Which option best describes the purpose of Final Protective Fires?

Final Protective Fires (FPF) are a critical element in defensive operations, designed specifically to protect friendly forces from enemy assault. The primary objective of FPF is to impede enemy movement across defensive lines at a critical moment, thereby disrupting their approach and providing a crucial lifeline for defenders. By delivering rapid and accurate fire on enemy forces attempting to breach these lines, FPF aims to halt their advance, create confusion, and reduce the effectiveness of their attack.

This tactic ensures that defenders can modify their tactics and reinforce their positions, ultimately increasing their chances of survival and mission success. The effectiveness of FPF relies on the element of surprise, timing, and coordination with other combat elements, making them an essential component of defensive firefighting strategies.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of FPF. Marking enemy positions for precision strikes, establishing temporary firing positions, and providing cover for advancing units are not aligned with the fundamental purpose of Final Protective Fires. While each of those actions can be important in different contexts, they do not specifically focus on halting an enemy's advance across established lines, which is the core intent of FPF.