MGLC 2021

• TC 3-22.240 M240
• TC 3-22.249 SAW
• TC 3-20.40 QUAL
• TC 3-21.76 RANGER
• TC 3-21.60 HAND AND ARM
SAFE WEAPONS HANDLING
• STANDARD FOR ALL WEAPONS
• RULE 1: TREAT EVERY WEAPON AS IF LOADED
• RULE 2: NEVER POINT THE WEAPON AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT
INTEND TO DESTROY
• RULE 3: KEEP FINGER STRAIGHT AND OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY
TO FIRE
• RULE 4: ENSURE POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE TARGET AND ITS
SURROUNDINGS
WEAPON SAFETY STATUS
• GREEN: BOLT FORWARD, FIRE, NO AMMO
• AMBER: N/A
• RED: AMMO ON FEED TRAY, BOLT TO THE REAR, WEAPON ON SAFE
• BLACK: AMMO ON FEED TRAY, BOLT TO THE REAR, FIRE, FINGER ON
THE TRIGGER
WEAPON CONTROL STATUS
• WEAPONS HOLD: ENGAGE ONLY IF ENGAGED OR ORDERED TO
• WEAPONS TIGHT: ENGAGE WITH POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION
• WEAPONS FREE: ENGAGE TARGETS NOT POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED AS
FRIENDLY
OVERMATCH
• Overmatch is the Soldier applying their learned skills, employing
their equipment, leveraging technology, and applying the proper force
to create an unfair fight in the Soldier’s favor
• The Soldier must be able to detect, acquire, and identify targets at
ranges beyond the maximum effective range of their weapon and
ammunition
M249
 M249 DESCRIPTION

MAJOR COMPONENTS
• DESCRIPTION
• The M249 is a
gas-operated, belt
or magazine-fed,
air-cooled, fully
automatic weapon
that fires from the
open-bolt position.
 OPTICS FOR THE M249

• The M145 machine gun optic (MGO) is a telescopic sight. The

telescope magnifies targets by 3.4 times. AND IS THE PROPER
OPTIC FOR THE M249.
• The M145 straight telescope must remain matched with the same
weapon and attached at the same slot in the rail system. Otherwise,
it must be rezeroed. If the MGO must be removed for storage,
Soldiers must record the serial number and the rail slot to retain
zero.
• Note. The weapon must be rezeroed if the MGO is not returned
to the same rail slot on the adaptive rail system.
 M249 WITH IRON SIGHT OPTIC

NOTE: TO PROPERLY ZERO WITH IRON SIGHTS YOU MUST USE THE
FRONT SIGHT POST ADJUSTING TOOL SPECIFICALLY MADE FOR
THE M249!
M249 WITH ACOG ATTACHMENT
POINT OF AIM IS
AT THE BASE OF
THE TARGETRY
 CARRY POSITIONS

• There are five primary carry positions. The leader can direct the
primary carry positions or the Soldier can assume the carry
positions based on the tactical situation. The primary positions
are—
• Hang.
• Safe hang.
• Collapsed low ready.
• Low ready.
• Ready (or ready up).
 HANG

• Soldiers use the hang

position when they need
their hands for other tasks
and no threat is present or
likely (see figure 6-2). The
weapon is slung and the
safety is engaged. Soldiers
should not use the hang
carry position when the
weapon control status is
RED.
 SAFE HANG

• The Soldier uses the safe hang position when

no immediate threat is present and their
hands are not necessary for other tasks (see
figure 6-3). In the safe hang carry, the weapon
is slung and the Soldier has gripped the
weapon’s pistol grip. The Soldier sustains
Rule 3, keeping the finger off the trigger until
ready to engage when transitioning to the
ready or ready up position.
• In the safe hang position, the Soldier can
move in any direction while simultaneously
using their firing hand to orient the muzzle at
the ground. The safe hang carry provides
control of the weapon, flexibility in movement,
and positive control of the weapon’s fire
controls.
 COLLAPSED LOW READY

• Soldiers use the collapsed

low ready position when a
greater degree of muzzle
control and readiness to
respond to threats or
weapon retention is
necessary (such as
crowded environments).
 LOW READY

