What does "correction fire" refer to in mortar operations?

"Correction fire" in mortar operations specifically refers to the adjustments made based on the observations from initial rounds fired. When a mortar is deployed, the first rounds may not hit the target directly due to various factors such as range, wind, elevation, and deflection. After observing where these rounds land, the crew will then make precise adjustments to the mortar settings to improve accuracy for subsequent rounds. This process is crucial to ensure effective fire support and to maximize the impact on the intended target.

Understanding this concept is vital because it highlights the iterative nature of mortar fire, where acquiring accurate targeting information and making necessary adjustments play a crucial role in successful operations.