Which of the following is NOT considered an element of a fire command?

The correct answer is that communication method is not considered an element of a fire command. Fire commands are structured elements that detail how fires will be executed to achieve specific objectives on the battlefield. These commands typically include several key components, such as weapon/ammunition specifications, execution instructions (to tell the unit what to do), and termination criteria (to indicate when the fire mission should cease).

Communication methods, while critical for conveying commands and coordinating action during operations, are more about the means of transmitting the fire command rather than forming part of the command itself. The focus of fire command elements is on the tactical decisions and instructions lying at the heart of engaging the target. This distinction is crucial for understanding how to structure and deliver effective fire commands in operational scenarios.