Which of the following is a primary goal of a Final Protective Fire?

The primary goal of a Final Protective Fire (FPF) is to create a barrier against enemy forces, effectively impeding their advancement. This is a vital concept in artillery and maneuver defense as it serves to protect friendly forces from enemy attacks, particularly in situations where ground forces are either under threat or cannot provide adequate support. The FPF is designed to disrupt and halt enemy movements, providing soldiers with a critical defensive measure to safeguard their positions.

In contrast, providing reconnaissance focuses on gathering intelligence rather than directly countering enemy movements, which is not the main purpose of an FPF. Establishing troop movements refers to maneuvering friendly forces, rather than the defensive action of hindering the enemy. Creating a diversion might distract or mislead the enemy, but it does not serve the fundamental purpose of directly stopping their advance in a defensive context like an FPF does. The emphasis on stopping enemy progression highlights the role of an FPF as a defensive artillery coordination that directly impacts the battlefield dynamics.