I am a bit confused regarding TOT and its use. My first understanding is that it was/is simply the precise timing of artillery fires on a target. Now, I have since then seen it applied to more specific and detailed uses such as: Precise and timed fires beginning at one point and then moving to a new (predetermined) point and so and so forth, so that as the intended recipient (such as infantry or armor) attempts to escape they continue to receive precise fires. Or in other cases it is described as a precursor to armor (or infantry or other forces) moving into a position. In one case it would seem to more a part of a defending force, in the latter an attacking force.
My guess is that my original understanding is closer to what pure TOT is, and the subsequent examples are uses of TOT as a part of other action.
And one other related question, who and when first formalized the concept of TOT (at least since modern artillery)?
Thanks |