Experts Reveal What's Behind the Call for a Standardized "Call for Fire" Template

A growing chorus of voices within the military and defense technology sectors is advocating for a standardized “Call for Fire” (CFF) template. This seemingly technical issue has far-reaching implications for the speed, accuracy, and ultimately, the lethality of modern artillery and air support. Experts argue that a unified template could significantly reduce friendly fire incidents, improve interoperability between allied forces, and accelerate the sensor-to-shooter kill chain. But what's driving this push, and what are the potential hurdles to implementation?

What is "Call for Fire?"

"Call for Fire" is the process by which a forward observer, ground unit, or other qualified individual requests indirect fire support, such as artillery, naval gunfire, or air strikes, to engage an enemy target. This request includes critical information like the target's location, description, and any specific instructions on how the fire should be delivered. The process, while seemingly straightforward, is prone to errors due to the complexity of battlefield communications and the varying protocols employed by different units and nations.

Who is Calling for a Standardized Template?

The call for standardization is coming from a diverse range of actors. Frontline troops, particularly those who have experienced the frustration of delayed or inaccurate fire support, are a key constituency. Military technology developers, eager to integrate new sensors and targeting systems, see a standardized template as a crucial enabler. Finally, military leadership, concerned with improving interoperability and reducing risk, are increasingly recognizing the potential benefits. Organizations like the Joint Fires Element (JFE) within various military branches are actively studying the feasibility and potential impact of a unified template.

When and Where Did This Issue Emerge?

The need for improved CFF procedures has been a persistent concern throughout military history. However, the urgency has intensified in recent decades due to several factors. The rise of asymmetric warfare, where enemies blend into civilian populations, has increased the risk of collateral damage and friendly fire. The proliferation of advanced sensors and targeting technologies offers the potential for far more precise fire support, but only if the information is communicated effectively. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of multinational operations highlights the challenges of coordinating fire support across different national standards.

"The issue of interoperability has been a recurring theme in coalition operations," notes Dr. Elizabeth Stone, a defense analyst at the Center for Strategic Studies. "During operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, coalition forces frequently encountered difficulties coordinating fire support due to differing CFF protocols and data formats."

Why is Standardization Important?

The rationale behind the push for standardization rests on several key pillars:

• Increased Speed and Accuracy: A standardized template would eliminate ambiguity and reduce the time required to process and transmit CFF requests. By ensuring that all information is presented in a consistent format, it minimizes the risk of misinterpretation and errors. This translates to faster response times and more accurate targeting.


• Reduced Friendly Fire: One of the most compelling arguments for standardization is its potential to reduce the risk of friendly fire incidents. By providing a clear and unambiguous framework for communicating target information, it helps to prevent errors that can lead to tragic consequences. A 2022 study by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command found that ambiguous or incomplete CFF requests were a contributing factor in approximately 15% of friendly fire incidents.


• Improved Interoperability: In an increasingly interconnected world, military operations are rarely conducted in isolation. A standardized CFF template would enable seamless communication and coordination between allied forces, regardless of their national origin. This is particularly crucial in multinational coalitions, where different units may use different protocols and data formats.


• Facilitation of Technological Integration: The development of new sensors, targeting systems, and fire control technologies is outpacing the ability of existing CFF procedures to adapt. A standardized template would provide a common framework for integrating these technologies, enabling more efficient and effective fire support. For example, integrating AI-powered target recognition systems would be significantly easier with a uniform input format.

Historical Context: A Long-Standing Challenge

The quest for standardization in military communications is not new. Throughout history, armies have struggled with the challenges of coordinating fire support across different units and branches. Early attempts at standardization focused on basic terminology and procedures. However, the advent of modern communication technologies, such as radio and computers, has created new opportunities for improvement. During World War II, the development of standardized fire control tables and communication protocols significantly improved the accuracy and effectiveness of artillery fire. The Vietnam War saw the introduction of more sophisticated targeting systems and communication networks, but the lack of standardization remained a persistent problem.

Current Developments and Potential Solutions

Several initiatives are underway to address the issue of CFF standardization. The U.S. military is exploring the development of a new, digital CFF template that would be compatible with existing and future communication systems. This template would incorporate a range of features, including:

• Standardized Data Fields: Clear and consistent data fields for target location, description, and other critical information.


• Digital Data Transmission: The ability to transmit CFF requests electronically, reducing the risk of errors and improving speed.


• Integration with Geospatial Data: Seamless integration with geospatial data and mapping systems, enabling more accurate targeting.


• Support for Multiple Fire Support Assets: The ability to request fire support from a variety of sources, including artillery, naval gunfire, and air strikes.

NATO is also working on developing a standardized CFF protocol for use by its member nations. This protocol would be based on existing best practices and would be designed to be compatible with a range of different communication systems.

Likely Next Steps

The next steps in the push for CFF standardization will likely involve:

• Further Research and Development: Continued research and development of new CFF templates and technologies.


• Field Testing and Evaluation: Rigorous field testing and evaluation of proposed solutions to ensure their effectiveness and usability.


• Interoperability Testing: Thorough interoperability testing with allied forces to ensure seamless communication and coordination.


• Training and Education: Comprehensive training and education programs to ensure that all personnel are proficient in the use of the new CFF template.


• Policy and Doctrine Updates: Updates to military policy and doctrine to reflect the new standardized CFF procedures.

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite the potential benefits, the path to CFF standardization is not without its challenges. Resistance to change within the military, particularly from those who are comfortable with existing procedures, could slow down the process. Technical challenges, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems and developing user-friendly interfaces, will also need to be addressed. Furthermore, the need to balance standardization with the flexibility required to adapt to different operational environments will be a key consideration.

"One of the biggest challenges will be overcoming cultural resistance to change," argues retired General Mark Thompson, a former commander of artillery units. "Many soldiers are used to doing things a certain way, and they may be reluctant to adopt new procedures, even if they are more efficient."

Ultimately, the success of the push for CFF standardization will depend on the ability of military leaders, technology developers, and frontline troops to work together to develop and implement a solution that meets the needs of the modern battlefield. The potential benefits – increased speed, accuracy, reduced friendly fire, and improved interoperability – are simply too significant to ignore.