What is the primary goal of a fire support team (FIST)?

The primary goal of a fire support team (FIST) is centered around coordinating air support. This involves integrating various fire support assets, which may include air-to-ground munitions, into the larger scheme of battle in order to achieve mission objectives effectively. A FIST operates as a tactical liaison, ensuring that air support is utilized efficiently and effectively to provide timely and accurate fire on designated targets.

The role of the FIST is crucial in the joint and combined arms operations environment, where close coordination with both aviation and artillery is necessary to optimize the effects of fires on the battlefield. This coordination improves situational awareness among the team and enhances their ability to communicate critical information to commanders, leading to decisive advantages in combat scenarios.

While managing logistics, conducting reconnaissance, and providing artillery information are important functions in military operations, they are not the primary focus or operational goal of the FIST. Instead, the FIST is primarily concerned with fires and their integration within the maneuver framework, mainly focusing on facilitating effective air support.