Previous: F-38: Frontal Fire
F-39. Flanking fire is delivered directly against the flank of the target. Flanking fire is highly desirable when engaging an enemy line formation. It then becomes enfilade fire as the beaten zone will coincide with the long axis of the target. (See figures F-11, page F-16, and F-12, page F-17.) Flanking fire against an enemy column formation is least desirable because the majority of the beaten zone normally falls before or after the enemy target.
Next: F-40: Oblique Fire
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad