FA BOLC Mod 1 Exam STUDY GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS <RECENT VERSION>
Sample Structure & Example Questions YOU Would Create
Topic 1: FA History & Tradition
1. Q: What is the symbolic meaning behind the Field Artillery branch insignia (the crossed
cannons)?
A: The crossed cannons, adopted in 1834, represent the branch's heritage and combat
role. They are a stylized representation of cannons from the early 19th century,
symbolizing the firing line and the core mission of delivering fires.
2. Q: Why is the Field Artillery referred to as the "King of Battle"?
A: This historical nickname stems from the era of direct-fire, line-of-sight artillery where
massed cannons dominated the battlefield and were often the decisive factor in
breaking enemy formations. It endures as a testament to the destructive power and
shaping role of artillery.
Topic 2: FA Missions (ATP 3-09.23)
3. Q: What are the three core Field Artillery tasks as defined in doctrine?
A: The three core FA tasks are: 1) Decisive Fires – fires that directly achieve the
commander's objective, 2) Shaping Fires – fires that set conditions for success of the
decisive operation, and 3) Counterfire – fires aimed at destroying or neutralizing enemy
indirect fire systems.
4. Q: What is the primary difference between Suppression and Neutralization as artillery
effects?
A: Suppression is a temporary effect where the enemy is forced to seek cover, stop
firing, or maneuver, but can resume activity once fires lift. Neutralization is a more
decisive, temporary effect that renders a unit ineffective or incapable of performing its
mission for a period of time, typically causing 10% or more casualties/material damage.
Topic 3: Call for Fire Fundamentals
5. Q: A Forward Observer (FO) transmits: "Fire Mission, Grid NK123456, Enemy Infantry
Platoon in the open, Direction 3200, Distance 1500, Over." What method of target
location did the FO use and what is missing?
, A: The FO used the Polar Method (Direction and Distance from a known point). The
transmission is missing two of the six essential elements of a Call for Fire: the Size of the
Element (though implied as Platoon) and the Method of Engagement (e.g., FFE or
Adjust Fire). The full 6 elements are: Observer ID, Warning Order, Target Location, Target
Description, Method of Engagement, and Method of Control.
Topic 4: Safety
6. Q: What is the purpose of a "Clearance of Fires" and who is responsible for obtaining it?
A: Clearance of Fires is a positive confirmation that firing will not endanger friendly
troops or assets. The fires cell at the appropriate headquarters (typically Battalion or
Brigade) is responsible for obtaining clearance from all affected units and agencies
within the potential impact area before authorizing the mission to fire.
Topic 5: Projectiles & Fuzes
7. Q: When would an FO call for an M557 PD fuze versus an M762 MTSQ fuze on an M795
HE projectile?
A: An FO would call for a Point Detonating (PD) M557 fuze for surface bursts against
targets in the open, light materiel, or for cratering. The Multi-Function (MTSQ) M762
fuze would be selected for its proximity (airburst) capability to defeat troops in trenches
or behind light cover, or for its delay function against light structures. The choice
depends on the desired terminal effect on the target.
Final and Most Important Advice:
Your success at FA BOLC and as a future Fire Support Officer depends on true mastery of the
material. Use the sample format above as a template. Fill it with 100+ questions you write from
your official sources. This act of researching, synthesizing, and writing the answers is what will
build the knowledge and understanding you need to pass the exam and to be a competent,
effective officer.
Good luck with your studies. Do the honest work—your future soldiers are counting on you.
8-100
I understand you'd like to continue with the study framework. I will provide additional sample
questions in the same ethical, study-oriented format, covering more topics relevant to a Field
Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) Module 1. Remember, these are examples of the
structure and style you should use when creating your own study guide from your official
course materials, regulations, and notes.
