On what basis is the effectiveness of a fire mission evaluated?

The effectiveness of a fire mission is primarily evaluated based on whether the achieved objectives align with the intended outcomes and the extent of target damage. This focus on achieving objectives ensures that the mission’s goals are met, whether that's neutralizing a specific threat, providing support to ground troops, or impacting enemy capabilities. Evaluation of damage to the target gives concrete evidence of the mission's success, allowing for an assessment of how well resources were utilized and whether tactical goals were satisfied.

In contrast, simply counting the number of rounds fired, receiving feedback from safety observers, or measuring the speed of engagement provides limited insight into the overall effectiveness of the mission. These factors do contribute to operational considerations but do not directly reflect the success of achieving the desired effect on the target. Therefore, assessing the actual outcomes in relation to mission objectives is the most reliable basis for evaluating effectiveness in a fire mission.