13.0 Do Mortars Get a +1 Shift on OP Fire?

[Juiceman]

In my opinion they should get the +1 modifier, OP fire is when a unit is moving, and as such it is venerable to increased casualties due to it being exposed, especially infantry, so if a unit can take extra casualties due to DF do not see why the +1 modifier would not pertain to mortars using OP Fire.  Was under the impression the venerability of the moving unit that the +1 modifier is representing (my interpretation).  Interesting topic. 

There is obviously no such modifier, applicable or otherwise, on the bombardment table. Furthermore, Drumfire from IA and the PG options, do not have such a modifier against moving targets. What you want is a house rule. Are you arguing that mortars (lobbing bombs) can be aimed as accurately as rifles and machine-guns?

No I am not so bold as to say a mortar is as accurate as a rifle or machine gun, but they are different weapons systems with their own strengths and weaknesses but against moving infantry they all have the equal ability to suppress.
 
Considering the fragmentary and concussion effects of a mortar shell exploding near advancing personnel units (2-6 tubes in game terms), yes they could have a similar effect as rifle & machine gun fire when it comes to suppression, not as high of a chance for KIA or step loss (as rifle or MG fire), but certainly having as high a chance (with +1 OP Fire Mod) for disruption & demoralization to moving units, it is getting the infantry to go to ground, to stop their advance, to suppress that makes Op fire from mortars potentially so effective and feared among advancing infantry, especially outside of effective rifle & machine gun range.
 
A good crew(s) with LOS to a target could put a number of shells down range and adjusting fall of shot rather quickly to bring a high concentration of shells on target relative to the game turn time frame.
 
Looking at my counter mix for the games I have, an 81mm is an 8 while a 60mm is a 5 fire power value on the Bombardment Chart, the modifiers would have to jump the columns to 16+ in order to have a chance (very remote, snake eyes at 16) for step loss but would increase likelihood of a moral check.
 
I am new to PG, working my way thru my first game on the Bloody Track in the Kokoda Campaign, so Op Fire opportunities with mortars have been none existent to date, so my opinion might change when I get to Europe or East Africa, but that is a long ways away.
 
Interesting topic, good discussion, will play as is, no column shifts but if I remember will try the house rule idea when we get to Europe to see how it works, might not like the taste of it after all.
All good stuff thanks.