What is the minimum range correction for smoke?

The minimum range correction for smoke is established as 100 meters. This is due to the characteristics of smoke ammunition, which can create a significant visual obstruction for enemy forces and can also impact friendly operations. The 100-meter offset is necessary to ensure that the smoke disperses effectively and achieves the intended purpose without negatively affecting the safety or positioning of friendly troops.

In practical applications, adjusting the minimum range to this distance helps to minimize the risk of accidentally impacting friendly forces while accomplishing the smoke mission. It also accounts for the dynamics of wind and other environmental factors that could alter the smoke’s effectiveness and spread. Establishing a sensible buffer in terms of minimum range is critical for maintaining operational integrity during fire support operations, which is why this distance is specified in training and operational guidelines.