Which step follows identifying the enemy in the DIDEA process?

In the DIDEA (Detect, Identify, Decide, Engage, Assess) process, the step that follows identifying the enemy is to decide whether to engage. This decision hinges on the information gathered during the identification phase, where the nature of the threat is evaluated.

Once the enemy has been positively identified, it is crucial for a commander or operator to assess the situation and decide the best course of action. This involves weighing factors such as the potential risk to friendly forces, the legality of engaging the target, the appropriate level of force needed, and the overall operational objectives. Thus, the decision to engage is a pivotal moment that dictates all subsequent actions and is essential for effective engagement based on the situation at hand.

The other options represent steps that either happen before or after this decision-making moment in the DIDEA sequence, which reinforces the importance of the decision step in achieving successful outcomes during direct fire engagements.