• The low ready carry position provides the highest level

of readiness with the maximum amount of observable
area for target acquisition purposes.
• The weapon is slung, the butt stock is in the Soldier’s
shoulder, and the muzzle is angled down at a 30- to 45-
degree angle and oriented towards the Soldier’s sector
of fire.
• The Soldier positions their hand on the pistol grip with
the index finger straight and out of the trigger guard.
From this carry, the Soldier is ready to engage threats
within a very short amount of time with minimal
movement. (See figure 6-5.)
• The Soldier maintains observation to the sector of fire.
The Soldier looks over the top of theiroptics or sights to
maintain situation awareness of their sector. The
Soldier’s head remains upright.
 READY OR READY UP

• Soldiers use the ready

position when enemy
contact is imminent.
• The firing hand remains on
the pistol grip with the firing
finger off the trigger until
the decision to engage a
target is made.
 STANDING UNSUPPORTED

• Soldiers use the ready position when

enemy contact is imminent.
• In the ready the weapon is slung, the
toe of the butt stock is in the Soldier’s
shoulder, and the Soldier orients the
muzzle toward a threat or the most
likely direction of enemy contact. The
Soldier is looking through their optics
or sights. The Soldier’s nonfiring side
hand remains on the hand guards or
on the vertical foregrip. The firing hand
remains on the pistol grip with the
firing finger off the trigger until the
decision to engage a target is made.
STANDING SUPPORTED
 FIRING POSITIONS

• The nature of combat does not always allow time for a Soldier to
get into a particular position. Soldiers need to practice firing in a
variety of positions, including appropriate variations. The primary
positions described below are highest to lowest. The position
variations are subbullets of the primary positions in the list below:
• Standing.
• Standing, unsupported.
• Standing, supported.
• Kneeling. The kneeling position is very common and useful in
most combat situations. The kneeling position is supported or
unsupported.
• Kneeling, unsupported.
• Kneeling, supported.
FIRING POSITIONS CONT.
FIRING POSITIONS CONT.
FIRING POSITIONS CONT.
M240
M240 DESCRIPTION
• The M240 is a gas-operated, belt-fed, air-cooled, fully automatic
weapon that fires from the open-bolt position
M240 DESCRIPTION
MAJOR COMPONENTS
• THE MMG CONSISTS OF EIGHT MAJOR COMPONENTS
• Barrel assembly
• Buttstock/Buffer assembly
• Driving spring rod assembly
• Trigger housing assembly
• Cover assembly
• Feed tray
• Receiver assembly
• Additional information on the characteristics and components of the MMG can
be found in TM 9-1005-313-10
CYCLE OF FUNCTION
• FEEDING
• CHAMBERING
• LOCKING
• FIRING
• UNLOCKING
• EXTRACTING
• EJECTING
• COCKING
COOLING
• Cooling is the process of dissipating heat from the weapon during
firing. Although not part of the cycle of functioning, cooling the
weapon during firing is critical to ensure the weapon continues to
operate efficiently
• Radiation: Air, least efficient
• Conduction: Direct physical contact
• Convection: Moving Air
 MINUTE OF ANGLE

A MOA is an angular unit of measurement equal to 1/60th

of a degree (see figure 3 1 on page 3-2). The most
common use of MOA is when describing the distance of
change required when zeroing a weapon. One MOA
equals 1.047 inches per 100 yards. For most applications,
a Soldier can round this to 1 inch at 100 yards or 1.1
inches at 100 meters to simplify their arithmetic.
.
MILS
• The mil is a common unit of
angular measurement that is
used in direct fire and indirect
fire applications
OPTIC TYPES
• Thermal optics equipment operates in the mid- and far-wavelength
of the infrared band, which is the farthest of the infrared wavelengths
from visible light. Thermal optics cannot translate (see) visible light.
Thermal optics cannot see infrared equipment such as infrared (IR)
strobe lights, IR chemical lights, illuminators, or laser pointers. They
can only identify emitted radiation in the form of heat
• Image intensifiers equipment, such as night vision devices, use the
near area of the infrared spectrum closest to the frequencies of
visible light, as well as visible light to create a digital picture of the
scene. These systems cannot see or detect heat or heat sources.
OPTICS LIMITATIONS
• Rain absorbs the IR emitted by the target, makes it difficult to see.
• Water acts as a mirror and generally reflects IR, providing a false thermal
scene.
• Glass acts similar to water, interfering with the sensor’s ability to accurately
detect emitted radiation behind the glass
• Smoke will not obscure a target unless the chemical obscurant is extremely
hot and dense, or if the target is sitting on top of the smoke source.
• Dust may interfere with the accurate detection of the emitted thermal
signature due to dust and debris density between the sensor and the target
scene. Dust typically does not obscure the IR signature unless its temperature
is similar to the target's signature.
OPTICS FOR THE M240
• IRON SIGHT (tm 9-1005-313-10)
 MACHINE GUN OPTIC,
M145
• The M145 machine gun optic (MGO) is a telescopic sight. The
telescope magnifies targets by 3.4 times.

