What is a Master Fire Control and who typically serves in that role?

• A. The central authority coordinating fire support; typically the Fire Support Coordinator (FSCOORD) or Fire Support Cell.
• B. A unit on the frontline that engages targets with direct fire.
• C. An external civilian agency managing airspace.
• D. A satellite system transmitting fire missions.

Answer: (A)

Master Fire Control is the centralized authority that brings together all fire support assets to plan, coordinate, and execute fires in line with the commander’s intent. It serves as the hub where requests for fires are received, prioritized, and allocated across artillery, mortars, air support, and other shooters, while ensuring deconfliction and timing across the battlespace.

Typically, this role is filled by the Fire Support Coordinator (FSCOORD) or by a Fire Support Cell within the supported unit’s staff. The FSCOORD acts as the central point of contact for all fire support matters, coordinating with maneuver units, observers, and weapon systems to ensure that fires are delivered where and when they’re needed and are synchronized with the overall plan.

Why the other descriptions don’t fit: a frontline unit focuses on directly engaging targets rather than coordinating all fire support across assets; an external civilian agency doesn’t control military fire support operations; and a satellite system isn’t a person or cell responsible for directing and coordinating fires.