Previous: B-62: Simultaneous 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.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad