What is the primary purpose of obscuring smoke on the battlefield?

The primary purpose of obscuring smoke on the battlefield is to disrupt enemy vision. This tactic helps to create a visual barrier that hinders the enemy's ability to observe troop movements, target friendly forces, and engage effectively. By obstructing sightlines, obscuring smoke allows for tactical maneuvers, the concealment of positions, and the ability to initiate surprise attacks.

While marking targets, protecting troops, and signaling to allies are all important functions in various combat scenarios, they do not encompass the main strategic use of obscuring smoke in the context of battlefield operations. The smoke's primary role is to impair the enemy's situational awareness, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of friendly units.