Describe the term ‘fire support integration’.

Fire support integration refers to the systematic coordination of various fire support assets to ensure that they work together effectively during military operations. This process is crucial because it allows different types of fire support, such as artillery, close air support, mortars, and naval gunfire, to be used in a complementary manner, maximizing their effectiveness while minimizing the risk of friendly fire and collateral damage.

By integrating fire support, commanders can create a well-coordinated response to enemy threats, leveraging the strengths of each asset in the context of the operational environment. This includes considering the timing, targeting criteria, and communication between different units involved in the fire support system. Effective integration ensures that fire support is delivered in the right place at the right time, enhancing the overall mission success.

While forming a specialized fire unit, securing permissions for operations, or training units to engage targets are important aspects of military operations, they do not encapsulate the entire concept of fire support integration as thoroughly as the coordination of various fire support assets does. Coordination stands at the core of ensuring that all fire support functions harmonize to achieve strategic objectives.