Which of the following is NOT a key element of fire support planning?

Budget considerations are not considered a key element of fire support planning. Fire support planning primarily focuses on ensuring that forces can effectively use fire support in tactical situations. This involves aspects that directly influence the execution of fire support operations.

Contingency measures are vital because they prepare for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that plans remain flexible and can adapt as the situation on the battlefield changes. Target identification is critical for fire support to ensure that the correct targets are engaged in accordance with mission objectives, and communication plans are essential to ensure that all units involved in the operation are synchronized and able to understand each other's actions. These elements directly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of fire support, while budget considerations, although important for resource allocation, do not directly impact the planning and execution of fire support operations in the same direct manner.