 The VC had used 60 mm mortars, but they were no longer standard equipment for Australian rifle companies, and although battalions were issued 81 mm mortars they were controlled by Support Company.Such weapons would afford integral fire support in situations where their opponents had closed within the safety distance of the artillery, and consideration was given to their re-issue.Yet the added weight would limit the ability of sub-units to patrol and M-79 grenade launchers were issued instead, while a some APCs were modified as mortar carriers.