a shot.

How to use:

We will start with the basics.

Using a scoped weapon in ARMA usually allows for ranging in increments of 100m. ACE caused the scopes to use MIL adjustments instead on most NATO scopes. The adjustments can be made using your range keys (default Page up and Down) and some key modifiers (shift for whole number adjustments and CTRL for left/right adjustments.)

Using the rangefinder or map tools, get the range to your target. Then open your range card and determine the adjustment to be made, interpolate the data if needed. Positive numbers mean a negative adjustment and visa versa.

Now show your wind estimator (default key is Shift+K), this will tell you which direction the wind is coming from and how fast.

Adjust your aim approximating for the wind.

Fire.

If it hits, good job. If not notice where it lands and adjust. Then fire again. Its best to open your RHS settings and enable manual bolting.

Now for the more advanced option:

The Vector 21 is the best option for ranging targets as it automatically updates the ATragMX.

Open your ATragMX. In the Bottom left corner will be a gunlist. Select the right caliber and ammo and open the gun.

Open your range card. Take note of the Zero at the top right corner and the bore sight adjustment at the bottom. Enter these two values into the ATragMX under the gun tab.

Range your target. If using the Vector 21, check to see if the ATragMX updated properly. If not, manually input the range to target under the Target tab.

Open the Kestrel 4500. The up and down arrows on the Kestrel can be used to switch screens. You will need wind speed, humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure. These numbers are entered into the ATragMX under Atmosphere and target tabs. Use the wind indicator to get the wind direction as a clock direction and enter the direction.

After clicking done, if everything was done right you will see a elevation, wind and lead adjustment. Elevation is up or down, lead and wind will show left or right with a R or L after the number.

Adjust your scope according to the ATragMX. If the number are not exact adjust slightly for rounding.

Fire.

If you hit the target good job. If you missed adjust and fire again or double check your measurements and ensure that the elevation makes sense by referencing your range card.

Mortar:

A mortar team can consist of a Commander/spotter, Gunner, and a Loader.

The Commander relays radio information and targeting information to the gunner and loader. Such as where the shells need to land, how many, and of which type.

The Gunner does what you’d think, he aims the mortar and pulls the trigger.

The loader selects the right shell and keeps the mortar loaded in accordance with what the Commander wants.

The Commander and Gunner loadouts will have:

• 82mm Range Tables

• Map tools

Range Table: Shows distances adjustments and time of flight to target

Map Tools: Gives accurate distance estimates on a map. Each number is 1000m on the edge of the tool.

How to use:

Command will mark a target and instruct the commander over radio which round (he, smoke, illumination) to use

The commander and gunner use the map tools to range the target. While the Loader loads the proper round.

Open the range tables and determine the elevation and charge to use.

The gunner adjusts the mortar to the correct direction, ELEV (range keys: default Page UP and Page down, hold SHIFT to change the range slowly), and Charge (fire mode key: default 1), relays to the commander and fires if instructed.

The commander relays the flight time to Command and calls “splash” when the mortar should hit.

Forward observer or commander will call for adjustment to ELEV or direction.

Gunner adjusts, and Loader loads another round.

Gunner then fires again if instructed.