Infantry Drills

F-72: Gunner’s Rule

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

Previous: F-71: Overhead Fire

F-72. The gunner’s rule can be applied when the friendly troops are at least 350 meters in front of the gun position and range to the target is 850 meters or less. (See figure F-17.) The rule follows:

  • Lay the gun on the target with the correct sight setting to hit the target.
  • Without disturbing the lay of the gun, set the rear sight at a range of 1600 meters.
  • Look through the sights and notice where the new line of aim strikes the ground. This is the limit of troop safety. When the feet of the friendly troops reach this point, fire must be lifted or shifted.
Figure F-17. Application of gunner’s rule

Next: F-73: Leader’s Rule

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

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