Infantry Drills

B-73: Fire Commands



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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.

Next: B-74: Alert

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