In the fires planning and execution cycle, what is the step immediately after planning and coordinating fires?

• A. Execute via the Fire Direction Center (FDC).
• B. Assess effects and adjust.
• C. Receive mission guidance.
• D. Plan and coordinate fires.

Answer: (A)

After you finish planning and coordinating fires, the next step is to put the plan into action through the Fire Direction Center. The FDC is the hub that takes the plan, translates it into actionable firing data, and issues the actual fire orders to the gun crews. It combines target coordinates, weapon capabilities, firing data like ballistic solutions, fuse settings, and safety constraints, and then disseminates the firing data to the guns to execute. This is the moment the plan becomes fire on target, with timing and coordination managed by the FDC. Once firing begins, you’ll then assess the effects and adjust as needed to achieve the objective.