What essential information must be included in a Fire Support Request (FSR)?

A Fire Support Request (FSR) is a critical document designed to communicate the necessary details for engaging a target with fire support assets effectively. The essential information that must be included highlights the target location and the desired effects of the fire support.

Specifically, providing the target location is crucial as it helps identify the precise area that requires engagement. This ensures that the appropriate fire support assets can be allocated and guided accurately, minimizing the risk to friendly forces and non-combatants while maximizing the effectiveness of the operation. The desired effects convey what the requester hopes to achieve with the fire support, whether it be destruction, suppression, or neutralization of the target. This encompasses the intended outcomes of the engagement and informs the planning and execution conducted by supporting units.

In contrast, while other elements like estimated costs, personnel availability, and historical data may be relevant in broader operational contexts or for planning purposes, they are not fundamental requirements specific to the FSR itself. These details do not directly facilitate the immediate communication and action needed for calling in fire support. Thus, the emphasis remains firmly on the target location and desired effects to ensure operational effectiveness.