Archive – ATP/FM 3-21.8 (2016) – Appendix B: Direct Fire Planning and Control

December 12, 2024

Section I – Principles of Direct Fire Control

B-1. Fire control requires a unit to acquire the enemy and mass the effects of fires rapidly
to achieve decisive results in the close fight. When planning and executing direct fires, the
platoon leader and subordinate leaders must know how to apply several fundamental
principles. The purpose of the principles of direct fire is not to restrict the actions of
subordinates. Applied correctly, they help the platoon to accomplish its primary goal in
direct fire engagements both to acquire first and shoot first. These principles give
subordinates the freedom to act quickly upon acquisition of the enemy. This discussion
focuses on the following principles:

Mass the effects of fire.
Destroy the greatest threat first.
Avoid target overkill.
Employ the best weapon for specific target.
Minimize friendly exposure and avoid fratricide.
Plan for limited visibility conditions.
Develop contingencies

MASS THE EFFECTS OF FIRE

B-2. The Infantry platoon must mass its fires to achieve decisive results. Massing entails
focusing fires at critical points and distributing the effects. Random application of fires is
unlikely to have a decisive effect. For example, concentrating the platoon’s fires at a single
target may ensure its destruction or suppression; however, fire control technique probably
will not achieve a decisive effect on the enemy formation or position.

DESTROY THE GREATEST THREAT FIRST

B-3. The order in which the platoon engages enemy forces is in direct relation to the
danger they present. The threat posed by the enemy depends on his weapons, range, and
positioning. Presented with multiple targets, a unit will, in almost all situations, initially
concentrate fires to destroy the greatest threat first, and distribute fires over the remainder
of the enemy force.

AVOID TARGET OVERKILL

B-4. Use only the amount of fire required to achieve necessary effects. Target overkill
wastes ammunition and ties up weapons better employed acquiring and engaging other
targets. The idea of having every weapon engage a different target, however, must be
tempered by the requirement to destroy the greatest threats first.

EMPLOY THE BEST WEAPON FOR SPECIFIC TARGET

B-5. Using the appropriate weapon increases the probability of rapid enemy destruction
or suppression; at the same time, it saves ammunition. The platoon and squad have many
weapons with which to engage the enemy. Target type, range, and exposure are vital
factors in determining the weapon and ammunition being employed, as are weapons and
ammunition availability and desired targets effects. Additionally, a leader should consider
individual crew capabilities when deciding on the employment of weapons. The platoon
leader arrays his forces based on the terrain, enemy, and desired effects of fires. As an
example, when he expects an enemy dismounted assault in restricted terrain, the platoon
leader would employ his squads, taking advantage of their ability to best engage numerous
fast-moving targets.

MINIMIZE FRIENDLY EXPOSURE AND AVOID FRATRICIDE

B-6. Units increase their survivability by exposing themselves to the enemy only to the
extent necessary to engage him. Natural or man-made defilade provides the best cover
from lethal direct fire munitions. Infantry Soldiers minimize their exposure by constantly
seeking available cover, attempting to engage the enemy from the flank, remaining
dispersed, firing from multiple positions, and limiting engagement times.

B-7. The platoon leader and subordinate leaders must be proactive in reducing the risk
of fratricide, friendly fire and noncombatant casualties. They have several tools to assist
them in this effort: identification training for combat vehicles and aircraft, the unit’s
weapons safety posture, the weapons control status, recognition markings, and a COP to
include range cards, area of operation sketches, and rehearsals. Knowledge and
employment of applicable ROE are the primary means of preventing noncombatant
casualties.

Note. Because it’s difficult to distinguish between friendly and enemy
dismounted Soldiers, small-unit leaders must constantly monitor positions of
friendly squads.

PLAN FOR LIMITED VISIBILITY CONDITIONS

B-8. At night, limited visibility fire control equipment enables the platoon to engage
enemy forces at nearly the same ranges are applicable during the day. Obscurants such as
dense fog, heavy smoke, and blowing sand, however, can reduce the capabilities of thermal
and infrared equipment. Leaders should develop contingency plans for such extreme
limited visibility conditions. Although decreased acquisition capabilities have minimal
effect on area fire, point target engagements likely will occur at decreased ranges.
Typically, firing positions, whether offensive or defensive, must be adjusted closer to the
area or point where the platoon leader intends to focus fires. Another alternative is the use
of visual or infrared illumination when there is insufficient ambient light for passive light
intensification devices.

Note. Vehicles equipped with thermal sights can assist squads in detecting and
engaging enemy Infantry forces in conditions such as heavy obscurants and low
illumination.

DEVELOP CONTINGENCIES

B-9. Leaders initially develop plans based on their units’ maximum capabilities; they
make backup plans for implementation in the event of casualties or weapon damage or
failure. While leaders cannot anticipate or plan for every situation, they should develop
plans for what they view as the most probable occurrences. Building redundancy into these
plans, such as having two systems observe the same area of operation, is an invaluable
asset when the situation (and number of available systems) permits. Designating alternate
sectors of fire provides a means of shifting fires if adjacent elements are knocked out of
action.

SECTION II – FIRE CONTROL PROCESS

B-10. To bring direct fires against an enemy force, leaders must continuously apply the
steps of the fire control process. At the heart of this process are two critical actions: rapid,
accurate target acquisition and massing of fire to achieve decisive effects on the target.
Target acquisition is the detection, identification, and location of a target in sufficient detail
to permit the employment of weapons. Massing entails focusing fires at critical points and
distributing the fires for optimum effect.

B-11. The following discussion examines target acquisition and massing of fires using
these basic steps of the fire control process:

Identify probable enemy locations and determine the enemy scheme of maneuver.
Determine where and how to mass fires.
Orient forces to speed target acquisition.
Shift fires to refocus or redistribute.

