User:RekonDog/Fire support

Fire support is long-range firepower provided to a front-line military unit. Typically, fire support is provided by artillery or close air support (usually directed by a forward observer), and is used to shape the battlefield or, more optimistically, define the battle. Battleships, for example, have also been a viable form of fire support in the past, being the main effort in naval warfare. Fire support's history and lineage traces through the advent of cannons in warfare as artillery, a major shaping force on the battlefield since its inception. Fire support, as an extension, is the marriage of artillery to the forces in contact. It is the direct ability to properly utilize artillery. As opposed to direct fire, that of the forces in contact, fire support utilizes artillery and close air support.

In the US Army, line companies in standard Heavy Brigade Combat Teams often utilize Fire Support Teams, or FST mounted in forward support vehicles to observe and adjust fires.

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fire support - The collective and coordinated integration and synchronization of the fires and effects of armed aircraft, land-based and sea-based indirect fire systems, and electronic warfare systems that directly support combat forces against ground targets to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces, combat formations, and facilities in pursuit of operational and tactical objectives. (See also combined arms and fire support plan.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 100-5, and 100-15.

fire support area (FSA) - A sea area in which a ship may position or cruise while firing in support of ground forces. (See also fire support station (FSS) and naval gunfire support (NGFS.) See FM 6-series.

fire support coordinating measure (JP 1-02) - A measure employed by land or amphibious commanders to facilitate the rapid engagement of targets and simultaneously provide safeguards for friendly forces. (Army) - In close coordination with supporting air asset commanders. (See also fire support coordination.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

fire support coordination (JP 1-02, NATO) - The planning and executing of fire so that targets are adequately covered by a suitable weapon or group of weapons. (See also fire support coordinating measure.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

fire support coordination line (FSCL) (JP 1-02) - A line established by the appropriate land or amphibious force commander to ensure coordination of fire not under the commanderµs control but which may affect current tactical operations. The FSCL is used to coordinate fires of air, ground, or sea weapons systems using any type of ammunition against surface targets. The FSCL should follow well-defined terrain features. The establishment of the FSCL must be coordinated with the appropriate tactical air commander and other supporting elements. Supporting elements may attack targets forward of the FSCL without prior coordination with the land or amphibious force commander provided the attack will not produce adverse surface effects on or to the rear of the line. Attacks against surface targets behind this line must be coordinated with the appropriate land or amphibious force commander. (Army) - A permissive fire control measure established and adjusted by the ground commander in consultation with superior, subordinate, supporting, and other affected commanders. It is not a boundary; synchronization of operations on either side of the FSCL is the responsibility of the establishing commander out to the limits of the land component forward boundary. It applies to all fires of air, land, and sea weapon systems using any type of ammunition against surface targets. Forces attacking targets beyond the FSCL must inform all affected commanders to allow necessary coordination to avoid fratricide. (See also boundary, coordinated fire line (CFL), and fire support coordinating measure.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, 100-15, and JP 3-0.

fire support element (FSE) (Army) - A functional portion of a force tactical operations center that provides centralized targeting, coordination, and integration of fires delivered on surface targets by fire support means under the control of or in support of the force. This element is staffed from the field artillery headquarters or field artillery staff section of the force and representatives of other fire support means. (See also fire support coordinating measure and fire support plan.) See FMs 6-20 series, 7-20, 7-30, 17-95, 71-100, 71-123, 100-5, and 100-15.

fire support plan - A plan on how indirect fires and target acquisition will be used to support an operation. It should include a portion for each means of fire support involved. (See also counterfire, fire support, fire support coordination, list of targets, operation order (OPORD), and target list.) See FMs 6-20 series and 101-5.

fire support station (FSS) (Army) - A specified position at sea from which a ship must fire in support of ground forces. This is very restrictive and puts the ship at greatest risk. (See also fire support area (FSA) and naval gunfire support (NGFS).) See FM 6-20 series.

fire support team (FIST) (Army) - In fire support operations, a team comprised of a team chief (field artillery lieutenant) and the necessary additional personnel and equipment required to plan, request, coordinate, and direct fire support efforts for company-sized units. (See also fire support element (FSE).) See FMs 6-20-20 and 7-10.