What is the role of Meteorological data (MET) in artillery planning?

• A. MET data set movement speed of friendly units.
• B. MET data determine target coordinates.
• C. MET data are used to predict enemy morale.
• D. MET data provide environmental information used in ballistic calculations and to adjust fire.

Answer: (D)

Meteorological data provide the environmental inputs that directly affect how a round travels and how the firing solution is computed. Winds aloft, temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity determine air density and wind-driven drift, which in turn influence drag, range, and trace of the projectile. With accurate MET, the fire control system can calculate the correct elevation and deflection, and observers can adjust fire as conditions change to keep rounds on target. In short, weather information feeds ballistic calculations and enables precise firing corrections.

Movement speed, target coordinates, and enemy morale are not determined by meteorological data—those come from maneuver planning, reconnaissance, and intelligence, not weather inputs.