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The essence of a "support by fire" task lies in its primary function, which is to engage the enemy to aid another maneuver. This tactical action involves providing covering fire to suppress or neutralize enemy forces while another unit maneuver into a position or executes its objectives. In this context, "support by fire" emphasizes the importance of coordinating firepower to enable friendly forces to operate more effectively and securely.

While other options may involve elements of military strategy, they do not encapsulate the specific goal of directly assisting another unit through fire support. Replacing a unit in a designated area or executing diversionary tactics serve different purposes within military operations, and reinforcing a protective screen is focused on defense rather than the proactive engagement necessary in a "support by fire" task. Thus, the task’s essence is centered on providing tactical fire support to facilitate the success of maneuvering forces.