Forward Observer

Deployments: 63
Members: 18
Hours in role: 193
First deployed: Apr 2020
Last deployed: Oct 2026

The role

The Forward Observer or "FO" is a player who is tasked with coordinating artillery support for the platoon. They are expected to be knowledgeable in all things artillery, from the types of rounds to use, how to call for fire, how to adjust fire, and everything in between.

Played on: Arma 3

Arma Reforger

Arma 4

Played on every supported platform.
Claimed before release: 77%; the rest usually within 75 minutes
The last year: 14; times deployed
Busiest month: Aug; August 2026, deployed 4 times
Per operation: 1; on average, across 62 operations

Verified The Forward Observer role card 44 documents, 103 required passages Read

In the ORBAT

ORBAT rules

All ORBAT rules

Named in other rules

Squad Advisory Holds at most one Forward Observer or Joint Fires Observer, counted together. Names Forward Observer and Joint Fires Observer: shown on each too. Operations · Every platform
Platoon Advisory Holds at most 2 Forward Observers or Joint Fires Observers, counted together. Names Forward Observer and Joint Fires Observer: shown on each too. Operations · Every platform
Mortarman (Gunner) Advisory Needs a Forward Observer or a Joint Fires Observer anywhere in the ORBAT. Crosses areas Names Forward Observer, in Communication and Joint Fires Observer, in Communication: shown on each too. Operations · Every platform
Artillery Cannoneer (Gunner) Advisory Needs a Forward Observer or a Joint Fires Observer anywhere in the ORBAT. Crosses areas Names Forward Observer, in Communication and Joint Fires Observer, in Communication: shown on each too. Operations · Every platform