Distinguish between planned and immediate fire support requests.

The distinction between planned and immediate fire support requests lies in their timing and purpose. Planned fire support requests are made in anticipation of a future need, typically for operations that have been scheduled and where the timing and type of support can be predetermined. These requests allow for coordination and integration into the overall operational plan, ensuring that the necessary fire support is available when required.

On the other hand, immediate fire support requests are used in urgent situations that require prompt action. These requests are typically generated when an unexpected situation arises and there is an immediate threat to forces or missions that must be addressed quickly. The key characteristic of immediate requests is their focus on the urgency of the situation, leading to a more expedited response.

The other options do not accurately capture the critical difference between the two types of requests. Specifically, the reference to both being for scheduled events is misleading since only planned requests fall under that category. The notion that immediate requests require more documentation contradicts the intent of immediate support, which is to respond rapidly with potentially less formality. Lastly, saying that all planned requests are always approved by higher command overlooks the fact that not all envisioned plans receive approval or can be executed as anticipated.