• Time of suppression.
• Reconnaissance by fire.
(a) Point Fire. Point fire concentrates the effects of a unit’s fire against a specific, identified target such as a vehicle, machine gun bunker, or ATGM position. When leaders direct point fire, all of the unit’s weapons engage the target, firing until it is destroyed or H-18
FM 3-21.11
the required time of suppression has expired. Employing converging fires from dispersed positions makes point fire more effective because the unit engages the target from multiple directions. The unit may initiate an engagement using point fire against the most dangerous threat, then revert to area fire against other, less threatening point targets. (Use of point fire has been fairly rare because a unit seldom encounters a single, clearly identified enemy weapon; however, with the increased tactical information gained through FBCB2, this may become a more useful technique.)
(b) Area Fire. Area fire involves distributing the effects of a unit’s direct fires over an area in which enemy positions are numerous or are not obvious. If the area is large, leaders assign sectors of fire to subordinate elements using a terrain-based distribution method such as the quadrant technique. Typically, the primary purpose of the area fire is suppression; however, sustaining effective suppression requires judicious control of the rate of fire.
(c) Alternating Fire. In alternating fire, pairs of elements continuously engage the same point or area target one at a time. For example, a company team may alternate fires of two platoons; a tank platoon may alternate the fires of its sections, or an infantry platoon may alternate the fires of a pair of machine guns. Alternating fire permits the unit to maintain suppression for a longer duration than does simultaneous fire. It also forces the enemy to acquire and engage alternating points of fire.
(d) Sequential Fire. In sequential fire, the subordinate elements of a unit engage the same point or area target one after another in an arranged sequence. For example, an MGS platoon may sequence the fires of its four vehicles to gain maximum time of suppression. Sequential fire can also help prevent the waste of ammunition, as when an infantry platoon waits to see the effects of the first Javelin before firing another.
Additionally, sequential fire permits elements that have already fired to pass on information they have learned from the engagement. An example would be an infantryman who missed an armored vehicle with AT4 fires passing range and lead information to the next soldier preparing to engage the same armored vehicle with an AT4.
(e) Simultaneous Fire. Units employ simultaneous fire, also referred to as volley fire, to rapidly mass the effects of their fires or to gain immediate fire superiority. For example, a unit may initiate a support-by-fire operation with simultaneous fire, then change to alternating or sequential fire to maintain suppression. Simultaneous fire is also employed to negate the low probability of hit and kill of certain antiarmor weapons. As an example, a dismounted infantry squad may employ volley fire with its AT4s to ensure rapid destruction of a BMP that is engaging a friendly position.
(f) Observed Fire. Observed fire is normally used when the company is in concealed defensive positions with engagement ranges in excess of 2,500 meters. It can be employed between elements of the company, such as an infantry platoon observing while the MGS platoon fires, or between vehicles of the MGS platoon. The company commander or platoon leader directs one element or vehicle to engage. The remaining elements or vehicles observe fires and prepare to engage on order in case the engaging element consistently misses its targets, experiences a malfunction, or runs low on ammunition. Observed fire allows for mutual observation and assistance while protecting the location of the observing elements.
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FM 3-21.11
(g) Time of Suppression. Time of suppression is the period, specified by the company commander, during which an enemy position or force is to be suppressed. Suppression time typically depends on the time it will take a supported element to maneuver.
Normally, a unit suppresses an enemy position using the sustained rate of fire of its weapons. In planning for sustained suppression, leaders must consider several factors: the estimated time of suppression, the size of the area being suppressed, the type of enemy force to be suppressed, range to the target, rates of fire, and available ammunition quantities.
(h) Reconnaissance by Fire. Reconnaissance by fire is the process of engaging possible enemy locations to elicit a tactical response, such as return fire or movement.
This response permits the company commander and his subordinate leaders to make accurate target acquisition and then to mass fires against the enemy element. Typically, the company commander directs a platoon to conduct the reconnaissance by fire. For example, he may direct an overwatching platoon to conduct the reconnaissance by fire against a probable enemy position before initiating movement by a bounding element.
The company commander should use reconnaissance by fire only if he cannot gain accurate information through FBCB2.
H-16. FIRE COMMANDS
Fire commands are oral orders issued by the SBCT infantry company commander and his subordinate leaders to focus and distribute fires as required to achieve the desired effects against an enemy force. Fire commands allow leaders in the already confusing environment of close combat to articulate their firing instructions rapidly and concisely using a standard format. Unit fire commands include these elements--
• Alert.
• Weapon or ammunition (optional).
• Target description.
• Orientation.
• Range (optional).
• Control (optional).
• Execution.
a. Alert. The alert specifies the units that are directed to fire. It does not require the leader who initiates the command to identify himself. Examples of the alert element (call signs and code words based on unit SOP) include the following--
• "GUIDONS" (all subordinate elements).
