What is the purpose of Economy of Fires in military operations?

The purpose of Economy of Fires in military operations centers around the principle of conserving ammunition while ensuring that fire support remains effective. This approach emphasizes the efficient use of available firepower to achieve maximum impact on the enemy while minimizing unnecessary expenditure of resources. By strategically managing how and when fires are utilized, military operations can maintain operational momentum and sustain their combat effectiveness over time.

This philosophy also allows commanders to prioritize targets and allocate resources more judiciously, ensuring that each round fired contributes directly to mission success. Such an approach is critical in prolonged engagements where ammunition and logistics may become constrained. The economy of fires ultimately aims to balance the need for effective fire support with resource management, making it essential for strategic planning in military operations.