ADVANTAGES
• excellent vision in low light levels
• allows for rapid target acquisition

DISADVANTAGES
• The optic’s ocular view is limited when engaging targets in close
quarters engagements
AN/PAS-13 SERIES OF WEAPON
THERMAL SIGHTS
• Version 1 (v1) – Light
Weapons Thermal Sight
(LWTS).
• Version 2 (v2) – Medium
Weapons Thermal Sight
(MWTS).
• Version 3 (v3) – Heavy
Weapons Thermal Sight
(HWTS).
AN/PAS-13 SERIES
ADVANTAGES
• REAL TIME IMAGRY
• LONG LASTING BATTERY
• LIGHTWEIGHT

DISADVANTAGES
• CANNOT SEE INFRARED
• CANNOT SEE THROUGH GLASS OR WATER EFFECTIVELY
POINTERS, ILLUMINATORS, LASERS
• Pointer. When used as a pointer or aiming device, a small, pin-point
beam is emitted from the device. The IR beam provides an infrared
visible point when it strikes an object or target when used in
conjunction with night vision devices.

• Illuminator. Typically used to illuminate a close quarters area as an

infrared flood light. The illuminator provides a flood-light effect for
the Soldier when used in conjunction with night vision devices.
Laser aiming devices for the M240 series
Mountable Equipment
• ADJUSTABLE BIPOD
The M240B adjustable bipod kit (NSN 1005-01-586-8837) is highly
adjustable and enhances stability within the battle space environment.
It is secured by the front sling swivel fore grip of the weapon. It can be
used in combination with a sand sock or other buttstock support to
provide an extremely stable firing platform
 Mountable Equipment
TRIPOD
• The tripod provides stability along
the left-to-right and fore-and-aft
coordinate axis of motion. The
tripod is provides a stable weapon
support system. Tripods have the
disadvantage of being heavy and
bulky.(Refer to TM 9-1005-344-10)
Employment
• The Soldier’s goal when shooting is to fire well-aimed bursts
• Sight alignment. Sight alignment is the relationship between the
aiming device and the firer’s eye
• Sight picture. The sight picture is the placement of the aligned sights
on the target.
• Trigger control. Trigger control is the skillful manipulation of the
trigger that causes the machine gun to fire without disturbing the
aim.
SHOT PROCESS
• PRE-SHOT
• SHOT
• POST-SHOT

• Follow-through is the
continued mental and
physical application of the
shot process’ functional
elements after the shot has
been fired. (ending with a
sector check)
TARGET PRIORITIZATION
Multiple Targets
• When multiple targets of the same threat level are encountered, the
targets are prioritized according to the threat they represent. The
standard prioritization of targets establishes the order of
engagement.
• Near before far
• Frontal before flank
• Stationary before moving
 Stability
• LEG POSITION In the prone, the firer’s legs may be spread apart flat on the
ground or bent at the knee
• NONFIRING HAND grasping the stock weld and applying additional pressure
during the shot process. The nonfiring hand can be used as reference point
when applying the firer’s head to the stock of the weapon.
• STOCK WELD Stock weld is the placement of the firer’s head on the stock of the
weapon. Correct stock weld is critical to sight alignment. The firer rests the full
weight of their head on the stock. The head position is as upright as possible to
give the best vision through the aiming device
Stability

MUSCLE RELAXATION
• Strained or fatigued muscles detract from stability.
• The more skeletal support, the more stable the position, as bones do
not fatigue or strain.
• As a rule, the less muscle support required, the longer the firer can
stay in position.
STABILITY
NATURAL POINT OF AIM
• The natural point of aim is the point where the barrel naturally
orients when the firer’s muscles are relaxed and support is achieved
• The closer the natural point of aim is to the target, the less muscle
support required.
• The more stable the position, the more resistant to recoil it is.
• More of the firer’s body on the ground equals a more stable position.
• More of the firer’s body on the ground equals less mobility for the
firer.
CARRY POSITIONS
• Safe hang
• Low ready
• Ready
FIRING POSITIONS
The nature of combat does not always allow time for a Soldier to get into
a particular position
• Standing- Standing, unsupported/ Standing, supported.
• Kneeling- Kneeling, unsupported/ Kneeling, supported.
• Prone- (most stable)- Prone, bipod-supported/Prone, tripod-supported
FIRING POSITIONS
FIRING POSITIONS
FIRING POSITIONS
FIRING POSITIONS
Firing positions can be effected by
environmental conditions. EX. heavy
snowfall, thick brush.