• "RED" (1st platoon only).
b. Weapon or Ammunition (Optional). This element identifies the weapon and ammunition to be employed by the alerted units. Leaders may designate the type and number of rounds to limit expenditure of ammunition. Examples of this element include the following:
• "JAVELIN."
• "TWO ROUNDS HEP-T."
c. Target Description. Target description designates which enemy forces are to be engaged. Leaders may use the description to focus fires or achieve distribution. Examples of target description include the following:
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FM 3-21.11
• "TROOPS IN TRENCH."
• "BUNKER."
• "THREE PCs (personnel carriers)."
d.
Orientation. This element identifies the location of the target. There are numerous ways to designate the location of target, including the following:
• Closest TRP. Example: "TRP 13."
• Clock direction. Example: "ONE O’CLOCK."
• Terrain quadrant. Example: "QUADRANT ONE."
• Friendly quadrant. Example: "LEFT FRONT."
• Target array. Example: "FRONT HALF."
• Tracer on target. Example: "ON MY TRACER."
• Laser pointer. Example: "ON MY POINTER."
e. Range (Optional). The range element identifies the distance to the target.
Announcing range is not necessary for systems that have range finders or that employ command-guided or self-guided munitions. For systems that require manual range settings, leaders have a variety of means for determining range, including the following:
• Predetermined ranges to TRPs or phase lines.
• An MGS crew announcing the range for an infantry platoon.
• Handheld range finders.
• Range stadia.
• Mil reticles.
f. Control (Optional). The company commander may use this optional element to direct desired target effects, distribution methods, or engagement techniques. Subordinate leaders may include the control element to supplement the company commander’s instructions and achieve effective distribution. Examples of information specified in the control element include the following:
• Target array. Example: "FRONT HALF."
• Fire pattern. Example: "FRONTAL."
• Terrain quadrant. Example: "QUADRANT ONE."
• Engagement priorities. Example: "MGSs ENGAGE BUNKERS; ICVs ENGAGE TROOPS."
• Engagement technique. Example: "ALTERNATING."
• Target effect. Example: "AREA."
g. Execution. The execution element specifies when direct fires should be initiated.
The company commander may engage immediately, delay initiation, or delegate authority to engage. Examples of this element include the following:
• "FIRE."
• "AT MY COMMAND."
• "AT YOUR COMMAND."
• "AT PHASE LINE ORANGE."
H-21
GLOSSARY
1SG first
sergeant
AA
assembly area; avenue of approach
AAR after-action
review
ABF
attack by fire
ACA
airspace coordination area
ADA air
defense
artillery
ADACC
air defense and aviation coordination cell
ADAM area-denial
artillery
munition
ADW air
defense
warning
AFATDS
advanced field artillery tactical data system
AGC
advance guard company
A/L administrative/logistics
AMD
air and missile defense
AO
area of operations
AOI
area of interest
APC
armored personnel carrier
APICM antipersonnel
improved conventional munition
ARNG
Army national guard
ARTEP
Army Training and Evaluation Program
ASLT PSN
assault position
AT antitank
ATGM
antitank guided missile
ATK PSN
attack position
ATP
ammunition transfer point
AVLB
armored vehicle-launched bridge
AXP
ambulance exchange point
BAS
battalion aid station
BDAR
battle damage assessment and repair
BDU battle
dress
uniform
BFV
Bradley fighting vehicle
BHL
battle handover line
BMNT
beginning morning nautical twilight
BMP Russian
vehicle
BOLT
brigade operational legal team
BOS
battlefield operating system
BP battle
position
BSA
brigade support area
BSB
brigade support battalion
BSMC
brigade support medical company
BUA built-up
area
Glossary-1
FM 3-21.11
CAS
close air support
CASEVAC
casualty evacuation
CBRNE-CM
chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield
explosive consequence management
CCIR
commander’s critical information requirements
CCP
casualty collection point
CFZ
critical friendly zones
chem chemical
CHS
combat health support
CI
counterintelligence
CLS combat
lifesaver
CLU
command launch unit
CMOC
civil military operations center
CO company
commander
COA
course of action
COMSEC communications
security
CONOPS contingency
operations
CONUS continental
United
States
COP
common operational picture
CP
command post; concrete piercing
CPHD Copperhead
CPOG
chemical protective overgarments
CRT
combat repair team
CS combat
support
CSS
combat service support
CSSC
combat service support company
DA
Department of the Army
DEUCE
deployable universal combat earthmover
DLIC
detachment left in contact
DLY delay
DM designated
marksman
DPICM
dual-purpose improved convention munition
DOD
Department of Defense
DS direct
support
DSO
domestic support operation
DX direct
exchange
DZ drop
zone
EA engagement
area
EENT
