What process refers to fixing, observing, and reporting the location of friendly forces?

The process of fixing, observing, and reporting the location of friendly forces is known as Friendly Force Tracking. This system is critical in combat operations as it allows units to maintain situational awareness by continuously updating the location of their own forces. This reduces the risk of fratricide, enhances coordination among units, and supports effective command and control.

Positive Identification refers specifically to the process of confirming the identity of a potential target as friend or foe, which, while important, does not encompass the broader scope of tracking the overall location of friendly forces. Combat Identification is a related term that focuses on distinguishing between enemy and friendly forces during engagement but does not specifically relate to the tracking process over time. Target Identification, on the other hand, pertains to recognizing and confirming the nature of enemy forces or targets in the operational area, which is distinct from tracking the positioning of friendly units. Thus, Friendly Force Tracking is the most accurate term to describe the process outlined in the question.