This may force the Gunfighter to

come up with creative ways of
mitigation to achieve a steady firing
position.

To counter deep snow Soldiers will

have to increase the float of their
hasty firing platform using Sleds,
Snow shoes, and even rucks.
Aim
• Aim is the functional element of the shot process. Aim is the continuous process
of orienting the weapon correctly, aligning the weapon’s sights, aligning the weapon
on the target, and applying the appropriate lead and elevation during a target
engagement. Soldiers conduct aiming through pre-shot, shot, and post-shot, to apply
lethal fires in a responsible manner with accuracy and precision.
 Aim
SIGHT ALIGNMENT
• To achieve effective aim, the focus of the
firer’s eye needs to be on the front sight
post or reticle.
SIGHT PICTURE
• Pre-shot sight picture. Encompasses the
original point of aim, sight picture, and any
holds for target or environmental
conditions.
• Post-shot sight picture. What the Soldier
must use as the point of reference for any
sight adjustments for any subsequent
shot.
 Aim
POINT OF AIM
• The point on the target that is the continuation of the line created by sight alignment.
The point of aim is a point of reference used to calculate any hold the Soldier deems
necessary to achieve the desired results of the round’s impact. The point of aim should be
the target’s CoVM for engagements against stationary targets under 400 meters with
negligible wind, and a weapon that has a 400-meter confirmed zero. The point of aim
does not include any hold off or lead changes.
DESIRED POINT OF IMPACT
• The desired point of impact is the location where the Soldier wants the projectile to strike
the target. Typically, this is the CoVM. At any range different than the weapon’s zero
distance, the Soldier’s desired point of impact and their point of aim will not align.
Therefore, the Soldier must determine the hold off necessary to achieve the desired point
of impact.
COMPLEX ENGAGEMENTS
• A complex engagement includes any shot that cannot use the CoVM
as the point of aim to ensure a target hit. Complex engagements
require a Soldier to apply various points of aim to successfully defeat
the threat.
• Target conditions: Range, Moving ,Oblique targets, Evasive targets,
Limited exposure,
• Environmental conditions: Wind, Angled, Limited visibility
• Firer conditions: Moving firing position, Canted weapon
engagements, CBRN operations engagements.
IMMEDIATE HOLD DETERMINATION
• Immediate holds are based on
the values of a target form,
where the increments shown
are sufficient for rapid target
hits without ballistic
computations
IMMEDIATE RANGE DETERMINATION
100-Meter Unit of Measure Method
• To determine the total distance to the target using the 100-meter unit of
measure method, firers must visualize a distance of 100 meters (generally
visualizing the length of a football field) on the ground. Soldiers
then estimate how many of these units can fit between the firer and the
target.
MOVING TARGETS
Tracking Techniques
• The gunner aims at a point ahead of the target equal to the estimated
number of leads, maintains this lead by tracking the target
(manipulates the weapon at the same angular speed as that of the
target), and then fires. Tracking places the gunner in position for a
second burst if the first one misses.
Trapping Techniques
• The gunner establishes an aiming point forward of the target and
along the target path. He pulls the trigger as the target reaches the
appropriate point in regard to lead.
 HOLD FOR MOVING TARGETS
The immediate hold
• estimation of the speed of the moving target and an estimation of the range to that
target.
• To hit a moving target, the machine gun must be aimed far enough ahead of the target to
cause the bullet and target to arrive at the same point at the same time. This distance is
measured in target lengths.
• One target length as seen by the gunner is one lead.
• Leads are measured from the center of mass.
WIND
• Wind deflection is the most influential element in exterior ballistics.
• Wind does not push the projectile causing the actual deflection. The
bullet’s tip is influenced in the direction of the wind slightly, resulting
in a gradual drift of the bullet in the direction of the wind.
• The effects of wind can be compensated for by the firer provided they
understand how wind effects the projectile and the terminal point of
impact.
 WIND

