Are aircrews required to identify friendly locations prior to conducting an engagement after receiving a call for fire?

Aircrews are not required to identify friendly locations prior to conducting an engagement after receiving a call for fire. In military operations, while situational awareness and identification of friendly forces are crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness and safety, the specific requirement for identification is not an absolute prerequisite for engaging the identified targets.

In many cases, the call for fire is given with sufficient context and situational awareness, and aircrews may rely on established communications and protocols to confirm the safety of their engagement. The responsibility for ensuring that friendly forces are not endangered often lies with the command that issues the call for fire, which should contain all relevant information about the target area.

Additionally, operational tempos and environments may affect the ability to confirm friendly locations, especially in dynamic combat scenarios. These factors underscore the emphasis on rapid engagement capabilities, which may not always allow for identification checks prior to firing.