IDENTIFY PROBABLE ENEMY LOCATIONS AND DETERMINE THE ENEMY SCHEME OF MANEUVER

B-12. Leaders plan and execute direct fires based on their mission analysis. An essential
part of this plan is the analysis of the terrain and enemy force, which aids the leader in
visualizing how the enemy will attack or defend a particular piece of terrain. A defending
enemy’s defensive positions or an attacking enemy’s support positions are normally driven
by intervisibility. Typically, there are limited points on a piece of terrain providing both
good fields of fire and adequate cover for a defender. Similarly, an attacking enemy will
have only a limited selection of avenues of approach providing adequate cover and
concealment.

B-13. Coupled with available intelligence, an understanding of the effects of a specific
piece of terrain on maneuver, figure B-1 will assist the leader in identifying probable
enemy locations and likely avenues of approach both before and during the fight. The
leader may use all of the following products or techniques in developing and updating the
analysis:

An enemy situation template based on the analysis of terrain and enemy.
A spot or contact report on enemy locations and activities.
Information collection within the areas of operations.

Figure B-1. Identifying probable enemy locations and determining enemy scheme of maneuver

DETERMINE WHERE AND HOW TO MASS FIRES

B-14. To achieve decisive effects, friendly forces must mass their fires. (See figure B-2.)
Massing requires the leader both to focus the fires of subordinate elements and to distribute
the effects of the fires. Based on his mission analysis and his concept of the operation, the
leader identifies points where he wants to, or must, focus the unit’s fires. Most often, these
are locations he has identified as probable enemy positions or points along likely avenues
of approach where the unit can mass fires. Because subordinate elements may not initially
be oriented on the point where the leader wants to mass fires, he may issue a fire command
to focus the fires. At the same time, the leader must use direct fire control measures to
distribute the fires of his elements, which now are focused on the same point.

Figure B-2. Determining where and how to mass fires

ORIENT FORCES TO SPEED TARGET ACQUISITION

B-15. To engage the enemy with direct fires, friendly forces must rapidly and accurately
acquire enemy elements. (See figure B-3, page B-6.) Orienting friendly forces on probable
enemy locations and on likely avenues of approach will speed target acquisition.
Conversely, failure to orient subordinate elements will result in slower acquisition; this
greatly increases the likelihood enemy forces will be able to engage first. The clock
direction orientation method, which is prescribed in most unit SOPs, is good for achieving
all-around security; however, it does not ensure friendly forces are most oriented to detect
the enemy. To achieve this critical orientation, the leader typically designates TRP on or
near probable enemy locations and avenues of approach; he orients his subordinate
elements using directions of fire or sectors of fire. Normally, the gunners on crew-served
weapons scan the designated direction, sector, or area while other crewmembers observe
alternate sectors or areas to provide all-around security.

Figure B-3. Orienting forces to speed target acquisition

SHIFT FIRES TO REFOCUS AND REDISTRIBUTE

B-16. As the engagement proceeds, leaders must shift fires to refocus and redistribute the
effects based on their evolving mission analysis. Situational awareness becomes an
essential part of the fire control process at this point. Leaders apply the same techniques
and considerations, including fire control measures they used earlier to focus and distribute
fires. A variety of situations will dictate shifting of fires, including the following:

Appearance of an enemy force posing a greater threat than the one currently being engaged.
Extensive attrition of the enemy force being engaged, creating the possibility of target overkill.
Attrition of friendly elements engaging the enemy force.
Change in the ammunition status of the friendly elements engaging the enemy force.
Maneuver of enemy or friendly forces resulting in terrain masking.
Increased fratricide and friendly fire risk as a maneuvering friendly element closes with the enemy force being engaged.

SECTION III – DIRECT FIRE PLANNING

B-17. The platoon leader plans direct fires as part of the TLP. Determining where and how
the platoon can and will mass fires is an essential step as the platoon leader develops his
concept of the operation.

LEADER PLANNING

B-18. Leaders plan direct fires in order to be able to distribute and control their fire.
Determining where and how leaders can mass fires is an essential step in this process.

B-19. Based on where and how they want to focus and distribute fires, leaders can
establish the weapons ready postures of their elements as well as triggers for initiating
fires. During mission preparation, leaders plan and conduct rehearsals of direct fires (and
of the fire control process) based on METT-TC.

B-20. The platoon leader plans direct fires in conjunction with development of his mission
analysis and completion of the plan. Determining where and how the platoon can and will
mass fires are also essential steps as the platoon leader develops his concept of the
operation.

B-21. The platoon leader plans direct fires in conjunction with development of his mission
analysis and completion of the plan. Determining where and how the platoon can and will
mass fires are also essential steps as the platoon leader develops his concept of the
operation.

B-22. After identifying probable enemy locations, the platoon leader determines points or
areas where he can focus combat power. His visualization of where and how the enemy
will attack or defend assists him in determining the volume of fires he must focus at
particular points to have a decisive effect. In addition, if he intends to mass the fires of
more than one subordinate element, the platoon leader must establish the means for
distributing fires.

B-23. Based on where and how they want to focus and distribute fires, the platoon leader
and subordinate leaders can then establish the weapons ready postures for platoon elements
as well as triggers for initiating fires. Additionally, they must evaluate the risk of fratricide,
friendly fire and establish controls to prevent it; these measures include the designation of
recognition markings, weapons control status, and weapons safety posture.

B-24. After determining where and how they will mass and distribute fires, the platoon
leader and subordinate leaders then must orient elements so they can rapidly and accurately
acquire the enemy. They also can war-game the selected COA or concept of the operation
to determine probable requirements for refocusing and redistributing fires and to establish
other required controls. Also during mission preparation, the platoon leader plans and
conducts rehearsals of direct fires (and of the fire control process) based on his mission
analysis.

