In artillery, what does "fire control" entail?

Fire control in artillery is primarily concerned with the effective direction and management of fire support to achieve intended tactical objectives. This involves a series of procedures and practices that ensure accurate targeting, timely delivery of firepower, and the integration of artillery into overall battlefield operations.

In the context of artillery operations, effective fire control encompasses the use of data regarding enemy positions, terrain, and weather conditions to calculate firing solutions. It also includes communication with forward observers and other units to confirm targets and adjust fire as necessary, ensuring that artillery support is coordinated and maximally effective.

The other options, while related to artillery operations, do not capture the essence of fire control. Managing ammunition supply is crucial for maintaining operational capability but does not directly involve the tactics of directing fire. Cleaning equipment is vital for maintenance but falls outside the scope of fire control itself. Reducing firepower is counterproductive to the concept of fire control, which seeks to maximize the effectiveness of artillery on the battlefield.