Which of the following is NOT a contributing factor to fratricide?

Effective teamwork and coordination is the correct choice because it serves as a mitigating factor rather than a contributing factor to fratricide. In military operations, effective teamwork and coordination among units, including clear communication and shared situational awareness, can significantly reduce the risk of friendly fire incidents.

Fratricide typically occurs when units mistakenly engage friendly forces due to confusion or misunderstandings. The other factors listed, such as improper clearance of fires, incorrect target identification, and loss of communication, directly increase the likelihood of these tragic incidents by creating ambiguity and errors in judgment during critical operations. Therefore, fostering strong teamwork and coordination can enhance operational effectiveness and safety, making it the antithesis of what contributes to fratricide.