Top 10 Questions for Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer Interview

1. How do you plan for a Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) mission?

• Determine mission requirements and objectives.
• Conduct reconnaissance and target analysis.
• Develop fire plans and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with the fire support coordinator (FSCO) and other supporting units.
• Conduct safety checks and briefings.

2. What are the key elements of a fire mission request?

• Target location and description.
• Desired effects of fire.
• Type and quantity of ordnance.
• Safety considerations.
• Time of fire.

3. What are the different types of fire missions?

• Direct fire.
• Indirect fire.
• Counter-fire.
• Harassing fire.
• Illumination fire.

4. What are the safety considerations for conducting a NGFS mission?

• Ensuring clear lines of fire.
• Coordinating with airspace management.
• Establishing safety zones.
• Conducting risk assessments.
• Monitoring weather conditions.

5. What are the challenges of conducting NGFS in an urban environment?

• Limited visibility.
• Densely populated areas.
• Increased risk of collateral damage.
• Difficulty in identifying targets.
• Potential for enemy infiltration.

6. How do you coordinate with joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) during a NGFS mission?

• Establish communication links.
• Share target information and fire plans.
• Coordinate fire missions.
• Provide updates on target engagement and effects.
• De-conflict airspace and ensure safety.

7. What are the different types of naval gunfire platforms?

• Battleships.
• Cruisers.
• Destroyers.
• Frigates.
• Amphibious assault ships.

8. How do you calculate the firing data for a NGFS mission?

• Determine the target range and direction.
• Apply corrections for wind speed and direction.
• Calculate the elevation and azimuth of the gun.
• Set the fuze timing.
• Verify the firing data with the fire control system.

9. What are the different types of naval gunfire ammunition?

• High-explosive (HE).
• Armor-piercing (AP).
• Semi-armor-piercing (SAP).
• High-explosive incendiary (HEI).
• Cluster.

10. What are the different methods of fire control for NGFS?

• Manual fire control.
• Automatic fire control.
• Remote fire control.
• GPS-guided fire control.
• Laser-guided fire control.

Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers (NGLOs) play a critical role in coordinating and controlling naval gunfire support for ground forces. They are responsible for:

1. Liaison and Coordination:

Establish and maintain effective communication with ground forces, including infantry, armor, and special operations units, to determine their fire support requirements.

• Coordinate with naval gunfire support ships, including cruisers, destroyers, and battleships, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of fire missions.

2. Target Acquisition and Fire Control:

Acquire and track targets using various methods, such as visual observation, laser designators, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

• Calculate fire control data, including target coordinates, weapon system parameters, and firing solutions, to ensure precision and effectiveness of naval gunfire.

3. Safety and Collateral Damage Mitigation:

Recommend and enforce safety procedures to minimize the risk of friendly fire incidents and collateral damage to civilian populations and infrastructure.

• Conduct thorough target verification and terrain analysis to ensure fires are directed at legitimate military objectives.

4. Training and Education:

Train and mentor ground forces on naval gunfire support procedures, including target identification, safety protocols, and communication methods.

• Participate in exercises and training simulations to enhance coordination and proficiency in naval gunfire support operations.

To ace an interview for a Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer position, follow these tips:

1. Research and Preparation:

Thoroughly research the role and the specific organization you are applying to. Understand their mission, operations, and the current challenges they face.

• Familiarize yourself with naval gunfire support procedures, target acquisition techniques, and safety protocols.

2. Showcase Your Experience and Skills:

Highlight your previous experience in military operations, especially in a role related to fire support or target acquisition.

• Emphasize your ability to work effectively with ground forces and naval gunfire support units, and your proficiency in coordinating and controlling fire missions.
• Quantify your accomplishments using specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.

3. Technical Knowledge and Proficiency:

Demonstrate your understanding of naval gunfire support systems, including weapon capabilities, fire control technology, and target acquisition methodologies.

• Discuss your experience with specific equipment or software used in naval gunfire operations, and explain how you have applied them to achieve operational success.

4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including ground forces, naval personnel, and civilian authorities.

• Highlight your experience in establishing and maintaining relationships, and your ability to resolve conflict and build consensus.

5. Situational Awareness and Judgment:

Discuss your ability to assess complex situations quickly and make sound decisions in demanding environments.

• Provide examples of how you have successfully navigated challenging scenarios, prioritizing safety and achieving mission objectives.