end of evening nautical twilight
EFST
essential fire support task
EOD
explosive ordnance disposal
EPLRS enhanced
position
location reporting system
EPW
enemy prisoner of war
ESV
engineer support vehicle
Glossary-2
FM
3-21.11
FA field
artillery
FASCAM
family of scatterable mines
FBCB2
Force XXI battle command brigade and below
FCL final
coordination
line
FDC
fire direction center
FEBA
forward edge of battle area
FFIR
friendly forces information requirements
FHA foreign
humanitarian
assistance
FIST fire
support
team
FLOT
forward line of own troops
FM
frequency modulated; field manual
FMC forward
maintenance
company
FO forward
observer
FPF
final protective fire
FPL
final protective line
FRAGO fragmentary
order
FS fire
support
FSCM
fire support coordination measure
FSE first
support
element
FSEM
fire support execution matrix
FSO fire
support
officer
FSV fire
support
vehicle
G/VLLD
ground/vehicle laser locator designator
GPS
global positioning system
GS general
support
GSR ground
surveillance
radar
GS-R general
support-reinforcing
GT gun
target
HAZMAT hazardous
materials
HC hydrogen
chloride
HCA
humanitarian and civic assistance
HCP
health and comfort pack
HDC headquarters
distribution
company
HE high
explosive
HEAT-T
high explosive, antitank, tracer
HEDP
high explosive, dual purpose
HEP-T
high explosive, plastic, tracer
HHC
headquarters and headquarters company
HMEE
high-mobility engineer excavator
HMEE-LHS
high-mobility engineer excavator, load-handling system
HMMWV high-mobility,
multiwheeled
vehicle
HPT high-payoff
target
HSS health
service
support
HTU
handheld terminal unit
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HUMINT human
intelligence
I2R imaging
infrared
ICV
infantry carrier vehicle
IAW
in accordance with
IBCT
interim brigade combat team
illum illumination
IPB
intelligence preparation of the battlefield
IR infrared
IREMBASS
improved remotely monitored battlefield sensor system
ISB
intermediate staging base
IV intervisibility
JP joint
publication
JP8
Army common fuel
JWARN
joint warning and reporting network
KIA
killed in action
K-kill catastrophic
kill
LCE load-carrying
equipment
LD
line of departure
LOA
limit of advance
LOGPAC logistics
package
LOS
line of sight
LRP logistics
release
point
LZ landing
zone
MANPADS
man-portable air defense system
MBA main
battle
area
MBC mortar
ballistics
computer
MC mortar
carrier
MCOO
modified combined obstacle overlay
MDMP
military decision-making process
MDS
modular decontamination system
MEC medium
engineer
company
MEDEVAC medical
evacuation
MEL
maximum engagement line
METT-TC
mission, enemy, terrain, troops and time available, civilians
MEV
medical evacuation vehicle
MGS mobile
gun
system
MI military
intelligence
MICLIC
mine clearing line charge
min minute(s)
mm millimeter(s)
MO multioption
MOE
measure of effectiveness
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3-21.11
MOGAS motor
gasoline
MOPMS
modular pack mine system
MOPP
mission-oriented protective posture
MP military
police
MPAT multipurpose
antitank
MR moonrise
MRB motorized
rifle
battalion
MRE
meal, ready to eat
MRP motorized
rifle
platoon
MS moonset
MSC
maneuver support cell
MSL
minimum safe line
MSR
main supply route
MTC
movement to contact
MWR
morale, welfare, and recreation
NAI
named area of interest
NBC
nuclear, biological, and chemical
NBCWRS
nuclear, biological, and chemical warning and reporting system
NCA
National Command Authority
NCO noncommissioned
officer
NCS
net control station
NEO
noncombatant evacuation operations
NFA no-fire
area
NGO nongovernmental
organization
NLT not
later
than
NUC nuclear
NVD night
vision
device
OAKOC
observation and fieldsof fire, avenues of approach, key terrain,
observation, and cover and concealment
OBJ objective
OBSTINTEL obstacle
intelligence
OIC
officer in charge
OP observation
post
OPCON operational
control
OPLAN operations
plan
OPLAW operational
law
OPORD operations
order
OPSEC operational
security
ORP
objective rally point
OTM on-the-move
OTN
own the night
PAO
public affairs officer
PC personnel
carrier
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FM 3-21.11
PCC precombat
check
PCI precombat
inspection
PD point-detonating
PEWS
platoon early warning system
PIR priority
intelligence
requirements
PL
phase line; platoon leader
PLD
probable line of deployment
PMCS
preventive maintenance checks and services
POF
priority of fire
POL
petroleum, oils, and lubricants
POSNAV position
navigation
PP passage
point
PSG platoon
sergeant
PSYOP psychological
operations
PVO
private volunteer organization
PZ pickup
zone
R&S
reconnaissance and surveillance
RAAM remote
antiarmor
mine
RATELO radiotelephone
operator
RCPA
relation combat power analysis
RCU
remote control unit
RD round
REDCON readiness
condition
RFL
restrictive fire line
ROE
rules of engagement
ROI
rules of interaction
ROM
refuel on the move
RP
release point; red phosphorous
RPG rocket-propelled