What is the objective of proactive counterfire?

• A. Identify, locate, and attack the enemy's strike capability before it can impact friendly operations.
• B. Delay engagement until after enemy attack to minimize risk.
• C. Concentrate only on targeting enemy command posts after engagement.
• D. Provide only defensive fire without preemption.

Answer: (A)

Proactive counterfire is about denying the enemy the chance to strike by finding and neutralizing their firing assets before they can fire again. The objective is to identify, locate, and attack the enemy’s strike capability before it can impact friendly operations. By rapidly detecting where fires are coming from and engaging those positions, you disrupt the enemy’s ability to shoot, reduce the volume of incoming fire, and protect troops and critical assets. This requires timely sensing, accurate targeting data, and swift action to suppress or destroy firing units before they can unleash another volley. Waiting to engage after an attack leaves troops exposed and lets the enemy maintain leverage, while focusing only on post-engagement targets or providing defensive fire without preemption fails to reduce the enemy’s overall fire capability.