This study investigates the use of deflections in the United States field artillery. Deflections are used to align howitzers onto targets during indirect fire. The deflection system is based on azimuths and uses a 6400 mil circle. Howitzers are initially aligned using azimuths and the value of the azimuth is converted to a deflection prior to firing. The point of this study is to determine if there is a need to convert azimuths to deflections. In order to evaluate the system of deflections this study examines the development and adoption of that system. Research was conducted to determine if another different system was available. A comparison of systems was conducted upon the determination that the only two distinct systems for aligning howitzers are deflections and azimuths. This comparison consisted of gathering information from records and from interviews with senior United States artillerymen. The comparison of systems indicated that azimuths are the better of the two systems and recommendations are made to adopt the system of azimuths for the United States field artillery.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
