DA Form 4504: Record of Fire Guide & PDF Download

DA Form 4504: Record of Fire Guide & PDF Download – DA Form 4504, titled Record of Fire, is a standardized US Army form used primarily in field artillery operations. It serves as a legal document for recording calls for fire, computing firing data, issuing fire commands, and documenting ammunition expenditures during fire missions.

The current version (as referenced in official sources) is dated JAN 2016, with the proponent agency being TRADOC. It replaces earlier editions (such as the OCT 1978 version) and is referenced in publications like FM 6-40 (Field Artillery Manual Cannon Gunnery) and its updates, such as TC 3-09.81.

This form ensures accurate, timely, and safe processing of fire missions in the Fire Direction Center (FDC).

Download the official DA Form 4504 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A4504.pdf

Purpose and Importance of DA Form 4504

The primary purposes of the Record of Fire include:

  • Recording the observer’s Call for Fire (CFF).
  • Computing and recording firing data for all types of missions (adjust-fire, fire for effect, etc.).
  • Maintaining a permanent record of the mission, including ammunition type, quantity expended, and effectiveness.
  • Facilitating smooth communication between the FDC, observer, and howitzer sections (shaded areas on the form indicate data announced to the guns).

It supports observed fire procedures, helps verify computations, and serves as an official record for after-action reviews, safety investigations, and training. Accurate use is critical for mission success, safety, and accountability in live-fire or training environments.

Key Sections of DA Form 4504

The form is organized with heavy black lines separating major sections for efficient workflow. Key areas typically include:

  • Call for Fire: Records observer identification, warning order, target location (grid, polar, or shift), target description, method of engagement, and method of fire control.
  • Fire Order and Initial Fire Commands: Fire Direction Officer (FDO) orders and initial commands sent to howitzers (e.g., shell, fuze, charge, deflection, quadrant elevation).
  • Subsequent Fire Commands: Adjustments, corrections, and follow-on data.
  • Message to Observer (MTO): Includes angle T, probable error, time of flight, and other info relayed back.
  • Computational and Administrative Blocks: Replot data, DTG (date-time group), ammunition expended, target replot grid/altitude, and other notes.

Shaded portions are announced to howitzer sections. The layout supports both manual and semi-automated FDC processes.

How to Fill Out DA Form 4504 Step-by-Step

Filling out the form follows a logical flow from call receipt to mission completion. General steps (based on established procedures in FM 6-40/TC 3-09.81) include:

  1. Record the Call for Fire details exactly as received from the observer.
  2. Compute chart data (range, deflection) and apply corrections.
  3. Issue and record the Fire Order and Initial Fire Commands.
  4. Relay the Message to Observer.
  5. Record observer adjustments and issue Subsequent Fire Commands.
  6. Document ammunition expended, effects, replot data, and close the mission.

Tips for Accuracy:

  • Use standard artillery terminology and abbreviations.
  • Record data in parentheses if computed but not transmitted.
  • Ensure all safety checks (e.g., minimum quadrant elevation) are verified.
  • Police the form at mission end for completeness.

For detailed examples of specific mission types (HE/Q, HE/Ti, VT fuzes, etc.), refer to the relevant chapter in cannon gunnery manuals.

Who Uses DA Form 4504?

This form is mainly used by:

  • Fire Direction Center (FDC) personnel in artillery batteries and platoons.
  • Forward observers and fire support teams.
  • Training environments for artillery qualification and certification.

It applies to Active Army, Army National Guard, and US Army Reserve units conducting indirect fire missions.

  • FM 6-40 / TC 3-09.81: Primary reference for procedures.
  • Call for Fire training (elements: Observer ID, Warning Order, Target Location, Description, Method of Engagement, Method of Control).
  • Safety regulations and gunnery tables.

Soldiers should train regularly on form usage through simulation and live exercises to ensure proficiency.

Download and Access DA Form 4504

Official PDF Download: DA Form 4504 – Record of Fire (from Army Publishing Directorate).

Always use the latest version from armypubs.army.mil for official operations. Fillable versions may be available through authorized Army systems or training tools.

For questions on usage, consult your unit FDO, artillery school references, or the proponent (TRADOC).

This guide is for informational purposes and draws from official US Army sources. Always follow current doctrine, unit SOPs, and safety protocols.