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Fire support coordination

Definition

Fire support coordination is a military term that refers to the planning and executing of fires, including artillery, naval surface fire, air strikes, and electronic warfare, so they are synchronized and integrated to achieve optimum effects. Its goal is to avoid friendly fire, increase efficiency, and maximize damage to enemy forces. It involves a detailed process of data collection, communication, planning, and synchronization.

Key Takeaways

  1. Fire Support Coordination refers to the planning and organizing of firepower in a meticulous way to prevent accidents, maximize effectiveness, and prioritize targets to achieve specific operational objectives in military operations.
  2. It involves a systematic process inclusive of dedicated Fire Support teams, various types of ammunition, artillery units, uncrewed and crewed aircraft, and naval gunfire, aiming to synchronize and harmonize all possible firepower sources on the battlefield.
  3. The Fire Support Coordination Center (FSCC), a crucial entity in the chain, ensures efficient and unhindered communication between different forces – infantry, artillery, and air support. This ensures that all units contribute their firepower in a unified and coordinated manner, thereby reducing friendly fire incidents and ensuring mission success.

Importance

Fire Support Coordination is a crucial military operational term because it revolves around the strategic and balanced use of various fire support assets such as artillery, naval gunfire, and air support.

The main goal of this operation is to ensure the effective delivery of these assets while minimizing the risk of fratricide.

It is critical in assuring that all units in a given battle space are working in alignment with each other, thereby avoiding any potential harm to friendly units due to miscommunication or uncoordinated actions.

In essence, Fire Support Coordination allows for a precise and adequate use of firepower that can benefit the mission at hand while taking proper precautions for the safety of friendly forces.

Explanation

The purpose of fire support coordination in military operations is to ensure that the resources required for indirect fire support are used efficiently, effectively, and safely in support of operational objectives. Indirect fire support refers to artillery, air support, and naval gunfire, among others. When armed forces carry out operations in the field, coordination of these resources is critical to maintain momentum and achieve the tactical advantage.

Fire support coordination is extremely important in avoiding friendly casualties and collateral damage, bringing together capacities from across the armed forces to concentrate firepower, thus amplifying their effect on the enemy and maximizing the overall impact. Fire support coordination aims to integrate these various forms of firepower with the maneuver plan in a synchronized manner. This ensures that every asset is used to its fullest potential, increasing the effectiveness of the operation and reducing the possibility of miscommunication or mismatches in timing that can lead to friendly fire incidents.

This encompasses the iterative process of planning, coordinating, and executing fire support. The individuals and units responsible for fire support coordination, known as fire support coordinators, make vital decisions on when, where, and how to employ these assets. They work closely with ground troops, air support units, and other assets to ensure seamless execution and robust, layered support.

Examples of Fire support coordination

Operation Desert Storm (1991): Fire support coordination was on full display in this operation, where the US-led coalition forces used detailed pre-planning and coordination to simultaneously target Iraqi defenses with a vast array of smart bombs, artillery, and ground forces.

The Battle of Iwo Jima (1945): The U.S. used fire support coordination extensively during World War II, perhaps most famously in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The pre-invasion bombardment included a mix of naval gunfire and aerial bombardment to attempt weakening Japanese positions.

Operation Anaconda (2002): During this operation in Afghanistan, the U.S. Army, Air Force, and allied forces coordinated fire support to encircle and defeat al-Qaeda fighters. This operation featured integrated air-ground operations where artillery and air power were carefully synchronized with the movements of ground troops.

FAQs about Fire Support Coordination

What is Fire Support Coordination?

Fire support coordination is a procedure used in military operations to ensure that fire support assets are efficiently and effectively utilized. It also helps avoid friendly fire by coordinating each operation’s timing and location.

Who is responsible for Fire Support Coordination?

The Fire Support Coordinator, usually a high-ranking military officer, is responsible for this task. They work closely with operation officers and other command structures.

What are the main components of Fire Support Coordination?

The main components are Target Acquisition, Attack Guidance, and Damage Assessment. All these parts are vital to ensuring the effectiveness of the fire support coordination.

How does Fire Support Coordination help in a military operation?

Fire Support Coordination ensures that the resources are used effectively and that the operations do not interfere with each other. This increases the chances of success for the operation and minimises potential casualties.

What is the role of technology in Fire Support Coordination?

Advancements in technology have greatly improved the efficiency of Fire Support Coordination. From advanced communication systems to automated targeting and surveillance tools, technology plays a significant role in modern fire support coordination.

Related Military Operation Terms

  • Artillery Coordination
  • Joint Fires Operation
  • Fire Support Planning
  • Target Acquisition
  • Close Air Support

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