With whom does the patrol coordinate fire support?

The patrol coordinates fire support with the weapons platoon commander, as this individual oversees all fire support assets within the unit. The weapons platoon typically includes machine guns, mortars, and anti-armor weaponry, which are crucial for providing the necessary firepower during a patrol. These capabilities allow the patrol to enhance their operational effectiveness through effective suppression and destruction of enemy targets when needed.

The weapons platoon commander has the tactical expertise to advise on the best use of these assets to support the patrol's mission while ensuring coordination and deconfliction with other fire support elements. This ensures that the patrol can maneuver effectively and safely while receiving the requisite fire support tailored to the situation on the ground.

The other options, while they may have roles in the overall command structure, are not directly responsible for coordinating fire support in the tactical setting of a patrol. Thus, the alignment between the patrol and the weapons platoon commander is critical for mission success.