3-36. A support by fire position is the general position from which a unit performs the tactical mission task of support by fire. The purpose of a support by fire position is to increase the supported force’s freedom of maneuver by placing direct fires on an objective that a friendly force assaults. Commanders select support by fire positions so that the moving assault force does not mask its supporting fires. Support by fire positions are normally located on the flank of the assault force and elevated above the objective. Support by fire positions rarely apply to units larger than company size.