DA Form 5429-R Conduct of Fire: Guide & PDF Download

DA Form 5429-R Conduct of Fire: Guide & PDF Download – US Army artillery observers, forward observers (FOs), and fire support teams rely on DA Form 5429-R (Conduct of Fire) as a key tool for coordinating and recording indirect fire missions. This form supports precise call-for-fire procedures, adjustments, and registration data, ensuring accurate and effective artillery or mortar support in training and combat.

Whether you are preparing for field artillery training, studying for 13F Fire Support Specialist duties, or need the official fillable PDF, this guide covers everything you need.

What Is DA Form 5429-R?

DA Form 5429-R, titled Conduct of Fire, is an official US Army form used by observers to document fire missions. The current version (August 2013) replaces the older June 1985 edition.

It aligns with ATP 3-09.30 (Observed Fires) and earlier references like FM 6-30. The proponent agency is TRADOC.

The form includes two main sections:

  • Section I (Front) — Call for Fire and adjustment data.
  • Section II (Back) — Registration data.

It helps observers systematically record target information, transmissions to the Fire Direction Center (FDC), and corrections for accurate fire delivery.

Purpose of the Conduct of Fire Form

The primary purpose of DA Form 5429-R is to:

  • Standardize the Call for Fire process.
  • Record observer spottings, corrections (deviation, distance, height), and ammunition/fuze data.
  • Support mission adjustments until the target is suppressed, neutralized, or destroyed.
  • Document registration missions for improved accuracy.
  • Serve as a training and after-action tool for fire support operations.

It integrates with the six elements of a Call for Fire:

  1. Observer Identification
  2. Warning Order (e.g., Adjust Fire, Fire for Effect)
  3. Target Location (Grid, Polar, or Shift from a known point)
  4. Target Description
  5. Method of Engagement
  6. Method of Fire and Control

Key Sections of DA Form 5429-R Explained

Section I: Call for Fire

  • Observer and mission type (AF/FFE/IS/S).
  • Target location fields (Grid, Polar: Direction/Distance/Up-Down, Shift).
  • Target description and method of engagement.
  • Ammunition/fuze, message to observer, and OT (Observer-Target) direction/factor.
  • Spotting and correction blocks for initial rounds and adjustments (deviation, distance, height of burst).

Section II: Registration

  • Similar structure for recording registration missions, including OT direction, corrections, and spot reports.

The form includes dedicated blocks for remarks, rounds fired, and supply exhaustion notes.

How to Fill Out DA Form 5429-R? (Step-by-Step)

  1. Enter Observer Info — Unit, call sign, etc., in Block 1.
  2. Warning Order — Specify Adjust Fire (AF), Fire for Effect (FFE), etc.
  3. Target Location — Use grid coordinates, polar plot (direction, distance, vertical), or shift method.
  4. Target Description — Detail the target (e.g., troop concentration in the open).
  5. Method of Engagement & Control — Specify ammunition, fuze, volume of fire, and control method (e.g., At My Command).
  6. Record Transmissions — Log messages to the FDC.
  7. Adjustments — Note spottings (e.g., 200 right, 300 short) and make corrections.
  8. End Mission — Record “End of Mission” or “Fire for Effect” results.

Always use clear voice procedures and double-check data for accuracy. Training emphasizes brevity and clarity to reduce errors under stress.

Pro Tip: Practice with blank forms during Call for Fire drills to master the layout.

Where to Download DA Form 5429-R PDF?

Get the official fillable version directly from the US Army Publishing Directorate:

Download DA Form 5429-R (Conduct of Fire) PDF

This is the authoritative source. Always verify the latest version on armypubs.army.mil before use.

Additional resources:

  • ATP 3-09.30 – Observed Fires
  • FM 6-30 (legacy reference for procedures)

Who Uses DA Form 5429-R?

  • Forward Observers (13F)
  • Fire Support Officers (FSO)
  • Artillery battery personnel
  • Joint fire support teams
  • Training commands and range operations (e.g., Fort Indiantown Gap references)

It remains a standard tool in US Army fire support training and operations.

Best Practices and Training Tips

  • Combine with digital systems (e.g., AFATDS) but maintain proficiency with manual forms.
  • Emphasize the three-transmission Call for Fire format for speed.
  • Use during live-fire exercises to build muscle memory.
  • Review spot reports and corrections thoroughly for safety and effectiveness.

Mastering this form enhances your ability to deliver timely, accurate fires—critical for mission success on the modern battlefield.

Need more Army forms or fire support resources? Search for related DA forms or check official TRADOC publications.