Definition

Noun Fire directed at enemy troops, weapons, or positions that are in close proximity to the friendly unit being supported. This fire is intended to neutralize the most immediate and serious threats to that unit.

Usage

This is a specific military term used to describe a type of tactical fire support. It is typically coordinated directly with the supported unit to ensure safety and effectiveness against nearby threats.

Examples

• The infantry company called for close supporting fire to suppress the enemy machine gun nest on the adjacent hill.
• Effective close supporting fire requires precise coordination between the forward observers and the artillery battery.
• The doctrine emphasizes the role of close supporting fire in enabling maneuver forces to advance.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to or , which target enemy forces farther from the front lines.
• It is a key component of combined arms operations, integrating infantry, armor, and artillery.

Variants and Related Words

• Close support (n): The broader tactical concept of providing immediate assistance to engaged units, which includes but is not limited to fire support.
• Direct support (n): A similar term, often specifying a support unit (e.g., an artillery battalion) is dedicated to a particular maneuver unit.

Synonyms

• Immediate fire support
• Direct fire support (in some contexts, though this can imply line-of-sight weapons)

Related Phrases

• Call for fire: The process used by a forward observer to request artillery or mortar fire, which may result in close supporting fire.
• Fire mission: A specific task given to a fire support unit, which could be a close supporting fire mission.

Noun

1. fire on enemy troops or weapons or positions that are near the supported unit and are the most immediate and serious threat to it