What is the primary purpose of the Marine Corps Artillery units?

The primary purpose of Marine Corps Artillery units is to provide fire support to ground forces by delivering indirect fire on enemy positions. This function is critical in modern warfare, where the ability to strike targets from a distance can enhance the effectiveness of ground operations and protect friendly forces. Artillery units, equipped with various types of guns, howitzers, and rocket systems, can deliver sustained and accurate fire on enemy positions, disrupt their operations, and shape the battlefield.

This fire support capability allows ground commanders to engage the enemy effectively while minimizing the exposure of troops to direct enemy fire. Artillery can also be used to support advances, suppress enemy defenses, and on occasion, assist in the destruction of hostile artillery, making it an essential component of combined arms operations.

In contrast, medical assistance on the battlefield focuses on treating wounded personnel, reserve forces for infantry address backup operational capability rather than fire support, and gathering intelligence is an entirely different function that aids in planning but does not involve direct engagement with enemy forces.