What is the mortar used at the battalion level for longer-range indirect fire?

• A. 60mm mortar (M224)
• B. 81mm mortar (M252)
• C. 120mm mortar
• D. 107mm mortar

Answer: (B)

Mortar support at the battalion level is built around a balance of range, firepower, and mobility. The 60mm mortar is the lighter, platoon-level asset used for closer, more immediate fires. For longer-range indirect fire at the battalion level, the 81mm mortar is standard because it extends reach and payload enough to cover a larger area while staying mobile enough to keep up with the maneuver unit. The 120mm mortar is heavier and typically used in a heavier mortar company or at higher echelons, making it less suited for organic battalion-level fires. The 107mm mortar isn’t part of US Marine Corps equipment. So, for longer-range indirect fire at battalion level, the 81mm mortar is the appropriate choice.