Surface Fire Support, also known as Starship Surface Fire Support, is defined as Starships striking at ground targets in support of friendly ground troops. Surface Fire Support is similar in intentions to Naval Gunfire Support of old.
SURFACE FIRE VS. ORBITAL BOMBARDMENT[]
Surface Fire Support is direct fire used in tactical situations, often directed at enemy troop concentrations, with the intent of providing artillery support to friendly ground troops. Orbital Bombardment is the use of Starships to attack strategic targets, and often does little to effect a ground campaign.
Surface Fire Support can be risky, as Starship phaser fire and photon torpedoes may be directed against targets relatively close to friendly ground troops. It is also used to "soften" defenses in advance of a landing.