What is one of the primary objectives of suppressive fire?

The primary objective of suppressive fire is to reduce the enemy's capability to observe or move. This tactic is essential in maintaining the initiative during combat operations, as it disrupts the enemy's ability to effectively target friendly forces or coordinate their movements. By keeping the enemy pinned down through continuous fire, a unit can secure a tactical advantage, allowing them to maneuver or reposition with less risk of being engaged. This tactical application of firepower creates a scenario where the enemy is less able to communicate and coordinate their actions, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of military operations.

The other options, while related to combat operations, do not accurately capture the essence of what suppressive fire aims to achieve. Destroying equipment or encouraging an enemy's surrender, for example, falls under different operational goals that may be pursued, but they do not specifically address the immediate tactical purpose of suppressive fire in terms of controlling enemy movement and observation. Enhancing visibility of friendly forces does not align with the primary intent of saturating a specific area with fire to inhibit enemy actions.