Previous: F-72: Gunner’s Rule
F-73. When the range to the target is greater than 850 meters, overhead fire should be delivered only in an emergency. Even then, fire should extend only to a range at which the tracers or strike of the bullets can be seen by the gunner. In this situation the leader’s rule applies. (See figure F-18.) The platoon or section leader uses the leader’s rule only when the target is greater than 850 meters. The rule follows:
- Select a point on the ground where it is believed friendly troops can advance with safety.
- Determine the range to this point by the most accurate means available.
- 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 to 1600 meters or the range to the target plus 500 meters, whichever is the greater of the two ranges? Under no conditions should the sight setting be less than 1500 meters.
- Note the point where the new line of aim strikes the ground:
- If it strikes at the selected point, that point marks the limit of safety.
- If it strikes short of the selected point, it is safe for troops to advance to the point where the line of aim strikes the ground and to an unknown point beyond. If fire is called for after friendly troops advance farther than the point where the line of aim strikes the ground, this farther point is determined by testing new selected points until the line of aim and selected point coincide.
- If it clears the selected point, it is safe for troops to advance to the selected point and to an unknown point beyond. If it is advantageous to have troops advance beyond the selected point, this farther point must be determined by testing new selected points until the line of aim and selected point coincide. This point marks the line of safety.
Next: F-74: Fire from a Defilade Position
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad