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Previous: B-14: Determine Where and How to Mass Fires

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.

Next: B-16: Shift Fires to Refocus and Redistribute

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad