What must be confirmed before designating a contact as 'HOSTILE'?

Designating a contact as 'HOSTILE' involves a critical assessment of the situation and the rules of engagement. Before any action—including engaging the contact—is taken, clearance to fire must be authorized. This authorization is essential to ensure that the rules of engagement and operational procedures are followed. It is founded on the principle that friendly forces are protected, and engagement decisions are made with appropriate command oversight.

This safeguard minimizes the risk of misidentification and potential fratricide, ensuring that all actions taken are justified and legally supported. Additionally, it is vital in military operations where the engagement of a potential threat must be balanced against the risks to innocent parties or friendly assets in the vicinity. Thus, the requirement for clearance to fire is directly tied to maintaining operational discipline and legality in military engagements.