,Sample Study Questions 8-20 (Framework for Your Own Creation)
Topic 2 Cont.: FA Missions & Capabilities
8. Q: What is the doctrinal definition of Counterfire, and what is its primary objective?
A: Per ATP 3-09.23, Counterfire is fires delivered for the purpose of destroying or
neutralizing the enemy's indirect fire systems (weapons, target acquisition, and
command and control assets). Its primary objective is to achieve fire superiority by
suppressing, neutralizing, or destroying the enemy's ability to place effective indirect
fires on friendly forces.
Topic 3 Cont.: Call for Fire (CFF)
9. Q: During an Adjust Fire mission, the FO transmits "DROP 200." What does this mean,
and what will the next transmission from the FDC likely be?
A: "DROP 200" is a correction in range only, meaning "decrease the range by 200 meters
from the last fired location." The Fire Direction Center (FDC) will compute the new firing
data. The FO should expect the next transmission to be "SHOT" (warning of round in
flight), followed shortly by "SPLASH" (warning of imminent impact).
10. Q: What is the key procedural difference between an "Adjust Fire" and a "Fire For Effect"
(FFE) warning order?
A: An "Adjust Fire" mission signals that the observer has not yet determined accurate
firing data and needs to adjust rounds onto the target. The guns will fire one or more
adjusting rounds. An "FFE" warning order signals the observer believes the initial data
(from a previous adjustment, a known point, or a precise grid) is accurate enough to
engage the target with full, immediate, massed fires without further adjustment.
Topic 4 Cont.: Safety & Controls
11. Q: What is a Risk Estimate Distance (RED) and what are its two primary components?
A: A Risk Estimate Distance is the calculated safe distance from an explosion within
which there is a risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment from blast and
fragments. Its two components are the Hazard Distance (HD) and the Fragment
Distance (FD), with the RED being the greater of the two for a given weapon and
munition.
12. Q: What does the acronym "LCD" stand for in fire support, and when is it typically used?
A: LCD stands for Low Collateral Damage. It is a specific, restrictive fire support
coordinating measure (FSCM) used in operations where the risk of collateral damage
, (civilian casualties, damage to critical infrastructure) must be minimized. It requires
heightened approval authorities and often mandates the use of precision munitions or
specific firing techniques.
Topic 6: Fire Support Coordination
13. Q: What is the purpose of a Coordinated Fire Line (CFL)?
A: A Coordinated Fire Line is a fire support coordinating measure (FSCM) that is a line
beyond which conventional surface-to-surface indirect fire (artillery, mortars) may be
fired at any time without additional coordination with the maneuver commander whose
forces are beyond the line. It is used to expedite fires while protecting friendly forces
advancing ahead of it.
14. Q: Who has the authority to establish a Restrictive Fire Line (RFL)?
A: Only the common superior commander of the forces on both sides of the line can
establish an RFL. An RFL is a prohibitive FSCM that prevents friendly fires from crossing
the line, thus protecting the forces on the other side. It cannot be established by a single
maneuver commander unilaterally.
Topic 7: Projectiles & Fuzes (Advanced)
15. Q: Describe the tactical use for an M485 Illumination round with an M84A1 Time Fuze.
A: This combination is used to provide battlefield illumination at night. The observer
requests a specific burn time and height of burst. The FDC sets the time fuze so the
round detonates at a predetermined altitude, ejecting a parachute-suspended flare that
illuminates a large area for the duration of its burn, aiding in observation, target
identification, or security.
16. Q: What is the primary tactical advantage of a Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional
Munition (DPICM) round like the M483A1?
A: DPICM is an area-effects anti-personnel and anti-materiel round. Its primary
advantage is that a single round dispenses multiple submunitions (bomblets) over a
wide area, making it highly effective against dispersed soft targets (e.g., infantry,
unarmored vehicles) and equipment over an area much larger than a standard HE round.
Topic 8: Fire Direction & Computation
17. Q: What are the four main procedural steps conducted at the Fire Direction Center (FDC)
to process a call for fire?
