FIRE COMMANDS

B-73. Fire commands are oral orders issued by leaders to focus and distribute fires as required achieving decisive effects against the enemy. They allow leaders to rapidly and concisely articulate their firing instructions using a standard format (Refer to TC 3-20.31-4 for more information). Unit fire commands include these elements, which are discussed in the following paragraphs:

  • Alert.
  • Weapon or ammunition (optional).
  • Target description.
  • Direction.
  • Range (optional).
  • Method.
  • Control (optional).
  • Execution.
  • Termination.

ALERT

B-74. The alert specifies the elements directed to fire. It does not require the leader initiating the command to identify him. 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).

WEAPON OR AMMUNITION (OPTIONAL)

B-75. This element identifies the weapon and/or ammunition to be employed by the alerted elements. Leaders may designate the type and number of rounds to limit expenditure of ammunition. Examples of this element include the following:

  • “TOW.”
  • “TWO ROUNDS SABOT.”

TARGET DESCRIPTION

B-76. Target description designates which enemy elements are to be engaged. Leaders may use the description to focus fires or achieve distribution. Examples of target description include the following:

  • “TROOPS IN TRENCH.”
  • “BUNKER.”
  • “PCs.”

DIRECTION

B-77. This element identifies the location of the target. There are several 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.”

RANGE (OPTIONAL)

B-78. The range element identifies the distance to the target. Announcing range is not necessary for systems ranging finder-equipped or employing command-guided or self-guided munitions. For systems requiring manual range settings, leaders have a variety of means for determining range, including the following:

  • Predetermined ranges to target registration points or phase lines.
  • Handheld range finders.
  • Range stadia.
  • Mil reticle.

METHOD

B-79. Method describes to the firer the way or method the target(s) are engaged. Leaders use this element when presented with multiple targets to identify which target to engage first. For collective fire commands, this can also indicate the fire pattern used to engage the threats. Multiple methods may be used in one fire command.

CONTROL (OPTIONAL)

B-80. The platoon leader 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 platoon leader's instructions and achieve 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: “M203/M320 ENGAGE BUNKERS; MACHINE GUNS ENGAGE TROOPS.”
  • Engagement technique. Example: “VOLLEY.”
  • Target effect. Example: “AREA.”

EXECUTION

B-81.The execution element specifies when fires will be initiated. The platoon leader may wish to 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.”

TERMINATION

B-82. Termination is the ninth element of the fire command. It informs the Soldiers to stop firing all weapons and systems in their control. All fire commands are terminated. This command may be given by any Soldier or crewmember for any reason, typically safety.

B-83. The leader that issued the fire command is required to terminate the fire command at the completion of every engagement, regardless if another Soldier or crewmember announced it. All fire commands, regardless of type or who issued them, are terminated by the announcement of, CEASE FIRE.