WIND SPEED
• 0 to 3 mph, hardly felt, but smoke drifts.
• 3 to 5 mph, felt lightly on the face.
• 5 to 8 mph, keeps leaves in constant
movement.
• 8 to 12 mph, raises dust and loose paper.
• 12 to 15 mph, causes small trees to sway.
Immediate Wind Hold
• Firers must adjust their points of
aim into the wind to compensate
for its effects.
• If they miss a distant target and
wind is blowing from the right,
they should aim to the right for the
next shot.
• A guide for the initial adjustment is
to split the front sight post on the
edge of the target facing the wind.
COMPOUND CONDITIONS
• When target is moving
and wind is a factor
WORKSPACE MANAGEMENT
• The workspace is a spherical
area, 12 to 18 inches in
diameter centered on the
Soldier’s chin and
approximately 12 inches in
front of their chin. The
workspace is where the
majority of weapons
manipulations take place
 MALFUNCTIONS
• SECONDARY
WEAPON

CORRECTIVE ACTION
POPP (PULL OBSERVE, PUSH, PRESS
• Immediate action
• Remedial action LOCK AND CLEAR, PREFORM FOUR
POINT SAFETY CHECK,
RELOAD AND FIRE
MALFUNCTIONS
Ammunition
• The following terminology describes the general components of
machine gun cartridges:
• Cartridge case (brass)
• Propellant (or powder)
• Primer (small explosive charge, ignition source for the propellant)
• Bullet (projectile)
Ammunition
Ammunition
• M13 OPEN-LOOP LINK
• . The 7.62-mm, M13 disintegrating links are manufactured with
partially open loops and have a positioning finger on one side which
snaps into extractor grooves of cartridge to retain cartridge in proper
feed alignment.
Ballistics
• Ballistics is the science of the processes that occur from the time a
firearm is fired to the time when the bullet impacts its target
• INTERNAL-Strike of the primer to the time the bullet leaves the
muzzle
• EXTERNAL BALLISTICS- effects of gravity, drag, and wind along the
projectile’s flight to the target
• TERMINAL BALLISTICS- from the time it strikes an object until it
comes to rest (called terminal rest)
Lethal Zones
• Circuitry (switch shots). This point
maximizes the possibility of striking
major organs and vessels, rendering
a clean, one-shot kill
• Hydraulic shots, or timers, are
impacts on a target where
immediate incapacitation is not
guaranteed.
 Drills
• Each drill is designed to develop confidence in the equipment and Soldier
actions during training and combat operations. As they are reinforced through
repetition, they become second nature to the Soldier, providing smooth,
consistent employment during normal and unusual conditions.
• Weapon check
• Sling and Unsling
• Load
• Carry
• Fight Down/Up (Standing, Prone Bipod, Prone Tripod & vice versa)
• Clear malfunction
• Manipulate T&E
Drills cont.
• DEAD GUNNER
• BARREL CHANGE
• EMPLACE
• BREAK DOWN
• ROUND COUNT (MACHINE GUN MATH)
• TRIPOD BAG MANIPULATION
• LINK ROUNDS
• HAND AND ARM SIGNALS
• MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES
 ZEROING
• Bottom of the
square should
be in line with
the 10mz line.

Fire 3 individual
rounds
12 rounds to zero.
Make
adjustments to
strike the
Target CoVM.
QUALIFICATION
 QUALIFICATION
• TABEL 1 QUAL (10M)
• TABLE 2 QUAL (POP UP
TARGETS)
 GIVEN 12 ROUNDS
ZERO IN NINE

• ENGAGE PASTERS A1 &A2

• 3 SINGLE SHOTS
• TWO THREE ROUND
GROUPS PER PASTER
• THE LAST THREE ROUND
GROUP IS TO CONFIRM
ZERO.

