What term describes the use of direct fires, supported by indirect fires, to engage an enemy without closing?

• A. Attack By Fire (ABF)
• B. Objective (OBJ)
• C. Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA)
• D. Phase Line (MCM)

Answer: (A)

Attack by fire describes using direct fires, supported by indirect fires, to engage the enemy at a distance without closing to contact. Direct fires come from weapons you can observe and aim at, like rifles, machine guns, or tanks, while indirect fires from artillery or mortars shape the battlefield, suppress, and degrade the enemy’s ability to maneuver. The combination fixes and disrupts the enemy, creating an opportunity for your forces to maneuver later or hold positions without a close-quarters assault.

The other options don’t describe a method of firing. An objective is simply the target of an operation. FEBA refers to the forward edge of the battle area—the boundary used for maneuver limits. A phase line is a planning/fires coordination line on the map.