What is one of the primary causes of first-round misses in direct fire engagements?

One of the primary causes of first-round misses in direct fire engagements is range determination. Accurate range estimation is critical because it affects the projectile's trajectory. If the range to the target is miscalculated, even by a small margin, it can lead to significant deviations in where the round impacts. The ballistic performance of the weapon system varies with distance, and without correct range data, adjustments cannot be made effectively, resulting in missed shots.

In direct fire scenarios, the ability to determine range impacts the effectiveness of elevation adjustments on the weapon's sights, influencing whether the round lands high, low, short, or long. Thus, the importance of accurate range determination in achieving first-round hits cannot be overstated.