Ranged Weaponry (1900's- )

Modern Artillery

Artillery is used in a variety of roles depending on its type and caliber. The general role of artillery is to provide fire support—"the application of fire, coordinated with the manoeuvre of forces to destroy, neutralize or suppress the enemy". This American definition makes artillery a supporting arm although not all armies agree with this logic.Unlike rockets, guns (or howitzers as some armies still call them) and mortars are suitable for delivering close supporting fire. However, they are all suitable for providing deep supporting fire although the limited range of many mortars tends to exclude them from the role. Their control arrangements and limited range also mean that mortars are most suited to direct supporting fire. Guns are used either for this or general supporting fire while rockets are mostly used for the latter. However, lighter rockets may be used for direct fire support. Most modern artillery is cost effective because while it may cost some money to make it initially its rounds are cheap and it can take out other artillery, infantry, armored vehicles. Artillery throughout time has evolved into an important part of warfare to the bowman of the old days to the modern mortars. It will continue to remain an important part of warfare.