During a low-level air attack, under what condition may the patrol return fire?

In a military context, the rules of engagement during a low-level air attack are crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel and maintaining tactical control. The correct response highlights that the patrol should only return fire on order from the patrol leader. This is significant because it emphasizes the need for command and control during a potentially chaotic and dangerous situation.

By waiting for the patrol leader's order, it ensures that the decision to engage is made with the full situational awareness and tactical strategy in mind. The patrol leader is responsible for assessing the threat level, the potential for collateral damage, and the overall mission objectives. This hierarchical structure prevents disorganized and rash decisions that could put the patrol or civilians at unnecessary risk.

Moreover, this approach promotes the discipline that is essential in combat scenarios, reducing the likelihood of friendly fire incidents and ensuring that actions taken in response to the enemy are calculated and coordinated. The other options, while they might seem viable, do not align with the principles of command, control, and effective engagement that are critical during operations.