Positive Control is established through designated control measures with the appropriate agencies in joint fires. Which pair is correct?

• A. Fire support and air control agencies
• B. Ground forces and medical teams
• C. Logistics and maintenance
• D. Civilian authorities and engineers

Answer: (A)

Positive control means fires are directed under a designated authority using formal control measures to ensure proper clearance and risk management across joint forces. In this framework, control is exercised through the coordination of the systems that actually deliver fires (fire support) and those that manage airspace and air-delivered effects (air control). Together they maintain a clear, authorized chain of control for both surface and air-delivered fires, preventing unauthorized or mistaken engagements and enabling deconfliction. Therefore, pairing fire support with air control agencies provides the needed positive control. The other options involve units and functions (ground forces with medical teams; logistics and maintenance; civilian authorities and engineers) that, while essential to operations, do not constitute the agencies designated to exercise positive control of joint fires.