In the context of battle drills, what does "suppress" involve?

In the context of battle drills, "suppress" refers specifically to the action of providing cover fire. This is a tactical maneuver aimed at gaining fire superiority over the enemy, thereby limiting their ability to return fire or to maneuver effectively. Suppression is essential during combat operations as it creates opportunities for maneuvering troops, such as the advance of friendly forces or repositioning to a more advantageous vantage point.

When one unit suppresses the enemy, it typically involves delivering an effective volume of fire to keep the enemy pinned down and unable to engage or respond adequately. This function is critical to support other battle drills, such as flanking maneuvers or direct assaults, allowing units to operate with a lower risk of casualty. Suppression can also encompass the use of indirect firing systems, such as mortars or artillery, alongside small arms, to enhance its effectiveness.

The other choices, while related to battle drills, do not encapsulate the specific tactical implication of "suppress." Controlling an area involves broader operational aspects, reorganizing troops focuses on internal unit management, and attacking the enemy refers to directly engaging them rather than creating conditions that enable further actions.