What are the five requirements for achieving accurate first-round fire for effect?

The five requirements for achieving accurate first-round fire for effect are crucial to ensure that artillery or other fire support assets can effectively hit the target on the first round.

Accurate Target Location and Size is foundational because the success of fire support hinges on precisely identifying where the target is located and understanding its dimensions. This ensures that the fire is directed to the correct coordinates and takes into account the target's physical characteristics, which can influence how munitions will impact. If the target is inaccurately located, or its size misjudged, even a well-planned fire mission can miss the intended impact area.

While other factors like firing unit location, weapon and ammunition information, and meteorological conditions are also critical to the overall success of a fire mission, the accuracy of the target location and its size is the most essential first step. Without correct target data, no amount of technical precision in firing unit placement, weapon choice, or meteorological assessments can compensate for missing the target entirely.