What is the primary function of a Fire Support Team (FST)?

The primary function of a Fire Support Team (FST) is to provide tactical guidance for artillery and indirect fire. This role is crucial because the FST is tasked with coordinating and directing fire support for infantry units on the ground. They assess the battlefield, identify targets, and communicate with artillery units to ensure accurate and effective fire that supports the mission objectives without compromising the safety of friendly forces.

The seamless integration of artillery and indirect fire into ground operations is vital for enhancing the combat effectiveness of infantry units. FST members are trained to analyze various factors such as enemy positions, terrain, and potential collateral damage to maximize the impact of fire support while minimizing risks.

In contrast, initiating ground-based combat operations, while important, is not the specific function of an FST as their focus is on coordinating existing fire support assets rather than leading engagements. Supporting infantry with air strikes is more aligned with close air support teams, which specialize in air-ground coordination. Managing supplies for operational units is essential for logistics but is not part of the FST's responsibilities. Thus, providing tactical guidance for artillery and indirect fire encapsulates the core mission of the Fire Support Team.