MG Combat Techniques of Fire

Learn about the different Machine Gun Combat Techniques of Fire...

Intro

"Technique of fire is the method of delivering and controlling effective fire. The machine gunners must be trained in the standard methods of applying fire. This chapter discusses combat techniques of fire, application of fire on the battlefield, and advanced gunnery. Before the machine gun can be employed to its full potential, the Soldier must know and be trained on characteristics of fire, classes of fire, types of targets, and application of fire."

Combat techniques of fire are:

• classes of fire

• characteristics of fire

• types of targets

• application of fire

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Terms to Understand

Sector of Fire - A sector of fire is an area to be covered by fire that is assigned to an individual, a weapon, or a unit. Gunners are normally assigned a Primary and a Secondary sector of fire.

Primary/Secondary Sector of Fire - The Primary sector of fire is the area to be covered by an individual or unit. The Secondary sector of fire is the same area covered by the same individual or unit after it has moved to a different location.[/i]

Final Protective Fire - An FPF is an immediately available prearranged barrier of fire to stop enemy movement across defensive lines or areas.

Final Protective Line - A predetermined line along which grazing fire is placed to stop an enemy assault. If an FPL is assigned, the machine gun is sighted along it except when other targets are being engaged. An FPL becomes the machine gun's part of the unit's final protective fires. An FPL is fixed in direction and elevation; however, a small shift for search must be employed to prevent the enemy from crawling under the FPL and to compensate for irregularities in the terrain or the sinking of the tripod legs into soft soil during firing. Fire must be delivered during all conditions of visibility.

Principle Direction of Fire - A direction of fire assigned priority to cover an area that has good fields of fire or has a likely dismounted avenue of approach. It also provides mutual support to an adjacent unit. Machine guns are sighted using the PDF if an FPL has not been assigned. If a PDF is assigned and other targets are not being engaged, machine guns remain on the PDF. When the target has width, direction is determined by aiming on one edge of the target area and noting the amount of traverse necessary to cover the entire target.

Grazing Fire - A good FPL covers the maximum area with grazing fire. Grazing fire can be obtained over various types of terrain out to a maximum of 600 meters. To obtain the maximum extent of grazing fire over level or uniformly sloping terrain, the gunner sets the rear sight at 600 meters. He then selects a point on the ground that he estimates to be 600 meters from the machine gun, and he aims, fires, and adjusts on that point. To prevent enemy soldiers from crawling under grazing fire, he searches (downward) by lowering the muzzle of the weapon.

Dead Space - To see the extent of grazing fire and the extent of dead, the machine gun is adjusted for elevation and direction. A member of the squad then walks along the FPL while the gunner aims through the sights. In places where the soldier's waist (midsection) falls below the gunner's point of aim, dead space exists. The dead space must be targeted with grenade launchers and/or other indirect fires.

Fire Control - Predetermined targets, including the FPL or PDF, are engaged on order or by SOP. The signal for calling for these fires is normally stated in the OPORD order. Control these predetermined targets by using arm-and-hand signals, voice commands, or pyrotechnic devices. Gunners fire the FPL or PDF at the sustained rate of fire unless the situation calls for a higher rate. When engaging other predetermined targets, the sustained rate of fire is also used unless a different rate is ordered.

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Classes of Fire

Classes of fire are categorized with respect to:

• the ground

• the target

• the weapon

Ground:
- Grazing fire
- Plunging fire



Target
- Frontal
- Flanking
- Oblique
- Enfilade



Weapon:
- Fixed
- Traversing
- Searching
- Traversing & Searching
- Free-gun

Characteristics of Fire

• Trajectory

• Maximum Ordinate

• Cone of Fire

• Beaten Zone

• Danger Zone

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Types of Targets

2 main types of targets exist:

• Point

• Area

Point - Use of a single aiming point. ENY Soldiers; fortifications; crew-served weapons; 'soft-skinned' vehicles are all considered point targets and use a fixed fire technique.

Area - Targets that have a noticeable width & depth and need to be engaged using traverse and search fire technique. Some unknown point targets can be engaged as point targets in order to increase the chance of a strike.

There are 3 main types of area targets:

• Linear targets

• Deep targets

• Linear targets with depth

Linear targets are 2 or more targets that necessitate successive aiming points (horizontal axis); the length of the beaten zone covers the depth of the target area; traversing fire is delivered at linear targets.

Deep targets are 2 or more targets that necessitate successive aiming points (vertical axis); the length of the beaten zone may/may not cover the depth of the target area; searching fire is delivered at deep targets.

Linear targets with depth are 2 or more targets that necessitate successive aiming points (vertical & horizontal axis); the linear targets with depth require successive aiming points due to the fact that the beaten zone does not cover the depth of the target area; a combination of directional change in traversing & searching fire is needed to cover the entire target(s); traversing and searching fire are delivered at linear targets with depth.

Application of Fire

The application of fire is the ability to:

• Recognize different types of targets

• Distribute and Concentrate their fire

• Maintain the proper rate of fire

Predetermined Fires

Predetermine Fires allow a gunner to engage:
- Dismounted ENY AAs (Avenues of Approach)
- Likely positions for ENY automatic weapons
- Probable ENY ASSLT positions

In order to create Predetermine Fires, a gunner must have:
- Sectors of fire
- FPLs (Final Protective Lines)
- PDF (Principle Direction of Fire)
- Selected Target Areas

Other Useful Guides

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Conclusion

"Technique of fire is the method of delivering and controlling effective fire."

Combat techniques of fire are:

• classes of fire

• characteristics of fire

• types of targets

• application of fire

Classes of fire are categorized with respect to:

• the ground

• the target

• the weapon

The application of fire is the ability to:

• Recognize different types of targets

• Distribute and Concentrate their fire

• Maintain the proper rate of fire