Who is in charge of the FIST and is the principal fire support advisor to the commander when attached to or supporting a company or troop?

The Company/Troop Fire Support Officer (FSO) serves as the principal fire support advisor to the commander when attached to or supporting a company or troop. This role is crucial, as the FSO is responsible for coordinating and integrating fire support with the maneuver elements, ensuring that the commander has the necessary firepower to achieve their objectives. The FSO is specifically trained to assess the operational environment and communicate effectively with both the company or troop and artillery or other fire support units, allowing for efficient and effective use of artillery, mortars, and air support.

In the context of company or troop operations, the FSO’s ability to coordinate and advise on fire support directly impacts mission success. While other positions, such as the Battalion/Squadron FSO and other fire support non-commissioned officers, play important roles at higher echelons, it is the Company/Troop FSO who directly influences the fire support for the smaller tactical units. This chain of command and the specific assignments of responsibilities ensure that fire support is appropriately utilized to meet the needs of the troops on the ground.