Previous: F-37: Enfilade Fire
F-38. Frontal fire occurs when the long axis of the beaten zone is at a right angle to the front of the target. This type of fire is highly desirable when engaging a column formation. It then becomes enfilade fire as the beaten zone coincides with the long axis of the target. (See figures F-11, page F-16, and F-12, page F-17.) Frontal fire is not as desirable when engaging a line formation because the majority of the beaten zone normally falls below or after the enemy target.
Next: F-39: Flanking Fire
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad