According to fire support tasks, which of the following is critical for contact forces?

The critical task for contact forces involves ensuring the safety of ground troops through effective fire support. This is fundamental because contact forces often operate in dynamic and hostile environments where ground troops are at risk of enemy fire. Fire support plays a crucial role in suppressing, neutralizing, or destroying enemy capabilities to protect friendly forces during combat operations.

Effective fire support encompasses various methods, including artillery, air strikes, and close air support, all aimed at mitigating threats to ground troops. It allows contact forces to maneuver and execute their missions with reduced risk to personnel. This support enhances situational awareness and enables troops to engage effectively while minimizing their exposure to enemy actions.

Other options do not encompass the primary objective of protecting ground troops. While aerial support and defensive postures are important components of overall operations, they do not singularly address the immediate safety concerns for troops on the ground. Similarly, isolating enemy units can be a strategic goal but does not directly correlate to the day-to-day operational safety of contact forces.