What is the primary purpose of occupying a support by fire position?

The primary purpose of occupying a support by fire position is to draw enemy fire away from the main attack. This tactical maneuver allows for a unit to provide covering fire to suppress or distract the enemy, making it easier for another unit to maneuver or assault the enemy’s position without being engaged as heavily.

In this context, a support by fire position is strategically selected to allow the supporting unit to effectively engage the enemy while minimizing exposure and providing the necessary support for the attacking unit. By drawing attention and fire away from the primary assaulting force, the chances of success for the main attack are greatly increased.

Other options, while relevant to military operations, do not capture the essence of the specific support by fire tactic. Deploying troops for an assault relates more to the execution of an offensive operation rather than the supportive role provided in a fire position. Securing the perimeter of a base focuses more on defensive operations, while maintaining communications with command is a crucial operational capability but does not directly align with the purpose of a support by fire position.