What action should be taken if a target is danger close to friendlies during a mission?

What action should be taken if a target is danger close to friendlies during a mission?

• A. Abort or adjust fire to avoid endangering friendly forces, while maintaining mission objectives.
• B. Continue firing until the target is neutralized to preserve mission momentum.
• C. Move the gun closer to the target to improve accuracy.
• D. Call in air support instead of artillery.

Answer: (A)

When danger close to friendlies, safety comes first. The right move is to abort or adjust the fire so the rounds won’t threaten your own troops, while still aiming to accomplish the mission. This means coordinating with the observer/fire direction center to shift the fire pattern, range, or direction, or to switch to a different asset or munition that can strike the target with less risk to friendlies. The goal is to protect troops without abandoning the mission, which is why continuing fire, moving the gun closer, or automatically substituting air support without re-evaluating proximity would violate safety and control standards.

When danger close to friendlies, safety comes first. The right move is to abort or adjust the fire so the rounds won’t threaten your own troops, while still aiming to accomplish the mission. This means coordinating with the observer/fire direction center to shift the fire pattern, range, or direction, or to switch to a different asset or munition that can strike the target with less risk to friendlies. The goal is to protect troops without abandoning the mission, which is why continuing fire, moving the gun closer, or automatically substituting air support without re-evaluating proximity would violate safety and control standards.