Previous: F-113: Command to Open Fire
F-114. Subsequent fire commands are used to make adjustments in direction and elevation, to change rates of fire after a fire mission is in progress, to interrupt fires, or to terminate the alert. If the gunner fails to properly engage a target, the leader must correct him promptly by announcing or signaling the desired changes. When these changes are given, the gunner makes the corrections and resumes firing without further command.
F-115. Adjustments in direction and elevation with the machine gun always are given in meters; one finger is used to indicate one meter and so on. Adjustment for direction is given first. Example: RIGHT ONE ZERO METERS or LEFT FIVE METERS. Adjustment for elevation is given next. Example: ADD FIVE METERS or DROP ONE FIVE METERS. These changes may be given orally or with arm-and-hand signals:
- Changes in the rate of fire are given orally or by arm-and-hand signals.
- To interrupt firing, the leader announces CEASE FIRE, or he signals to cease fire. The gunners remain on the alert. They resume firing when given the command FIRE.
- To terminate the alert, the leader announces CEASE FIRE, END OF MISSION.
Next: F-116: Doubtful Elements and Corrections
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad