What is time on target (TOT) in fire support?

What is time on target (TOT) in fire support?

• A. The maximum range a munition can travel.
• B. The scheduled moment when the fire is expected to impact the target.
• C. The altitude at which the asset operates.
• D. The time required to identify the target.

Answer: (B)

Time on target is the scheduled moment when the fire is expected to impact the target. In fire support, planners estimate how long a round will take to reach the target based on weapon type, range, and conditions, then set a TOT so all fires arrive together for maximum effect and coordination with the supported unit’s actions. It’s about synchronizing the impact, not about how far the projectile can travel, the altitude of the asset, or the time to identify the target.

Time on target is the scheduled moment when the fire is expected to impact the target. In fire support, planners estimate how long a round will take to reach the target based on weapon type, range, and conditions, then set a TOT so all fires arrive together for maximum effect and coordination with the supported unit’s actions. It’s about synchronizing the impact, not about how far the projectile can travel, the altitude of the asset, or the time to identify the target.