What is a primary factor when allocating fire support assets?

When considering the allocation of fire support assets, weather conditions play a crucial role. Adverse weather can significantly impact the effectiveness of various fire support systems, such as artillery, airstrikes, or mortar fire. For example, heavy rain, fog, or high winds can reduce visibility, disrupt targeting capabilities, and affect the accuracy of munitions. Similarly, certain weather conditions can limit the operational capacity of air support, making it vital to assess and understand these factors before deploying fire support assets. This ensures that the support provided aligns with operational effectiveness and minimizes risks to both friendly forces and civilians in the area.

While mission objectives, availability of personnel, and military training levels are essential considerations in fire support planning, they are secondary to the immediate and potentially overriding influence of weather conditions on the success of fire support operations.