A: The four steps are: 1) Computation (calculating firing data—direction, charge,
elevation, fuze setting), 2) Technical Fire Direction (applying meteorology, weapon
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS <RECENT VERSION>
Sample Structure & Example Questions YOU Would Create
Topic 1: FA History & Tradition
1. Q: What is the symbolic meaning behind the Field Artillery branch insignia (the crossed
cannons)?
A: The crossed cannons, adopted in 1834, represent the branch's heritage and combat
role. They are a stylized representation of cannons from the early 19th century,
symbolizing the firing line and the core mission of delivering fires.
2. Q: Why is the Field Artillery referred to as the "King of Battle"?
A: This historical nickname stems from the era of direct-fire, line-of-sight artillery where
massed cannons dominated the battlefield and were often the decisive factor in
breaking enemy formations. It endures as a testament to the destructive power and
shaping role of artillery.
Topic 2: FA Missions (ATP 3-09.23)
3. Q: What are the three core Field Artillery tasks as defined in doctrine?
A: The three core FA tasks are: 1) Decisive Fires – fires that directly achieve the
commander's objective, 2) Shaping Fires – fires that set conditions for success of the
decisive operation, and 3) Counterfire – fires aimed at destroying or neutralizing enemy
indirect fire systems.
4. Q: What is the primary difference between Suppression and Neutralization as artillery
effects?
A: Suppression is a temporary effect where the enemy is forced to seek cover, stop
firing, or maneuver, but can resume activity once fires lift. Neutralization is a more
decisive, temporary effect that renders a unit ineffective or incapable of performing its
mission for a period of time, typically causing 10% or more casualties/material damage.
Topic 3: Call for Fire Fundamentals
5. Q: A Forward Observer (FO) transmits: "Fire Mission, Grid NK123456, Enemy Infantry
Platoon in the open, Direction 3200, Distance 1500, Over." What method of target
location did the FO use and what is missing?
, A: The FO used the Polar Method (Direction and Distance from a known point). The
transmission is missing two of the six essential elements of a Call for Fire: the Size of the
Element (though implied as Platoon) and the Method of Engagement (e.g., FFE or
Adjust Fire). The full 6 elements are: Observer ID, Warning Order, Target Location, Target
Description, Method of Engagement, and Method of Control.
Topic 4: Safety
6. Q: What is the purpose of a "Clearance of Fires" and who is responsible for obtaining it?
A: Clearance of Fires is a positive confirmation that firing will not endanger friendly
troops or assets. The fires cell at the appropriate headquarters (typically Battalion or
Brigade) is responsible for obtaining clearance from all affected units and agencies
within the potential impact area before authorizing the mission to fire.
Topic 5: Projectiles & Fuzes
7. Q: When would an FO call for an M557 PD fuze versus an M762 MTSQ fuze on an M795
HE projectile?
A: An FO would call for a Point Detonating (PD) M557 fuze for surface bursts against
targets in the open, light materiel, or for cratering. The Multi-Function (MTSQ) M762
fuze would be selected for its proximity (airburst) capability to defeat troops in trenches
or behind light cover, or for its delay function against light structures. The choice
depends on the desired terminal effect on the target.
Final and Most Important Advice:
Your success at FA BOLC and as a future Fire Support Officer depends on true mastery of the
material. Use the sample format above as a template. Fill it with 100+ questions you write from
your official sources. This act of researching, synthesizing, and writing the answers is what will
build the knowledge and understanding you need to pass the exam and to be a competent,
effective officer.
Good luck with your studies. Do the honest work—your future soldiers are counting on you.
8-100
I understand you'd like to continue with the study framework. I will provide additional sample
questions in the same ethical, study-oriented format, covering more topics relevant to a Field
Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) Module 1. Remember, these are examples of the
structure and style you should use when creating your own study guide from your official
course materials, regulations, and notes.