B-25. The platoon leader and his subordinate leaders must continue to apply planning
procedures and considerations throughout execution. They must be able to adjust direct
fires based on a continuously updated mission analysis, combining situational awareness
with the latest available intelligence. When necessary, they also must apply direct fire
SOPs, which are covered in the following discussion.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

B-26. A well-rehearsed direct fire SOP ensures quick, predictable actions by all members
of the platoon. The platoon leader bases the various elements of the SOP on the capabilities of his force and on anticipated conditions and situations. SOP elements should include
standing means for focusing fires, distributing their effects, orienting forces, and
preventing fratricide and friendly fire. The platoon leader should adjust the direct fire SOP
whenever changes to anticipated and actual METT-TC become apparent.

B-27. If the platoon leader does not issue other instructions, the squads begin the
engagement using the SOP. Subsequently, the platoon leader can use a fire command to
refocus or redistribute fires. The following paragraphs discuss specific SOP provisions for
focusing fires, distributing fires, orienting forces, and preventing fratricide and friendly
fire.

FOCUSING FIRES

B-28. TRP are a common means of focusing fires. One technique is to establish a standard
respective position for TRP in relation to friendly elements and to consistently number the
TRP, such as from left to right. This allows leaders to quickly determine and communicate
the location of the TRP.

DISTRIBUTING FIRES

B-29. Two useful means of distributing the platoon’s fires are engagement priorities and
target array. One technique is to assign an engagement priority, by type of enemy vehicle
or weapon, for each type of friendly weapons system. The target array technique can assist
in distribution by assigning specific friendly elements to engage enemy elements of
approximately similar capabilities.

ORIENTING FORCES

B-30. A standard means of orienting friendly forces is to assign a principal direction of
fire (PDF), using a TRP, to orient each element on a probable enemy position or likely
avenue of approach. To provide all-around security, the SOP can supplement the PDF with
sectors using a friendly-based quadrant. The following example SOP elements illustrate
the use of these techniques:

The center (front) squad’s PDF is TRP 2 (center) until otherwise specified; the squad is responsible for the front two quadrants.
The left flank squad’s PDF is TRP 1 (left) until otherwise specified; the squad is responsible for the left two friendly quadrants (overlapping with the center squad).
The right flank squad’s PDF is TRP 3 (right) until otherwise specified; the squad is responsible for the right two friendly quadrants (overlapping with the center squad).

AVOIDING FRATRICIDE AND FRIENDLY FIRE

B-31. A primary means of minimizing fratricide and friendly fire risk is to establish a
standing weapons control status of WEAPONS TIGHT, which requires positive enemy
identification before engagement. +The SOP also must dictate ways of identifying friendly
rifle squads and other dismounted elements; techniques include using arm bands, glint
tape, or an infrared light source or detonating a smoke grenade of a designated color at the appropriate time. Minimizing the risk of fratricide in the platoon can be accomplished
through Mission Command Systems (if equipped); however, this does not supplant the
platoon leader’s responsibility to plan for fratricide and friendly fire avoidance.

B-32. Finally, the SOP must address the most critical requirement of fratricide and
friendly fire prevention maintaining situational awareness. It must direct subordinate
leaders to inform the platoon leader, adjacent elements, and subordinates whenever a
friendly force is moving or preparing to move.

SECTION IV – DIRECT FIRE CONTROL

B-33. The small unit leader communicates to his subordinates the manner, method, and
time to initiate, shift, and mass fires, and when to disengage by using direct fire control
measures. The leader should control his unit’s fires so he can direct the engagement of
enemy systems to gain the greatest effect. The leader uses IPB and information collection
to determine the most advantageous way to use direct fire control measures to mass the
effects on the enemy and reduce fratricide and friendly fire from direct fire systems. (Refer
to ATP 2-01.3 and FM 3-55 for more information.)

FIRE CONTROL MEASURES

B-34. Fire control measures are the means by which the platoon leader or subordinate
leaders control fires. Application of these concepts, procedures, and techniques assists the
unit in acquiring the enemy, focusing fires on him, distributing the effects of the fires, and
preventing fratricide and friendly fire. At the same time, no single measure is sufficient to
control fires. At the platoon level, fire control measures will be effective only if the entire
unit has a common understanding of what they mean and how to employ them. The
following discussion focuses on the various fire control measures employed by the Infantry
platoon. Table B-1 (page B-10) lists the control measures; it is organized by whether they
are terrain-based or threat-based.

Table B-1. Common fire control measures

TERRAIN-BASED FIRE CONTROLMEASURES

B-35. Leaders use terrain-based fire control measures to focus and control fires on a
particular point, line, or area rather than on a specific enemy element. The following
paragraphs describe the TTP associated with this type of control measure.

Target Reference Point

B-36. A TRP is a recognizable point on the ground leaders use to orient friendly forces,
and to focus and control direct fires. In addition, when leaders designate TRP as indirect
fire targets, they can use the TRP when calling for and adjusting indirect fires. Leaders
designate TRP at probable enemy locations and along likely avenues of approach. These
points can be natural or man-made. A TRP can be an established site. For example, a hill
or a building, or an impromptu feature such as a burning enemy vehicle or obscurants
generated by an artillery round can be designated as a TRP. Friendly units also can
construct markers to serve as TRP. (See figure B-4.) Ideally, TRP should be visible in three
observation modes (unaided, passive-infrared, and thermal) so all forces can see them.
Examples of TRP include the following features and objects:

Prominent hill mass.
Distinctive building.
Observable enemy position.
Destroyed vehicle.
Ground-burst illumination.
Obscurants round for immediate engagements only; this is the least preferred method.

Figure B-4. Constructed TRP markers example

Engagement Area

B-37. This fire control measure is an area along an enemy avenue of approach where the
leader intends to mass the fires of available weapons to destroy an enemy force. The size
and shape of the engagement area is determined by the degree of relatively unobstructed
intervisibility available to the unit’s weapons systems in their firing positions and by the
maximum range of those weapons. Typically, the platoon leader delineates responsibility
within the engagement area by assigning each squad a sector of fire or direction of fire.

Sector of Fire

B-38. A sector of fire is a defined area being covered by direct fire. Leaders assign sectors
of fire to subordinate elements, crew-served weapons, and individual Soldiers to ensure
coverage of sectors; they also may limit the sector of fire of an element or weapon to
prevent accidental engagement of an adjacent unit. In assigning sectors of fire, platoon
leader and subordinate leaders consider the number and types of weapons available. In
addition, they must consider acquisition system type and field of view in determining the
width of a sector of fire. For example, while unaided vision has a wide field of view, its
ability to detect and identify targets at range and in limited visibility conditions is
restricted. Conversely, most fire control acquisitions systems have greater detection and
identification ranges than the unaided eye, but their field of view is narrow. Means of
designating sectors of fire include the following:

Target registration points.
Clock direction.
Terrain-based quadrants.
Friendly-based quadrants.
Azimuth or cardinal direction.

Direction of Fire

B-39. A direction of fire is an orientation or point used to assign responsibility for a
particular area on the battlefield being covered by direct fire. Leaders designate directions
of fire for purposes of acquisition or engagement by subordinate elements, crew-served
weapons, or individual Soldiers. Direction of fire is most commonly employed when
assigning sectors of fire would be difficult or impossible because of limited time or
insufficient reference points. Means of designating a direction of fire include the
following:

Closest target registration point.
Clock direction.
Azimuth or cardinal direction.
Tracer on target.
Infrared laser pointer.
M203 smoke round.

Quadrants

B-40. Quadrants are subdivisions of an area created by superimposing an imaginary pair
of perpendicular axes over the terrain to create four separate areas or sectors. Establish
quadrants on the terrain, friendly forces, or on the enemy formation.

Note. Techniques in which quadrants are based on enemy formations usually are
referred to as target array; it is covered in discussion of threat-based fire control
measures.

B-41. The method of quadrant numbering is established in the unit SOP; however, care
must be taken to avoid confusion when quadrants based on terrain, friendly forces, and
enemy formations are used simultaneously.

Terrain-Based Quadrant

B-42. A terrain-based quadrant entails use of a TRP, either existing or constructed, to
designate the center point of the axes dividing the area into four quadrants. This technique
can be employed in both the offense and defense. In the offense, the platoon leader
designates the center of the quadrant using an existing feature or by creating a reference
point. For example, using a ground burst illumination round, an obscurant marking round,
or a fire ignited by incendiary or tracer rounds. The axes delineating the quadrants run
parallel and perpendicular to the direction of movement. In the defense, the platoon leader
designates the center of the quadrant using an existing or constructed TRP.

B-43. In examples shown in figure B-5, quadrants are marked using the letter “Q” and a
number (Q1 to Q4); quadrant numbers are in the same relative positions as on military
map sheets (from Q1 as the upper left-hand quadrant clockwise to Q4 as the lower lefthand
quadrant).

Figure B-5. Terrain-based quadrants example

Friendly-Based Quadrant

B-44. The friendly-based quadrant technique entails superimposing quadrants over the
unit’s formation. The center point is based on the center of the formation, and axes run
parallel and perpendicular to the general direction of travel. For rapid orientation, the
friendly quadrant technique may be better than the clock direction method; because
different elements of a large formation rarely are oriented in the same exact direction and
the relative dispersion of friendly forces causes parallax to the target. Figure B-6 (page
B-14) illustrates use of friendly-based quadrants.

Figure B-6. Friendly-based quadrants example

Maximum Engagement Line

B-45. MEL is the linear depiction of the farthest limit of effective fire for a weapon or
unit. This line is determined by both the weapons, unit’s maximum effective range and by
the effects of terrain. For example, slope, vegetation, structures, and other features provide
cover and concealment preventing the weapon from engaging to the maximum effective
range. A MEL serves several purposes. The platoon leader can use it to prevent crews from
engaging beyond the maximum effective range, to define criteria of the establishment of
triggers, and to delineate the maximum extent of sectors on the area of operation sketch.

Restrictive Fire Line

B-46. An RFL is a linear fire control measure beyond which engagement is prohibited
without coordination. In the offense, the platoon leader can designate an RFL to prevent a
base-of-fire element from firing into the area where an assaulting element is maneuvering.
This technique is particularly important when armored vehicles support the maneuver of
rifle squads. In the defense, the platoon leader may establish a RFL to prevent the unit
from engaging a friendly rifle squad positioned in restricted terrain on the flank of an
avenue of approach.

Final Protective Line

B-47. FPL is a line of fire established where an enemy assault is to be checked by the
interlocking fires of all available weapons. The unit reinforces this line with protective
obstacles and with final protective fires whenever possible. Initiation of the final protective
fires is the signal for elements, crews, and individual Soldiers to shift fires to their assigned
portion of the FPL. They spare no ammunition in repelling the enemy assault, a particular
concern for medium machine guns and other automatic weapons.

THREAT-BASED FIRE CONTROL MEASURES

B-48. The platoon leader uses threat-based fire control measures to focus and control fires
by directing the unit to engage a specific enemy element rather than to fire on a point or
area. The following paragraphs describe the TTP associated with this type of control
measure.

