What is the function of a fire support team?

The function of a fire support team is primarily to coordinate and direct fire support assets effectively. This role is crucial in ensuring that artillery, mortars, and close air support are integrated into ground operations in a way that maximizes their impact while minimizing risk to friendly forces. The fire support team assesses the battlefield and communicates coordinates and targets to the respective fire support platforms, managing the timing and type of fire required to achieve mission objectives.

This coordination is essential for effective targeting, timely engagement of threats, and support for maneuvering units. By ensuring that all fire support actions are synchronized with the overall tactical plan, the fire support team greatly enhances the lethality and effectiveness of ground operations, making them invaluable on the battlefield.