What is the first step in the engagement process executed by the firing element?

The engagement process starts with the detection of potential targets. This initial step is crucial because it involves the firing element locating and identifying observable threats or items of interest in the operational environment. Detection must occur before any further actions can be taken, as the firing element needs to know what it is aiming to engage. This step sets the tone for the rest of the engagement process, which then typically follows with identifying the target, assessing the situation, and finally engaging the target.

Once detection has been established, the engagement process can effectively continue with the subsequent steps, but without first successfully detecting a target, the firing element cannot proceed to any further actions. This highlights the importance of the detection step in the overall framework of effective target engagement in military operations.