Rules of Engagement

B-49. ROE specify the circumstances and limitations under which forces may engage;
they include definitions of combatant and noncombatant elements and prescribe the
treatment of noncombatants. Factors influencing ROE are national command policy,
mission, commander’s intent, the operational environment, and the law of war. ROE
always recognize a Soldier’s right of self-defense; while at the same time, they clearly
define circumstances in which he may fire.

B-50. For example, during a cordon and search mission, the command may establish a
weapons control status of WEAPONS TIGHT for antiarmor weapons. The commander
does this because higher command directives explicitly restrict the use of antiarmor
weapons as an explosive breach technique.

Weapons Ready Posture

B-51. Weapons ready posture is the selected ammunition and range for individual and
crew-served weapons in rifle squads. It is a means by which leaders use their mission
analysis to specify the ammunition and range of the most probable anticipated
engagement. Ammunition selection depends on the target type, but the leader may adjust
it based on engagement priorities, desired effects, and effective range. Range selection
depends on the anticipated engagement range; it is affected by terrain intervisibility,
weather, and light conditions. Within the platoon, weapons ready posture affects the types
and quantities of ammunition loaded in ready boxes, stowed in ready racks, and carried by
rifle squads. The following considerations apply:

B-52. Examples of weapons ready posture include:

An M203/M320 GRN, whose, most likely engagement is to cover dead space at 200 meters from his position, might load high-explosive dual purpose ammunition and set 200 meters on his quadrant sight.
To prepare for an engagement in a wooded area where engagement ranges are extremely short, an antiarmor specialist might dismount with an M136 AT4-series, instead of a Javelin.

Weapons Safety Posture

B-53. Weapons safety posture is an ammunition handling instruction enabling the platoon
leader to control the safety of his unit’s weapons precisely. Leaders’ supervision of the
weapons safety posture, as well as Soldiers’ adherence to it, minimizes the risk of
accidental discharge and fratricide and friendly fire. Table B-2 outlines procedures and considerations for the platoon when using the four weapons safety postures, listed in
ascending order of restrictiveness􀅆

AMMUNITION LOADED.
AMMUNITION LOCKED.
AMMUNITION PREPARED.
WEAPONS CLEARED.

B-54. When setting and adjusting the weapons safety posture, the platoon leader must
weigh the desire to prevent accidental discharges against the requirement for immediate
action based on the enemy threat. If the threat of direct contact is high, the platoon leader
could establish the weapons safety posture as AMMUNITION LOADED. If the
requirement for action is less immediate, he might lower the posture to AMMUNITION
LOCKED or AMMUNITION PREPARED. Additionally, the platoon leader can designate
different weapons safety postures for different elements of the unit.

Table B-2. Weapons safety posture levels

Weapons Control Status

B-55. The three levels of weapons control status outline the conditions, based on target
identification criteria, under which friendly elements can engage. The platoon leader sets
and adjusts the weapons control status based on friendly and enemy disposition, and clarity
of the situation. Generally speaking, the higher the probability of fratricide and friendly fire, the more restrictive the weapons control status. The three levels, in descending order
of restrictiveness, are—

WEAPONS HOLD. Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.
WEAPONS TIGHT. Engage only targets positively identified as enemy.
WEAPONS FREE. Engage targets not positively identified as friendly.

B-56. As an example, the platoon leader may establish the weapons control status as
WEAPONS HOLD when friendly forces are conducting a passage of lines. By maintaining
situational understanding of his own elements and adjacent friendly forces, however, he
may be able to lower the weapons control status. In such a case, the platoon leader may be
able to set a WEAPONS FREE status when he knows there are no friendly elements in the
vicinity of the engagement. This permits his elements to engage targets at extended ranges
even though it is difficult to distinguish targets accurately at ranges beyond 2000 meters
under battlefield conditions. Another consideration is the weapons control status are
extremely important for forces using combat identification systems. Establishing the
weapons control status as WEAPONS FREE permits leaders to engage an unknown target
when they fail to get a friendly response.

Engagement Priorities

B-57. Engagement priorities, which entail the sequential ordering of targets to be engaged,
can serve one or more of the following critical fire control functions:

Prioritize high-payoff targets. In concert with his concept of the operation, the platoon leader determines which target types provide the greatest payoff; he then can set these as a unit engagement priority. For example, he may decide destroying enemy engineer assets is the best way to prevent the enemy from reducing an obstacle.
Employ the best weapons to the target. Establishing engagement priorities for specific friendly systems increases the effectiveness with which the unit employs its weapons. For example, the engagement priority of the Javelin could be enemy tanks first, then enemy personnel carriers; this would decrease the chance the platoon’s lighter systems will have to engage enemy armored vehicles.
Distribute the unit’s fires. Establishing different priorities for similar friendly systems helps to prevent overkill and achieve distribution of fires. For example, the platoon leader may designate the enemy’s tanks as the initial priority for the weapons squad, while making the enemy’s personnel carriers the priority for one of his rifle squads. This would decrease the chances of units launching multiple tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided missiles (TOW) against two enemy tanks, while ignoring the dangers posed by the personnel carriers.

Trigger

B-58. A trigger is a specific set of conditions dictating initiation of fires. Often referred to
as engagement criteria, a trigger specifies the circumstances in which subordinate elements
should engage. The circumstances can be based on a friendly or enemy event. For example,
the trigger for a friendly platoon to initiate engagement could be three or more enemy
combat vehicles passing or crossing a given point or line. This line can be natural or man-made linear feature, such as a road, ridge line, or stream. It also may be a line perpendicular
to the unit’s orientation, delineated by one or more reference points.

Engagement Techniques

B-59. Engagement techniques are effects-oriented fire distribution measures. The
following engagement techniques are common in platoon operations:

Point fire.
Area fire.
Simultaneous.
Alternating fire.
Observed fire.
Sequential fire.
Time of suppression.
Reconnaissance by fire.

