# What is this soldier with a mortar wearing on his wrist?; All soldiers know can operate the weapon? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 10, 2013, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472 "2013-09-10T03:47:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/21 "2013-09-10T12:33:01Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > He looks to me to be MARSOC. I figured special ops but now that you mention it I agree that he is MARSOC not Special Forces. [Here](http://www.marsoc.marines.mil/Photos.aspx?igphoto=2000001031) is another MARSOC Marine in similar uniform. ---
**Author:** ![StrangerThanFiction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f05b48/32.png) [@StrangerThanFiction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StrangerThanFiction)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/22 "2013-09-10T12:34:49Z")
IANAMM, but my understanding is that when you drop a mortar round into the tube, you hold the round in both hands and, starting above the muzzle, move your hands down along the outside of the tube in one continuous motion. This allows the round to drop into the tube while ensuring your hands are out of the way of its swift exit. It looks to me like the round had fired a fraction of a second before that picture was snapped, and the soldier simply hadn’t started moving for the next one yet. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/23 "2013-09-10T12:35:14Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > The soldier is wearing something on that harness on his back with an antenna folded into an upside down “U” sticking out. He could be receiving some sort of targeting information on that unit and the wrist-piece is the readout/control for it. It doesn’t look to me like that mortar has much of a baseplate. But if it’s enough, it’s enough. Thats just a normal radio. Man portable radios dont take a rucksack to carry anymore. In the background is the antenna for sattelite communications to reach further distances and overcome line-of-sight issues. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/24 "2013-09-10T12:35:33Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …did a reverse google image search: [and according to this caption](http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/special-operations-forces-at-work-photos/) the soldier is US Special Forces. So I just assume they can wear whatever they damn like. 😃 (Although that is simply a WAG) That site labels him as “A U.S. special operations forces member.” I still think you are right about MARSOC. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/25 "2013-09-10T17:10:12Z")
Website of [Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.](http://www.marsoc.marines.mil/). How dare you guys make me move my fingers to a search box to figure out what you are talking about. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/26 "2013-09-10T17:44:25Z")
Been learnin’ stuff. For GI Marines, GPS is not standard gear, at least not “commonly,” going by the penultimate item in the [ADVANCED MORTARMAN COURSE GEAR LIST](http://www.tecom.marines.mil/Portals/127/Docs/AITB/FY14/IULTC/pdf/AMC%20GEARLIST.pdf). Answered my OP on how many per unit [here](http://www.tecom.marines.mil/Portals/128/Docs/0341.pdf), with pictures, from the Corps. More on what Uncle Sam thinks about these guys from an administrative point of view: From [MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MOS MANUAL)](MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL (SHORT TITLE: MOS MANUAL)) (P. 329 on PDF link): 1. MOS 0341, Mortarman (Sgt to Pvt) PMOS a. Summary. Mortarmen are responsible for the tactical employment of the 60mm light mortar and the 81mm medium mortar. Mortarmen provide indirect fire in support of the rifle and LARS quads/platoons/companies and the infantry and LAR battalions. They are located in the weapons platoons of the rifle and LAR companies and the weapons company of the infantry battalion. Noncommissioned officers are assigned as mortar gunners, forward observers, fire direction plotters, and squad and section leaders. b. Prerequisites. Must possess a GT score of 80 or higher. c. Requirements. Complete the Mortarman Course at the School of Infantry, East or West. d. Duties. For a complete listing of duties and tasks, refer to reference (g), Training and Readiness Manual. e. Related SOC Classification/SOC Code. Infantry 55-3016. f. Related Military Skill. Field Artillery Cannoneer, 0811. Also see [Marine Corps Enlisted Job Descriptions MOS 0341 – Mortarman By Rod Powers, About.com Guide](http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0341new.htm), which has same but hyperlinked. Ain’t Google grand once you get interested in some things? Plus, that MOS Manual is an amazing and fascinating document. Imagine all the similar ones that are classified. ETA: The Training and Readiness Manual was not available on-line (how do you say “shucks” in Arabic?). ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/27 "2013-09-10T18:02:23Z")
> [@the\_diego](#): > > Keeping one’s head down as the mortar fires (especially if the eyes are unavoidably level with the muzzle) seems to be the practice. But holding the tube isn’t. In field artillery, touching the piece during sighting and firing is a no-no. > [@chappachula](#): > > …And we did keep one hand on the barrel of the mortar (which had a heat-proof pad to protect your hand.) > [@Joey\_P](#): > > Makes sense, but would you have your hands on it when it’s firing or would it get too hot? > > I have no idea how hot something like that gets and how rapidly you can fire it. [Hand-held version.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:4th_Infantry_Rgt._on_reconnaissance_mission_off_Highway_1_in_Zabul_Province_2010-10-01_1.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/28 "2013-09-10T20:25:17Z")
Just realize that special ops has their own rules. ---
