When should the DD1972 be submitted?

• A. During Plan
• B. During MA
• C. After Mission
• D. After COA Analysis

Answer: (B)

Submitting a fire support request during Mission Analysis ensures fires planning is integrated from the start of the operation. This early submission allows the staff to identify the required fires, align them with the mission’s objectives, and coordinate with available assets while developing the initial course of action. It gives time to resolve targeting, timing, and integration with other fire support and maneuver concepts before the plan is finalized. If you wait until Plan, COA Analysis, or after the mission has moved forward, you lose planning flexibility, risk misalignment with the chosen COA, and may cause delays or rework as the plan is executed. Hence, the best time is during Mission Analysis.