How does C2 coordinate fires and prevent fratricide?

• A. By allowing unconstrained engagement
• B. By delaying all fires until approval
• C. Through COP, FSCMs, ROE clarity, and precise targeting status and location data
• D. By relying on informal etiquette

Answer: (C)

Coordinating fires and preventing fratricide rests on a disciplined C2 process that ties together a common operational picture, formal fire support coordination, clear engagement constraints, and accurate targeting data. The common operational picture gives every unit and shooter a single, shared view of the battlespace—friendly locations, friendly and enemy activity, and planned fires—so actions are visible and deconflicted. Fire support coordinating measures codify how fires can be planned and executed, including restrictions, boundaries, and procedures that prevent fires from overlapping or targeting the wrong element. Clear rules of engagement remove ambiguity about when and how fires may be used, ensuring units operate under the same authorization and criteria. Precise targeting status and location data keep target information up to date and accurate, preventing misidentification and ensuring shooters have reliable coordinates and status before engaging.

All of this together lets fires be timely, accurate, and safely coordinated, reducing the chance of fratricide. Unconstrained engagement would undermine deconfliction; delaying all fires stalls operations and can miss opportunities; relying on informal etiquette lacks the formal authority and traceability needed for safe, synchronized fires.