**Author:** ![toofs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/29 "2013-09-10T21:23:28Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > The soldier is wearing something on that harness on his back with an antenna folded into an upside down “U” sticking out. He could be receiving some sort of targeting information on that unit and the wrist-piece is the readout/control for it. It doesn’t look to me like that mortar has much of a baseplate. But if it’s enough, it’s enough. That looks like a PRC-117 antenna. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/30 "2013-09-10T22:36:03Z")
**Bear\_Nenno** beat me. He’s wearing a GPS on his wrist, and Merrell brand boots on his feet. It’s not Gucci gear, per se, but damned comfy and necessary if you’re on the move-and-shoot. Tripler Mmmm, Merrells ::drool:: ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2013, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/31 "2013-09-10T23:49:34Z")
> [@toofs](#): > > That looks like a PRC-117 antenna. The circular polarized antenna on the ground in the background might be from a 117 but the ‘measuring tape’ antenna on his back is more likely from a [PRC-148 / MBITR](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/PRC-148). [QUOTE=Bear\_Nenno] Thats just a normal radio. Man portable radios dont take a rucksack to carry anymore. [/quote] The [117](http://rf.harris.com/capabilities/tactical-radios-networking/an-prc-117g/) is certainly a manpack form factor for satcom and the [AN/PRC-150](http://rf.harris.com/capabilities/tactical-radios-networking/anprc-150.asp) is manpack’d for long distance HF (shortwave). If anyone has a spare '150, please drop me a line 🙂 Mmmm, Harris HF manpack… ::drool:: ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2013, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/32 "2013-09-11T01:04:46Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > The circular polarized antenna on the ground in the background might be from a 117 but the ‘measuring tape’ antenna on his back is more likely from a [PRC-148 / MBITR](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/PRC-148). > > The [117](http://rf.harris.com/capabilities/tactical-radios-networking/an-prc-117g/) is certainly a manpack form factor for satcom and the [AN/PRC-150](http://rf.harris.com/capabilities/tactical-radios-networking/anprc-150.asp) is manpack’d for long distance HF (shortwave). > If anyone has a spare '150, please drop me a line 🙂 > > Mmmm, Harris HF manpack… ::drool:: More likely that this is attached to a PRC-152, not a PRC-150. I don’t know anyone who carries such a large radio outside of a vehicle anymore unless their job is specifically radio communications (FISTER or FO/RTO, etc). ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2013, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/33 "2013-09-11T01:08:33Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > [Hand-held version.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:4th_Infantry_Rgt._on_reconnaissance_mission_off_Highway_1_in_Zabul_Province_2010-10-01_1.jpg) Hip fired. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/cB-r352j2FI/hqdefault.jpg "60mm Mortar Fired Handheld From The Hip") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB-r352j2FI) ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2013, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/34 "2013-09-11T01:11:25Z")
**Leo Bloom** , the US Army Field Manual FM 3-22.90 is approved for public release. Would you like me to email it to you? You might be able to find a copy online, if not, PM me. Also, what has made you so interested in mortarmen? ---
**Author:** ![sqweels](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f19dbf/32.png) [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2013, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/35 "2013-09-11T01:14:52Z")
My guess was that he’s holding onto the tube with both hands to steady it so the recoil doesn’t knock it off-target. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2013, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/36 "2013-09-11T01:50:36Z")
Re the shoes I sell shoes on ebay as a hobby business and I have sold many pairs of lightweight hiking style boots to troops overseas. Getting ebay shipping to resolve those funky military addresses is PITA as the shipping apps keeps throwing up when I try to print the label. I wind up hand addressing most of the shipments. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2013, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/37 "2013-09-11T02:25:12Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > Mmmm, Merrells ::drool:: > [@jnglmassiv](#): > > Mmmm, Harris HF manpack… ::drool:: Jesus, you two–put 'em back in your pants. Military geeks. Possibly the worst combination of all. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2013, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/38 "2013-09-13T16:15:05Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Hip fired. > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB-r352j2FI](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB-r352j2FI) Well, as the shooter says, it’s doable. Like to see a shoot-out in the Old West where on “draw” each reaches for their holster. > [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > **Leo Bloom** , the US Army Field Manual FM 3-22.90 is approved for public release. Would you like me to email it to you? You might be able to find a copy online, if not, PM me. > Also, what has made you so interested in mortarmen? **Bear\_Nenno** , thank you for your kind offer. I remember your offers of help from an earlier thread on calling off marching cadences, where your generosity was equally quick. What made me so interested in mortarman? Saw a picture of something I didn’t understand and thought was interesting, got more interested because of the responses in this thread, and it was off to the races. I like learnin’ stuff, as I announced. I’m sure an approach to research shared by many on this board. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2013, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/39 "2013-09-13T16:30:53Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > The circular polarized antenna on the ground in the background might be from a 117 but the ‘measuring tape’ antenna on his back is more likely from a [PRC-148 / MBITR](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/PRC-148). > > The [117](http://rf.harris.com/capabilities/tactical-radios-networking/an-prc-117g/) is certainly a manpack form factor for satcom and the [AN/PRC-150](http://rf.harris.com/capabilities/tactical-radios-networking/anprc-150.asp) is manpack’d for long distance HF (shortwave). > If anyone has a spare '150, please drop me a line 🙂 > > Mmmm, Harris HF manpack… ::drool:: > [@dropzone](#): > > Jesus, you two–put 'em back in your pants. > > Military geeks. Possibly the worst combination of all. 😉 I’ve never heard the word before (but the meaning is clear in this case), but “manpack” alone is one hell of a word to drool over, if you’re into that sort of thing. The only thing that could make it better would be more words that have “k” sound at the end, for even more manliness (Chuck Beefcake,\* eg.). “Check out my manpack, why don’t you? Some form factor, huh?” (Plus the “f” with the “k” is the cherry on the cake.) \*See [The Nine Manliest Names in the World.](http://www.cracked.com/article_14982_the-9-manliest-names-in-world.html) BTW, the bit about the “k” sound holds true in expressive words on sex, curses, and bad words in general in many languages ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472/40 "2013-09-13T16:37:15Z")
This guy is almost certainly not a mortarman though right? Don’t the special forces guys just get special training on the weapons they use? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-soldier-with-a-mortar-wearing-on-his-wrist-all-soldiers-know-can-operate-the-weapon/668472.md?page=3)