An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 25 FIELDCRAFt – PARt 9 Reaction to Fire Control orders recognition of targets: It is most important that the soldier knows the sequence of the order, understands the implications of each section of it and the necessity to obey its implicitly. It should be emphasised that it is the soldiers own duty to estimate and aim off for wind. aim: To teach what to do when given a fire control order. preparation: Select arc of fire and reference points, and prepare at least four fire control orders of each type using various methods of indication. Using the aiming rests, check that the targets indicated have been recognised correctly and encourage the use of the word "Again" if they have not. When practising the section in each type of fire control order, check after each stage that their actions are correct. Order "Stop" on completion of each engagement. Sequence of a Fire Control Order Explain using chalkboard or chart. A fire control order is given in a definite sequence, the word 'GRIT' helps in remembering the sequence: group: Tells who is being addressed, i.e. "Gun-group", "Section", "No 2 rifleman", etc. range: Tells how far away to look for the target and the setting required on the sights. indication: Tells in which direction to look and what to look for. type of Fire: Tells whether rapid fire is required, whether the weapon is to fire single rounds or bursts. The order is completed with the command "Fire". types of Fire Control Orders Explain and demonstrate using a chalkboard or chart. There are four basic types of fire control orders to cater for battle situations: Full: This is given if there is sufficient time, e.g. "Gunner - 400 - ruined house - bottom Left corner - enemy machine gun - in bursts - fire". Brief: This is given when there is little time and the target is obvious, e.g. "Section - quarter Left - rapid fire". Delayed: This is used when the movements of friendly forces or of the enemy are known or can be guessed. The order "Fire" is delayed until the right moment, e.g. "No 1 Section - 300 – farmhouse - immediately below - enemy in the hedgerow - No 2 Section is moving through the copse on our Right. We will cover their advance when they get to the open ground - rapid - await my order". Then, when No 2 Section reaches the open ground, "fire". "No 2 Section - 200 - quarter Right - small wood - when the enemy comes out into the open - rapid - await my order". Then when the enemy are in a suitable position, "fire". Snap: This is used at ranges up to 300 metres when enemy forces are out of view and it is impracticable for the commander to control the time to open fire, so he passes the responsibility to the individual(s) concerned, e.g. "Rifle group – 200 - slightly Left - farm buildings - enemy in that area – watch and fire when you see a target". tracer: To indicate an extremely difficult target tracer ammunition is a useful aid, e.g. "No 1 Section - 200 - half Right - watch my tracer - where it hits - fire". Distributed Fire: When engaging a wide target the section's fire needs to be distributed. The riflemen fire at points between the limits of the target corresponding with their places in the section. The GPMG gunner traverses the target from limit to limit firing bursts at points throughout the width of the target or concentrating fire at critical points as directed, e.g. "No 1 Section - 400 - farmhouse - Left - 4 o'clock - Red gate - Left limit - Right 60 mils along fence - lone tree - Right limit - fire".

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