Fire support

The United States Department of Defense defines fire support as "fires that directly support land, maritime, amphibious, and special operations forces to engage enemy forces, combat formations, and facilities in pursuit of tactical and operational objectives.

"[1] Fire support generally consists of fire from heavy or crew-served weaponry with high firepower, including strikes and barrages from artillery, mortars, rocket artillery, and missiles; naval gunfire support from naval artillery; airstrikes, strafes, and close air support from military aircraft; and drone strikes from unmanned combat aerial vehicles; among various other forms.

on the front line, and provided by a weapon crew or operator in the rear, usually from a fortification, vehicle, or facility (such as a fire support base).

For example, an infantry unit needing heavy explosives to bombard an enemy emplacement, or a large smoke screen to cover their advance, and lacking the ability to do so themselves (e.g. insufficient effectiveness using grenades), may call for fire support from a capable nearby mortar unit.

Fire support can reduce friendly casualties whilst devastating enemy capabilities and morale.

The use of fire support in its current form developed during World War I and World War II, when combined arms and advances in technology and tactics made fire support increasingly effective.

By around 1550, the French had begun categorizing their guns by caliber, leading to a more organized formation of artillery.

By the mid-18th century artillery pieces were making an appearance in North America, most notably during the French and Indian War.

During the Vietnam War, fire support was used to flush out Viet Cong positions.

Most notably, napalm was used to destroy forests and jungles, resulting in less cover for the enemy.

During Operation Desert Storm the United States used fire support, particularly onboard naval craft to bombard positions.

During this operation, we also see the introduction of drones into combat, as a way to provide fire support from the air without a manned aircraft.

During Operation Desert storm, Artillery was used to achieve a decisive victory by coalition forces.

More recently Artillery has been used in the Russo-Ukrainian war to bombard troops and key positions.

As of 2023, Fire support by tanks and artillery have been used by the Israeli Defense Force to bombard key positions in the war against Hamas.

and German Field Artillery in World War II: A Comparison.” The Army Historical Foundation, 7 Apr.

“Weapons - Drones (Rpvs) | The Gulf War | Frontline.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 1993, www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/weapons/drones.html#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20May%201991,Corps%2094%3B%20the%20Army%2048.

and German Field Artillery in World War II: A Comparison.” The Army Historical Foundation, 7 Apr.

A graduate of the Naval Academy in 1930 Commander McMillian has had considerable and varied experience in connection with gunfire support strategy and tactics.

Manucy, Albert C. Artillery through the Ages: A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America.

A graduate of the Naval Academy in 1930 Commander McMillian has had considerable and varied experience in connection with gunfire support strategy and tactics.

Manucy, Albert C. Artillery through the Ages: A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America.