TABLE 1 TASK 1
• 28 ROUND BELT
TABLE 1 TASK 2
• PASTERS A3- A4
• TWO 5 TO 7 ROUND
BURSTS IN EACH
PASTOR
• 35 ROUND BELT
TABLE 1 TASK 3
• PASTERS A5- A6
• 5 TO 7 ROUND BURSTS
IN EACH PASTOR
• 56 ROUND BELT
TABLE 1 TASK 4
• PASTERS A7- A8
• 5 TO 7 ROUND BURSTS
IN EACH PASTOR
• 56 ROUND BELT
TABLE 1 QUAL TASK 5
• PASTERS B7- B8
• 5 TO 7 ROUND BURSTS
IN EACH PASTOR
• 35 ROUND BELT TABLE 1 QUAL TASK 6
• PASTERS B5- B6
• 5 TO 7 ROUND BURSTS
IN EACH PASTOR
 TIME AND AMMUNITION
• Each gunner completes zeroing before record fire. They receive
individual fire commands for each task. They must fire Task 5 in
45 seconds, and Task 6 in 30 seconds.
 SCORING
• On the 10-meter target, the trainer counts all scoring pasters in sections B
and D (B/D5 to B/D6, and B/D7 to B/D8). They award one point for each
round that impacts within the scoring space. The most points they can
give the gunner for each paster is seven points for the M240B. Rounds
that touch the line on the paster are considered hits. Someone besides the
gunner scores the gunner’s target. During qualification fire, the gunner
must earn at least 63 points on Firing Table I on any of the weapons
 M249 QUALIFICATION

- SAME AS M4 POP UP TARGETS QUAL

- PRONE UNSUPORTED= BIPOD
- PRONE SUPPORTED= BIPOD+ SANDBAG
MACHIN
E GUN
THEORY
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE
• LINE OF SIGHT(LOS)- is an imaginary line drawn from the firer’s eyes through the sights
to the point of aim.
• BURST OF FIRE- is a number of successive rounds fired with the same elevation and point
of aim when the trigger is held to the rear. The number of rounds in a burst varies
depending on the type of fire employed.
• TRAJECTORY- is the curved path of the projectile in its flight from the muzzle of the
weapon to its impact. The major factors influencing trajectory are the velocity of the
round, gravity, rotation of the round, and air resistance. As the range to the target
increases, so does the curve of trajectory.
• MAXIMUM ORDINATE- is the highest point above the LOS the trajectory reaches
between the muzzle of the weapon and base of target. It always occurs at a point about
two-thirds of the distance from weapon to target and increases with range. Like
trajectory, maximum ordinate increases as the range increases
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE
• CONE OF FIRE- is the pattern formed by the different trajectories in each
burst as they travel downrange. Vibration of the weapon and variations
in ammunition and atmospheric conditions all contribute to the
trajectories making up the cone of fire
• Effective Beaten Zone- Due to dispersion, only part of the beaten zone in
which 85 percent of the rounds fall is considered the effective beaten
zone.
• Effect of Range on the Beaten Zone- As the range to the target increases,
the beaten zone becomes shorter and wider. Conversely, as the range to
the target decreases, the beaten zone becomes longer and narrower.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRE
• Effect of Slope on the Beaten Zone- The length of the beaten zone for given ranges varies according to the slope of
the ground. On rising ground, the beaten zone becomes shorter but remains the same width. On ground sloping
away from the gun, the beaten zone becomes longer but remains the same width.

• DANGER SPACE - The danger space is the space between the muzzle of the weapon and the target where the
trajectory does not rise above 1.8 meters (the average height of a standing Soldier) including the beaten zone.
Gunners should consider the danger space of weapons when planning overhead fires.
CLASSIFICATION OF AUTOMATIC
WEAPONS FIRE
FIRES WITH RESPECT TO THE
• GROUND
• TARGET
• WEAPON
 RESPECT TO THE GROUND
GRAZING
• Automatic weapons achieve grazing fire when the center of the
cone of fire does not rise more than one meter above the ground.
Soldiers employ grazing fire in the final protective line in the
defense. Grazing fire is possible only when the terrain is level or
sloping uniformly

PLUNGING FIRE
• Plunging fire occurs when there is little or no danger space from
the muzzle of the weapon to the beaten zone. Plunging fires
happen when Soldiers fire weapons at long range, when they fire
from high ground to low ground, when they fire into abruptly
rising ground, or when they fire across uneven terrain, which
results in a loss of grazing fire at points along the trajectory.

