What is the primary purpose of an illumination mission in support of ground troops?

The primary purpose of an illumination mission in support of ground troops is to enhance visibility of enemies. This type of mission is designed to light up a specific area on the battlefield, typically using flares or other illumination devices. By illuminating the environment, friendly forces can better recognize enemy positions, movements, and tactics during nighttime operations or in low-visibility conditions. This increased visibility allows for informed decision-making and enhances situational awareness, ultimately improving the effectiveness of ground troop operations.

While cover fire, signaling for reinforcements, and disrupting enemy communication may be tactics employed in different contexts during combat, they do not represent the main objective of illumination missions. The focus for illumination is strictly to enhance visibility, making it easier for troops to see threats and dangers in their vicinity.