C-30: Fuze Setting - Infantry Drills

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(FM 3-21.8 The infantry Rifle platoon & squad)

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C-30. The decision concerning what fuze setting to use depends on the position of the enemy.

C-31. Exposed enemy troops standing up are best engaged with impact or near surface burst fuze settings. The round explodes on, or near, the ground. Shell fragments travel outward perpendicular to the long axis of the standing target. (See figure C-11, page C-18.)

Figure C-11. Standing targets

C-32. If exposed enemy troops are lying prone, the proximity fuze setting is most effective. The rounds explode high above the ground, and fragments coming downward are traveling once again perpendicular to the long axis of the targets. (See figure C-12.)

Figure C-12. Prone targets

C-33. The proximity setting is the most effective if the enemy is in open fighting positions without overhead cover. Even proximity settings will not always produce effects if the positions are deep. (See figure C-13.)

Figure C-13. Targets in open fighting positions

C-34. The delay fuze setting is most effective when the enemy is below triple canopy jungle or in fighting positions with overhead cover. Light mortars will have little effect against overhead cover. Even medium mortars have limited effect. Heavy mortars can destroy a bunker or enemy troops beneath jungle canopy with a hit or near-miss. (See figure C-14, page C-20.)

Figure C-14. Targets beneath triple canopy jungle

Next: C-35: Effects of Cover on High-Explosive Rounds

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