Point Fire

B-60. Entails concentrating the effects of a unit’s fire against a specific, identified target
such as a vehicle, machine gun bunker, or ATGM position. When leaders direct point fire,
all of the unit’s weapons engage the target, firing until it is destroyed or the required time
of suppression has expired. Employing converging fires from dispersed positions makes
point fire more effective because the target is engaged from multiple directions. The unit
may initiate an engagement using point fire against the most dangerous threat, and revert
to area fire against other, less threatening point targets.

Note. Use of point fire is fairly rare because a unit seldom encounters a single,
clearly identified enemy weapon.

Area Fire

B-61. Involves distributing the effects of a unit’s fire over an area in which enemy
positions are numerous or are not obvious. If the area is large, leaders assign sectors of fire
to subordinate elements using a terrain-based distribution method such as the quadrant
technique. Typically, the primary purpose of the area fire is suppression; however,
sustaining suppression requires judicious control of the rate of fire.

Simultaneous Fire

B-62. To rapidly mass the effects of their fires or to gain fire superiority. For example, a
unit may initiate a support-by-fire operation with simultaneous fire, then, revert to
alternating or sequential fire to maintain suppression. Simultaneous fire also is employed
to negate the low probability of the hit and kill of certain antiarmor weapons. For example,
a rifle squad may employ simultaneous fire with its M136 AT4 series to ensure rapid
destruction of an enemy armored fighting vehicle engaging a friendly position.

Alternating Fire

B-63. Pairs of elements continuously engage the same point or area target one at a time.
For example, an Infantry company may alternate fires of two platoons; an Infantry platoon
may alternate the fires of its squads; or an Infantry platoon may alternate the fires of a pair
of medium machine guns. Alternating fire permits the unit to maintain suppression for a
longer duration than does volley fire; it also forces the enemy to acquire and engage
alternating points of fire.

Observed Fire

B-64. Usually is used when the platoon is in protected defensive positions with
engagement ranges in excess of 2500 meters for stabilized systems and 1500 meters for
unstabilized systems. It can be employed between elements of the platoon, such as the
squad lasing and observing while the weapons squad engages. The platoon leader directs
one squad to engage. The remaining squads observe fires and prepare to engage on order
in case the engaging element consistently misses its targets, experiences a malfunction, or
runs low on ammunition. Observed fire allows for mutual observation and assistance while
protecting the location of the observing elements.

Sequential Fire

B-65. Entails the subordinate elements of a unit engaging the same point or area target
one after another in an arranged sequence. Sequential fire also can help to prevent the
waste of ammunition, as when a platoon waits to see the effects of the first Javelin before
firing another. Additionally, sequential fire permits elements already have fired to pass on
information they have learned from the engagement. An example would be a Soldier who
missed an enemy armored fighting vehicle with M136 AT4 series fires passing range and
lead information to the next Soldier preparing to engage the enemy armored fighting
vehicle with an M136 AT4 series.

Time of Suppression

B-66. Is the period, specified by the platoon leader, during which an enemy position or
force is required to be suppressed. Suppression time is typically dependent on the time it
will take a supported element to maneuver. Usually, a unit suppresses an enemy position
using the sustained rate of fire of its automatic weapons. In planning for sustained
suppression, a leader must consider several factors: the estimated time of suppression, the
size of the area being suppressed, the type of enemy force to be suppressed, range to the
target, rates of fire, and available ammunition quantities.

Reconnaissance by Fire

B-67. Is the process of engaging possible enemy locations to elicit a tactical response,
such as return fire or movement? This response permits the platoon leader and subordinate
leaders to make target acquisition and to mass fires against the enemy element. Typically,
the platoon leader directs a subordinate element to conduct the reconnaissance by fire. For
example, he may direct an overwatching squad to conduct the reconnaissance by fire
against a probable enemy position before initiating movement by a bounding element.

Fire Patterns

B-68. Fire patterns are a threat-based measure designed to distribute the fires of a unit
simultaneously among multiple, similar targets. Platoons use those most often to distribute
fires across an enemy formation. Leaders designate and adjust fire patterns based on terrain
and anticipated enemy formation. The basic fire patterns, illustrated in figure B-7 (page
B-22), include:

Frontal fires.
Cross fires.
Depth fires.

B-69. Leaders may initiate frontal fire when targets are arrayed in front of the unit in a
lateral configuration. Weapons systems engage targets to their respective fronts. For
example, the left flank weapon engages the left-most target; the right flank weapon
engages the right-most target. As weapons systems destroy targets, weapons shift fires
toward the center of the enemy formation from near too far.

B-70. Leaders initiate cross fire when targets are arrayed laterally across the unit’s front
in a manner permitting diagonal fires at the enemy’s flank, or when obstructions prevent
unit weapons from firing frontally. Right flank weapons engage the left-most targets; left
flank weapons engage the right-most targets. Firing diagonally across an engagement area
provides more flank shots, thus increasing the chance of kills; it also reduces the possibility
of the enemy detecting friendly elements should the enemy continue to move forward. As
friendly elements destroy targets, weapons shift fires toward the center of the enemy
formation.

B-71. Leaders initiate depth fire when enemy targets disperse in-depth, perpendicular to
the unit. Center weapons engage the closest targets; flank weapons engage deeper targets.
As the unit destroys targets, weapons shift fires toward the center of the enemy formation.

Figure B-7. Fire patterns examples

Target Array

B-72. Target array enables the leader to distribute fires when the enemy force is
concentrated and terrain-based controls are inadequate. Forces create this threat-based
distribution measure by superimposing a quadrant pattern on the enemy formation.
Soldiers center the pattern the enemy formation, with the axes running parallel and
perpendicular to the enemy’s direction of travel. The target array fire control measure is
effective against an enemy with a well-structured organization and standardized doctrine.
However, it may prove less effective against an enemy presenting few organized
formations, or does not follow strict prescribed tactics. Leaders describe quadrants using
the quadrants’ relative locations. The examples in figure B-8 illustrate the target array
technique.

Figure B-8. Target array examples

FIRE COMMANDS

B-73. Fire commands are oral orders issued by leaders to focus and distribute fires as
required achieving decisive effects against the enemy. They allow leaders to rapidly and
concisely articulate their firing instructions using a standard format (Refer to TC 3-20.31-4
for more information). Unit fire commands include these elements, which are discussed in
the following paragraphs:

Alert.
Weapon or ammunition (optional).
Target description.
Direction.
Range (optional).
Method
Control (optional).
Execution.
Termination

ALERT

B-74. The alert specifies the elements directed to fire. It does not require the leader
initiating the command to identify him. Examples of the alert element (call signs and code
words based on unit SOP) include the following:

“GUIDONS” (all subordinate elements).
“RED” (1st platoon only).

WEAPON OR AMMUNITION (OPTIONAL)

B-75. This element identifies the weapon and ammunition to be employed by the alerted
elements. Leaders may designate the type and number of rounds to limit expenditure of
ammunition. Examples of this element include the following::

“TOW.”
“TWO ROUNDS SABOT.”

TARGET DESCRIPTION

B-76. Target description designates which enemy elements are to be engaged. Leaders
may use the description to focus fires or achieve distribution. Examples of target
description include the following:

“TROOPS IN TRENCH.”
“BUNKER.”
“PCs.”

DIRECTION

B-77. This element identifies the location of the target. There are several ways to designate
the location of target, including the following:

Closest TRP. Example: “TRP 13.”
Clock direction. Example: “ONE O’CLOCK.”
Terrain quadrant. Example: “QUADRANT ONE.”
Friendly quadrant. Example: “LEFT FRONT.”
Target array. Example: “FRONT HALF.”
Tracer on target. Example: “ON MY TRACER.”
Laser pointer. Example: “ON MY POINTER.”

RANGE (OPTIONAL)

B-78. The range element identifies the distance to the target. Announcing range is not
necessary for systems ranging finder-equipped or employing command-guided or self-guided
munitions. For systems requiring manual range settings, leaders have a variety of
means for determining range, including the following􀅆

Predetermined ranges to target registration points or phase lines.
Handheld range finders.
Range stadia.
Mil reticle.

METHOD

B-79. Method describes to the firer the way or method the target(s) are engaged. Leaders
use this element when presented with multiple targets to identify which target to engage first. For collective fire commands, this can also indicate the fire pattern used to engage
the threats. Multiple methods may be used in one fire command.

CONTROL (OPTIONAL)

B-80. The platoon leader may use this optional element to direct desired target effects,
distribution methods, or engagement techniques. Subordinate leaders may include the
control element to supplement the platoon leader’s instructions and achieve distribution.
Examples of information specified in the control element include the following:

Target array. Example: “FRONT HALF.”
Fire pattern. Example: “FRONTAL.”
Terrain quadrant. Example: “QUADRANT ONE.”
Engagement priorities. Example: “M203/M320 ENGAGE BUNKERS; MACHINE GUNS ENGAGE TROOPS.”
Engagement technique. Example: “VOLLEY.”
Target effect. Example: “AREA.”

EXECUTION

B-81. The execution element specifies when fires will be initiated. The platoon leader may
wish to engage immediately, delay initiation, or delegate authority to engage. Examples of
this element include the following:

“FIRE.”
“AT MY COMMAND.”
“AT YOUR COMMAND.”
“AT PHASE LINE ORANGE.”

TERMINATION

B-82. Termination is the ninth element of the fire command. It informs the Soldiers to
stop firing all weapons and systems in their control. All fire commands are terminated.
This command may be given by any Soldier or crewmember for any reason, typically
safety.

B-83. The leader that issued the fire command is required to terminate the fire command
at the completion of every engagement, regardless if another Soldier or crewmember
announced it. All fire commands, regardless of type or who issued them, are terminated
by the announcement of, CEASE FIRE.

SECTION V – RANGE CARD AND SECTOR SKETCHES

B-84. Range cards are used to record firing data for individual or crew-served weapons
and sector sketches are used to record a unit’s positioning of its weapons and direct fire
control measures.

RANGE CARDS

B-85. A range card (DA Form 5517, Standard Range Card) is a sketch of the assigned
area for a direct fire weapon system on a given sector of fire. (Refer to TC 3-21.75 for
more information.) A range card aids in planning and controlling fires and aids the crews
and squad gunners in acquiring targets during limited visibility. Range cards show possible
target areas and terrain features plotted with a firing position. The process of walking and
sketching the terrain to create a range card allows the individual Soldier or gunner to
become more familiar with his area of operation. He should continually assess the area
and, if necessary, update his range card. The range card is an aid for replacement personnel
or platoons or squads to move into the position and orient on their area of operation. The
individual Soldier or BFV gunner should make the range card so that he becomes more
familiar with the terrain in his area of operation. To prepare a range card, the individual
Soldier or BFV gunner must know the following information:

Sectors of fire. A sector of fire is a piece of the battlefield for which a gunner is responsible.
Target reference points. Leaders designate natural or man-made features as reference points. A Soldier uses these reference points for target acquisition and range determination.
Dead space. Dead space is an area that cannot be observed or covered by direct-fire systems within the sector of fire.
Maximum engagement line. The maximum engagement line is the depth of the area and is normally limited to the maximum effective engagement range of the weapons systems.
Weapons reference point. The weapons reference point is an easily recognizable terrain feature on the map used to assist leaders in plotting the vehicle, squad, or weapon position.

B-86. The individual Soldier or gunner prepares two copies of the range card. If alternate
and supplementary firing positions are assigned, two copies are required for these as well.
A copy is kept with the vehicle or weapons position, and the other given to the section
leader for his sketch. The Soldier or gunner prepares the range card according to
TC 3-21.75.

B-87. An example range card for a BFV is shown in figure B-9 (page B-28). It
incorporates all of the standard components of a range card but with more detail for the
maximum engagement line and data section.

MAXIMUM ENGAGEMENT LINE

B-88. Although the maximum engagement line is typically limited to the maximum
effective engagement range of the weapons systems, it can be less if objects prevent the
Soldier from engaging targets at maximum effective ranges of his assigned weapon. The
BFV’s range card includes three different weapons and their maximum engagement line:
the 25-mm, the TOW, and the 7.62-mm co-axial machine gun.

DATA SECTION

B-89. The gunner completes the position identification, date, weapon, and circle value
according to TC 3-21.75. The table information is as follows:

Number. Start with left and right limits, then list TRPs and reference points in numerical order.
Direction and Deflection. The direction is in degrees and taken from a lensatic compass. The most accurate technique is to have the gunner aim at the terrain feature, and to have the driver dismount and align himself with the gun barrel and the terrain feature to measure the azimuth. To achieve correct deflection and elevation readings of the terrain feature, select TOW. Show the deflection reading taken from the BFV’s azimuth indicator in the deflection block next to the magnetic azimuth.
Elevation. Show the gun elevation reading in tens or hundreds of mils. The smallest increment of measure on the elevation scale is tens of mils. Any number other than “0” is preceded by a “plus” or “minus” symbol to show whether the gun needs to be elevated or depressed. Ammunition and range must be indexed to have an accurate elevation reading.
Range. This is the distance, in meters, from vehicle position to L and R limits and TRPs and reference points.
Ammunition. List types of ammunition used.
Description. List the name of the object.
Remarks. Enter the weapons reference point data. As a minimum, weapons reference point data include a description of what the weapons reference point is, a six-digit or eight-digit grid coordinate of the weapons reference point, the magnetic azimuth and the distance from the weapons reference point to the vehicle position.

Figure B-9. Example of a completed range card

SECTOR SKETCHES

B-90. Individual Soldiers in squads and BFV gunners prepare range cards. Squad and
platoon leaders prepare sector sketches. Section leaders may have to prepare sector
sketches if they are assigned separate positions. The platoon leader reviews his squad’s,
and if applicable section’s, sector sketches and ensures the sketches are accurate and meet
his requirements. If he finds gaps or other flaws, the platoon leader adjusts weapons
locations within the area of operation. Once the platoon leader approves the squad and
section sector sketches, he prepares a consolidated report for the company team
commander and incorporates this into a consolidated platoon sector sketch. The platoon
leader or platoon sergeant physically prepares the platoon sector sketch. The sector sketch
can be on acetate taped to a map or it can be a hand drawn sketch. Accurate and detailed
sketches aid in direct fire planning, and in direct fire control and distribution.

SQUAD SECTOR SKETCH

B-91. The squad leaders and section leaders make two copies of their sector sketches; one
copy goes to the platoon leader, the other remains at the position. The squad leaders and
section leaders draw sector sketches (see figure B-10, page B-30) as close to scale as
possible, showing—

Main terrain features in the area of operation and the range to each.
Each primary position.
Engagement area or primary and secondary sectors of fire covering each position.
M240B machine gun final protective line or principle direction of fire.
M249 SAW final protective lines or principle direction of fires.
Type of weapon in each position.
Reference points and TRPs in the area of operation.
Observation post locations.
Dead space.
Obstacles.
Maximum engagement lines for all BFV weapon systems.
Maximum engagement lines for Javelin (if applicable) and AT4s.
Indirect fire targets.

Figure B-10. Squad sector sketch

PLATOON SECTOR SKETCH

B-92. Squad leaders and section leaders prepare their sketches and submit them to the
platoon leader. The platoon leader combines all sector sketches (and possibly separate
range cards) to prepare a platoon sector sketch, which is drawn as close to scale as possible
and includes a target list for direct and indirect fires. One copy is submitted to the company
team commander, one copy is given to the platoon sergeant (controlling the mounted
element), and one copy is given to the leader of the dismounted element (usually the
platoon leader). As a minimum, the platoon sector sketch should show—

Primary and secondary sectors of fire or engagement areas.
Primary, alternate, and supplementary BFV and squad positions.
Remount points.
Javelin, M240B, and M249 positions with primary directions of fire.
M240B and M249 final protective lines or principle direction of fires.
Maximum engagement lines for 25-mm, M240C, and TOW.
Observation posts.
TRPs.
Mines and other obstacles.
Indirect fire target locations and final protective fire location (if applicable).
Position and area of flanking unit vehicles.
Priority engagement by weapon system and crew.

COORDINATION WITH ADJACENT UNITS

B-93. Platoon leaders coordinate with adjacent platoons. Squad leaders coordinate with
adjacent squads so that all positions and all platoon and squads are mutually supporting.
The platoon leader must ensure that this coordination take place. Coordination is usually
initiated from left to right. Gaps between positions are covered by fire as a minimum.
Contact points are established to ensure friendly forces meet at some specific point on the
ground to tie in their flanks. In many cases, the exchange of sector sketches will
accomplish most of this. Typical information that is exchanged includes—

Locations of primary, alternate, and supplementary positions; sectors of fire for BFVs, M240Bs, and Javelins.
Location of dead space between platoons and how it is to be covered.
Location of observation posts.
Location and types of obstacles and how to cover them.
Patrols (size, type, time of departure and return, and routes).