Which of the following is a principle of Fire Support Coordination?

• A. Provide air superiority
• B. Operate in isolation
• C. Integrate fire support with Scheme of maneuver
• D. Support force in contact

Answer: (C)

Fire support coordination centers on making fires work with how the unit plans to move and fight. When fire support is integrated with the scheme of maneuver, artillery, mortars, and air fires are synchronized with the unit’s movements and timing so that suppressive or destructive effects are applied exactly where and when they will most help the maneuvering force. This coordination shapes the battlefield, protects advancing elements, and creates opportunities for decisive action, while also reducing the risk of friendly fire through proper deconfliction and sequencing.

Context helps: the scheme of maneuver is the commander’s plan for how forces will maneuver to achieve the objective, so linking fire support to that plan ensures fires directly support that plan rather than acting in isolation. The other options describe objectives or tasks (like achieving air superiority or operating alone) that don’t capture the coordination of fires with movement.