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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO REGIMENT

SP&SVC BN
TRAINING COMPANY

Lesson 12
Firing From Cover

Preliminaries: NSP’S – Inspection - Number Squad – Indicate

Areas

Revision - Nil

INTRODUCTION
In defence, fighting is normally done from a fire trench. In the attack or when
patrolling, the soldier makes the best use of cover to conceal himself from view, to
protect himself from enemy fire and to provide himself with a firing position.

USE OF COVER

Explain
a) Always try to rest the forearm for more accurate shooting.
b) When the forearm cannot be rested, rest the back of the hand on cover. If this is
not possible because the cover is too hard or has a sharp edge, then rest the rifle
on the cover as close to the hand as is possible.
c) Do not rest the barrel as this will displace the shots fired.
d) No matter how the cover is used, the four (4) marksmanship principles are to
apply.

FIRE POSITIONS

Explain and demonstrate

a) The ideal fire position is one which:
1. Allows the soldier free use of his personal weapon and grenades.
2. Provides cover from high explosives (H.E) and small arms fire and also
gives cover from view.
3. Enables an obstructed view of a wide arc of fire.
b) Cover from view can be obtained from by the skillful use of trees, bushes and
crops. Permanent defensive positions require camouflage placed carefully so as to
appear natural and skillful use of ground and buildings.
c) In selecting a fire position for use at night, the danger of dead ground near the
position and the importance of places where the enemy will be seen in silhouette
are to be considered.

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Confirm by questions.

TRENCHES

Explain and demonstrate

a. To get the best firing position, use the right corner of the trench. Place both
elbows on the elbow rest and the forearm against cover. Left hander sue left
corner.
b. The soldier is to be afforded the maximum protection from the cover in the front
of the trench.
c. If the trench is shallow, kneeling or standing with the feet apart will lower the
position.
d. If the trench is deep, stand on ammunition box or sand bag.

BUSHES, TREES AND BUILDINGS

Explain an demonstrate
a) Fire round the right side of cover unless better concealment is being afforded by
shadow on the other side.
b) If the cover is narrow, get directly behind it and keep the legs together.

SCRUB

Explain and demonstrate.

a) When firing from scrub, use the sitting position which is the least tiring and
provides accurate results.
b) Firing from the lower branches of large trees sometimes provides a better view of
the arc of fire.

LOW BANKS AND FOLDS IN THE GROUND

Explain and demonstrate

a) To obtain maximum protection in the position, muzzle clearance is kept as low to
the top of the bank or the crest of the fold as possible.
b) The shape of the ground may necessitate lying at a greater angle to the line of fire
than is normal.

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WALLS AND HOUSE

Explain and demonstrate

a) In street fighting, walls and houses provide useful cover for fire positions.
b) When possible remove a few bricks near ground level and fire through a wall
rather over the top.
c) A wall, one (1) brick thick doesn’t give much protection from fire but it is useful
for concealment.

Confirm by practice.

REACTION TO EFFECTIVE ENEMY FIRE

Explain and demonstrate

a) Whilst advancing, the soldier continues to advance until ordered to take cover.
b) On the command ‘Take cover’:
1. Dash towards the nearest cover or the cover previously indicated by the
section commander.
2. Get down and crawl into the position and observe. Keep the rifle behind
cover.
3. Check that the sight is correctly set and fire at any visible enemy or target
indicated by the section commander.
4. Actions on the command ‘Ready’, ‘Fire’, ‘Watch and shoot’, ‘Go on’,
‘Make safe’, are the same as for firing in the open.
5. During any lull in firing, empty or partially filled magazines are to be
refilled.
6. On the command ‘Prepare to advance (or move)’ check that the safety
catch is at safe ‘S’ and move back behind cover. Make sure that magazines
are complete and that pouches are fastened.
7. On the command ‘Advance (or move)’ break cover from a different place
from that in which firing took place and advance in the direction and
formation indicated.

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CONCLUSION

End of Lesson Drill:

a.Question from the squad on the entire lesson.
b.Confirm by question and practice as time permits.
c.Safety precautions
d.Pack kit
e.Summary. To include the following:
1. During an advance do not take cover until ordered to do so.
2. Rest the forearm whenever possible.
3. Apply the marksmanship principles regardless of the firing position or the
type of cover being used remembering that accuracy is affected by the way
the cover is used.
4. A forecast of the squad’s next lesson in this subject.

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