The other trick is that light mortars (50-81mm) are small enough that they do not require any specialized means of transport, so to attach them at company or battalion level does not require a peculiarity in the TO&E, or an attachment, nor does it require specialists from another branch of the army - mortarmen are infantrymen.
The point is to provide the battalion some extra support at a low tactical level, where the response time is very short. And, yes, the range on light mortars is more likely to be directly applicable to the needs of the battalion or company.
Once upon a time, Regiments had a gun section for the same reason.
Uncle Ted
|