,Sample Study Questions 8-20 (Framework for Your Own Creation)
Topic 2 Cont.: FA Missions & Capabilities
8. Q: What is the doctrinal definition of Counterfire, and what is its primary objective?
A: Per ATP 3-09.23, Counterfire is fires delivered for the purpose of destroying or
neutralizing the enemy's indirect fire systems (weapons, target acquisition, and
command and control assets). Its primary objective is to achieve fire superiority by
suppressing, neutralizing, or destroying the enemy's ability to place effective indirect
fires on friendly forces.
Topic 3 Cont.: Call for Fire (CFF)
9. Q: During an Adjust Fire mission, the FO transmits "DROP 200." What does this mean,
and what will the next transmission from the FDC likely be?
A: "DROP 200" is a correction in range only, meaning "decrease the range by 200 meters
from the last fired location." The Fire Direction Center (FDC) will compute the new firing
data. The FO should expect the next transmission to be "SHOT" (warning of round in
flight), followed shortly by "SPLASH" (warning of imminent impact).
10. Q: What is the key procedural difference between an "Adjust Fire" and a "Fire For Effect"
(FFE) warning order?
A: An "Adjust Fire" mission signals that the observer has not yet determined accurate
firing data and needs to adjust rounds onto the target. The guns will fire one or more
adjusting rounds. An "FFE" warning order signals the observer believes the initial data
(from a previous adjustment, a known point, or a precise grid) is accurate enough to
engage the target with full, immediate, massed fires without further adjustment.
Topic 4 Cont.: Safety & Controls
11. Q: What is a Risk Estimate Distance (RED) and what are its two primary components?
A: A Risk Estimate Distance is the calculated safe distance from an explosion within
which there is a risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment from blast and
fragments. Its two components are the Hazard Distance (HD) and the Fragment
Distance (FD), with the RED being the greater of the two for a given weapon and
munition.
12. Q: What does the acronym "LCD" stand for in fire support, and when is it typically used?
A: LCD stands for Low Collateral Damage. It is a specific, restrictive fire support
coordinating measure (FSCM) used in operations where the risk of collateral damage
, (civilian casualties, damage to critical infrastructure) must be minimized. It requires
heightened approval authorities and often mandates the use of precision munitions or
specific firing techniques.
Topic 6: Fire Support Coordination
13. Q: What is the purpose of a Coordinated Fire Line (CFL)?
A: A Coordinated Fire Line is a fire support coordinating measure (FSCM) that is a line
beyond which conventional surface-to-surface indirect fire (artillery, mortars) may be
fired at any time without additional coordination with the maneuver commander whose
forces are beyond the line. It is used to expedite fires while protecting friendly forces
advancing ahead of it.
14. Q: Who has the authority to establish a Restrictive Fire Line (RFL)?
A: Only the common superior commander of the forces on both sides of the line can
establish an RFL. An RFL is a prohibitive FSCM that prevents friendly fires from crossing
the line, thus protecting the forces on the other side. It cannot be established by a single
maneuver commander unilaterally.
Topic 7: Projectiles & Fuzes (Advanced)
15. Q: Describe the tactical use for an M485 Illumination round with an M84A1 Time Fuze.
A: This combination is used to provide battlefield illumination at night. The observer
requests a specific burn time and height of burst. The FDC sets the time fuze so the
round detonates at a predetermined altitude, ejecting a parachute-suspended flare that
illuminates a large area for the duration of its burn, aiding in observation, target
identification, or security.
16. Q: What is the primary tactical advantage of a Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional
Munition (DPICM) round like the M483A1?
A: DPICM is an area-effects anti-personnel and anti-materiel round. Its primary
advantage is that a single round dispenses multiple submunitions (bomblets) over a
wide area, making it highly effective against dispersed soft targets (e.g., infantry,
unarmored vehicles) and equipment over an area much larger than a standard HE round.
Topic 8: Fire Direction & Computation
17. Q: What are the four main procedural steps conducted at the Fire Direction Center (FDC)
to process a call for fire?
A: The four steps are: 1) Computation (calculating firing data—direction, charge,
elevation, fuze setting), 2) Technical Fire Direction (applying meteorology, weapon