• IF IT AINT GRAZING… ITS PLUNGING

FIRES WITH RESPECT TO THE
TARGET

• Enfilade
• Frontal
• Flanking
• Oblique Fire
FIRES WITH RESPECT TO THE
MACHINE GUN
• Fixed Fire- stationary point target when the depth and width of the
beaten zone covers the target with little or no manipulation needed
• Traversing Fire - Traversing disperses fires in width by successive
changes in direction, but not elevation
• Searching Fire - Searching distributes fires in-depth by successive
changes in elevation. Gunners employ searching fire against a deep
target or a target having depth and minimal width, requiring changes in
only the elevation of the gun.
• Free Gun- Gunners deliver free gun fire against moving targets rapidly
engaging with fast changes in both direction and elevation. When firing
free gun, the weapon normally is fired at the cyclic rate of fire.
FIRES WITH RESPECT TO THE
MACHINE GUN
BEATEN ZONE
• The gunner ensures throughout
his firing the center of the beaten
zone is maintained at the center
base of the target for maximum
effect from each burst of fire.
When this is done, projectiles in
the upper half of the cone of fire
pass through the target if it has
height, and projectiles in the
lower half of the beaten zone
may ricochet into the target.
AMMUNITION PLANNING
• Leaders must know the length of time their guns will be firing and
their guns’ rate of fire to ensure they have enough ammunition to
complete the mission. Leaders must calculate the number of rounds
needed to support every machine gun throughout all phases of the
operation. Ammunition must be allocated for each vital event and to
support movement with suppressive fire
 SIGNALS FOR CREW-SERVED
WEAPONS
It is important that teams develop TTPs for visual signals These signals should be easily understood by every
member of the team and should work in in varying conditions.

EX.
- Day vs Night

- Standing vs Prone

- Under NODs vs Natural Eye

“ Prepare for the unknown and test your TTPs in all conditions.”
 SIGNALS FOR CREW-SERVED WEAPONS
“Members of crew-served weapons must communicate. Often, this is in
environments where visual signals are the best means of transmitting information”

It is important that teams develop TTPs for visual signals

that work for them in varying conditions.
Day vs night,
standing vs prone

Commence Firing
To signal “commence firing,” extend the arm in front of the
body, palm down, and move it through a wide horizontal
arc several times. For machine guns, when giving the
signal again, moving the arm faster means to change to
the next higher rate of fire. To slow the rate of fire, move
the arm slower. This signal is primarily used for direct fire
weapons
 SIGNALS FOR CREW-SERVED WEAPONS
“Members of crew-served weapons must communicate. Often, this is in
environments where visual signals are the best means of transmitting information”

Change Direction or Elevation

To signal the gunner to “change direction” or “change
elevation,” the signaler will move his hand and arm in new
direction and indicates the amount of change by the
number of fingers shown to the gunner. Each finger shown
represents a 1 mil or 1 meter change in direction. The
signaler will extended his hand repeatedly to indicate the
total amount of change. For example: the signaler
represents UP EIGHT meters by moving his arm upward
with five fingers showing then moving his arm upward
again with three fingers showing.

NOTE: INCREMENTS AND MEANING FOR FINGERS SHOWN ARE PREDETERMINED BY LEADER
AND ARE SUBJECT TO HIS/ HER DISCRECTION.
 SIGNALS FOR CREW-SERVED WEAPONS
“Members of crew-served weapons must communicate. Often, this is in
environments where visual signals are the best means of transmitting information”

Shift Fire
To signal “move over” or “shift fire.” raise the hand (on the
side toward the new direction) and move it across the
body to the opposite shoulder, palm to the front; then
swing the arm in a horizontal arc, extending the arm and
hand to point in the new direction. For slight changes in
direction, move the hand from the final position to the
desired direction of movement
MCLC 2021
• QUESTIONS?
CONTROLLED
EMPLACEMENT/WITHD
RAWL OF SUPPORT BY
FIRE
TC 3-21.76
• Task: Conduct emplacement of support by fire procedures.

• Conditions: In a classroom environment utilizing PowerPoint

instruction maintaining social distancing and abiding by revision eight
standards.

• Standards: Be able to conduct in sequence a standardized form of

emplacing a support by fire with a weapons squad element.
 Table of contents
• Deliberate VS Hasty
• Leaders Recon
• Emplacement of Support by fire (SBF)
• Common terms of weapons squad operations
 DELIBERATE VS HASTY
• Deliberate emplacement of a SBF is considered so because the WSL
and other members of the weapons squad will go on a recon with the
platoon leader to confirm or identify actions on the objective.

