Who is responsible for issuing fire commands?

Leaders at various levels are responsible for issuing fire commands because they hold the authority and are trained to make tactical decisions on the ground. These leaders possess the situational awareness and expertise needed to assess enemy positions, determine the appropriate course of action, and communicate effective fire commands to their units. By issuing these commands, they ensure that the unit’s fire support is properly coordinated and directed to achieve tactical objectives.

Combat medics focus on treating the wounded and managing medical emergencies rather than directing fire operations, which does not fall within their scope of responsibilities. Infantrymen, while they play a vital role in executing fire commands, do not typically possess the authoritative role needed to issue them. Artillery units operate under a separate command structure and generally rely on the direction of ground forces to coordinate their fire support, but they do not issue fire commands independently in tactical situations.