Which factor can drastically alter the effectiveness of mortar fire on target?

Weather conditions and visibility can significantly impact the effectiveness of mortar fire on target for several reasons. Mortars rely heavily on accurate calculations of range and direction to deliver rounds on target effectively. Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or strong winds can alter projectile trajectories and reduce visibility for the crew responsible for targeting.

For instance, rain can affect the weight of the mortar rounds, and strong winds can push rounds off course, leading to inaccuracies. Additionally, poor visibility can hinder the crew's ability to assess the target area accurately, complicating range estimation and adjustments. These factors are crucial to ensure that rounds land precisely where intended, demonstrating how vital environmental conditions are to the overall success of mortar fire missions.

Distance from the target, the type of mortar used, and standard operating procedures are certainly important considerations, but they do not have the same immediate and dramatic effect on effectiveness as fluctuating weather and visibility conditions. The ability to see, understand, and respond to these environmental changes is paramount for a successful mortar operation.