• Hasty emplacement of a SBF means that an official recon has not

been conducted.
 LEADERS RECON
• The WSL goes on the leaders recon. This is vital for his emplacement
of the SBF because this is where he confirms with his AG’s where and
what the TRPs are. Also confirming shifts and lifts in relation to phase
lines. The WSL will also confirm where he wants to place his weapon
systems to get maximum time on the objective without shutting off
too early for the assault.
 CONTROLLED
EMPLACEMENT OF THE
SUPPORT BY FIRE
 CONTROLLED EMPLACEMENT OF
THE SUPPORT BY FIRE
• Controlled occupation of the support-by-fire
position is one of the key elements in
setting up a Support By Fire (SBF) position.
To remain undetected, use stealth and
control.
 CONTROLLED EMPLACEMENT OF
THE SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• (1) The WSL moves to and establishes a RP just
short of the SBF position.
• Order of movement for the weapons squad during
movement to their position is the WSL, gun team 2
(gunner, ammunition bearer [AB], and assistant
gunner [AG]), and gun team 1 (AG, gunner, AB).
 CONTROLLED EMPLACEMENT OF
THE SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• (2) The WSL then moves forward from the
RP with the gun 2 gunner. The gunner gets
into position and remains on bipods to
provide security.
 CONTROLLED EMPLACEMENT OF
THE SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• (3) The WSL then brings forward the gun 1 gunner and
AG.
• The AG moves to the left of the gun and emplaces
the tripod. The gunner then places the gun on the
tripod.
• The AB drops off all ammunition at the gun position
and then moves to pull flank or rear security.
 CONTROLLED EMPLACEMENT OF
THE SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• (4) Once gun 1 is in place, the WSL brings
the gun 2 AG and AB forward. The AG sets in
the tripod then the gunner sets in gun 2 on
the tripod. The AB drops off all remaining
ammunition, and then pulls flank or rear
security.
 CONTROLLED EMPLACEMENT OF
THE SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• (5) Once the SBF is emplaced, the WSL gets
down behind both guns to ensure they
cover their sectors of fire, and that
everything is according to the PLs guidance.
 CONTROLLED EMPLACEMENT OF
THE SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• (6) The WSL calls the PL and notifies that the
SBF position is occupied.
 CONTROLLED
WITHDRAWL OF SUPPORT
BY FIRE
 CONTROLLED WITHDRAWL OF
SUPPORT BY FIRE
• The PL can use controlled withdrawal of the SBF
position method to cover the withdrawal of the
platoon and provide security for the SBF
position. This is usually done by phases (Red,
White and Blue) established in the Operations
Order.
 CONTROLLED WITHDRAWL OF
SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• Before the platoon moves off an objective, the
WSL shifts the machine guns’ sectors of fire to
cover the objective.
 CONTROLLED WITHDRAWL OF
SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• After the guns cover the objective, the WSL
starts breaking down the gun positions, one at a
time.
 CONTROLLED WITHDRAWL OF
SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• After the main body of the platoon starts to
move off the objective, the gun teams move one
at a time into the order of movement, with the
last gun breaking down as soon as the platoon is
completely off the objective.
 CONTROLLED WITHDRAWL OF
SUPPORT BY FIRE CONT.
• The entire weapons squad moves tactically to
linkup with the rest of the platoon.
COMMON TERMS USED
FOR WPNS SQUAD
 COMMON TERMS USED FOR WPNS
SQUAD
• SECTORS OF FIRE: A defined area which is required to be covered
by the fire of individual or crew served weapons or the weapons of a
unit

• PHASE LINES: Lines to show some positional dependency or relation

to the passage of time. Commonly used to give gun teams a visual for
when to shift fire away from the assaulting element.
 COMMON TERMS USED FOR WPNS
SQUAD CONT.
• .TARGET REFERENCE POINT (TRP): An easily recognizable point
on the ground (natural or manmade) used to initiate, distribute, and
control fires.

• SHIFT FIRE: Means exactly how it sounds. When directed, the shift
fire command is meant to move a concentration of fire from one
point to another. This is generally used by shifting from one TRP to the
next.
 COMMON TERMS USED FOR WPNS
SQUAD CONT.
• LIFT FIRE: Means to “cease fire” until otherwise directed. This allows
the assault element to move freely sweeping across the objective
until they reach their Limit Of Advance (LOA)

• SHIFT/ LIFT SIGNALS: A visual signal or cue on established within

an operations order (primary, alternate, contingency and emergency)
alerting the SBF element that it is time to shift fires to the next TRP.
This can be done using smoke, illumination flares and/or VS-17 Panel