What must a VC announce as required to avoid penalties?

The requirement for a Visual Controller (VC) to announce "On the way" before firing is essential to ensure the safety and situational awareness of all involved in a military operation. This announcement serves as a critical communication step, alerting personnel that ordnance is about to be delivered to a designated target. It helps prevent inadvertent injury to friendly forces or unintended damage to nearby structures or non-combatants.

The ability to communicate effectively within the chain of command and among units during operations is crucial. By issuing this announcement, the VC provides an opportunity for anyone in proximity to take necessary precautions, making it a fundamental safety measure. Thus, failure to make this announcement can lead to severe consequences, including friendly casualties and damage to property, which explains the penalties associated with neglecting this requirement.