Clearance of fires is the process of what?

• A. Approving or obtaining approval for attacking targets with indirect fires
• B. Scheduling direct-fire engagements
• C. Approving airspace clearance
• D. Coordinating with allied forces for light arms fire

Answer: (A)

Clearance of fires is the process of obtaining authorization to attack targets with indirect fires, ensuring safety and deconfliction with friendly forces and other operations. It involves confirming the target is valid, ensuring the planned fire won't endanger friendly units or noncombatants, and securing the necessary approvals from the fire support coordination system before an indirect-fire asset (artillery, mortars, rockets) fires. This concept centers on indirect fires, not direct-fire engagements, airspace management, or coordinating for light arms fire. So, the activity described—approving or obtaining approval to attack targets with indirect fires—best captures what clearance of fires entails.