Page "Artillery" Paragraph 48

Command is the authority to allocate resources, typically by assigning artillery formations or units.

Terminology and its implications vary widely.

However, very broadly, artillery units are assigned in direct support or in general support.

Typically, the former mostly provide close support to manoeuvre units while the latter may provide close support and or depth fire, notably counter-battery.

Generally, ' direct support ' also means that the artillery unit provides artillery observation and liaison teams to the supported units.

Sometimes direct support units are placed under command of the regiment / brigade they support.

General support units may be grouped into artillery formations for example, brigades even divisions, or multi-battalion regiments, and usually under command of division, corps or higher HQs.

General support units tend to be moved to where they are most required at any particular time.

Artillery command may impose priorities and constraints to support their combined arms commander's plans.