What information about the target's protection should be included?

The inclusion of the type of cover present in the information about a target's protection is crucial because it directly impacts the effectiveness of potential fire support operations. Understanding the nature of the cover allows fire support teams to assess how well the target is protected from incoming fire and which munitions would be most effective in neutralizing or suppressing that target. Different types of cover, such as natural terrains like hills and urban structures, each provide varying degrees of protection, influencing tactical decisions.

In contrast, while the size and shape of the target, what the target is doing, and the time of last sighting are important in their own right, they do not specifically address the protective measures in place. Information about the size and shape may aid in identifying the target, the target's activities might indicate its intent, and the timing of the last sighting can help determine its current status, but none of these directly inform the capabilities of fire support to effectively engage the target in its protected state.