Fire support is long-range
firepower provided to a front-line military unit. Typically, fire support is provided by
artillery or
close air support (usually directed by a
forward observer), and is used to shape the battlefield or, more optimistically, define the battle.
Warships, for example, have long provided
naval gunfire support.
Artillery observers allow adjusting fire. Fire support has been used since the advent of
cannons in warfare as artillery. Fire support, as an extension, is the marriage of artillery to the forces in contact. It is the direct ability to properly use artillery. It is distinct from
direct fire, which is provided by the forces in contact.