What is a tactical mission that uses direct fires, supported by indirect fires to engage an enemy force without closing the enemy to destroy, fix, or deceive?

• A. Attack by Fire
• B. Pursuit
• C. Direct Fire
• D. Fire by Fire

Answer: (A)

This question tests recognizing a mission where you engage the enemy with direct-fire weapons while indirect-fire assets shape and support the fight, all while keeping distance from the enemy. Attacking by fire is about delivering direct-fire effects from your own positions, with artillery or mortars providing indirect fires to suppress, fix, or disrupt the enemy’s ability to maneuver. The emphasis is on affecting the enemy from range rather than closing in for a close-quarters assault.

Direct fire alone would describe simply shooting at the enemy you can see, but without the coordinated support of indirect fires, you’re not capturing the full concept. Fire by fire isn’t a standard term used to describe this disciplined mix of fires, and pursuit implies closing with the enemy to destroy or fix them, which isn’t the situation described here.