2003 US Army BRADLEY GUNNERY 503p.pdf - Survival Books

FM 3-22.1a. Target Reference Point. The leader designates recognizable terrain features astarget reference points (TRPs). He uses TRPs to control both direct and indirect fires insupport of the engagement plan. During movements, halts, and hasty actions, he selectsand adjust TRPs, depending on the terrain he can see at the time. In the defense, heassigns TRPs along likely enemy avenues of approach, wherever he wants elements tomass fires.b. Sector of Fire. To cover his entire area of responsibility, the leader divides itinto sectors of fire. He assigns each sector to a subordinate element, crew-served weapon,or individual soldier. Sector assignment means responsibility for acquiring and engagingtargets in that area. Limiting each element's or weapon's sector of fire prevents soldiersfrom accidentally engaging adjacent units. To overlap sectors for complete coverage withthe direct-fire plan, the leader can use TRPs, clock directions, terrain-based quadrants,and friendly-based quadrants. He can also assign secondary sectors of fire to increasemutual support.c. Primary Direction of Fire. When time is short or reference points too few toassign a sector of fire, the leader assigns a PDF instead of a TRP. To orient an element,weapon system, or soldier to a particular area on the battlefield, he uses the closest TRP,clock direction, cardinal direction, tracer on target, or infrared laser pointer.d. Trigger Line. This is a prominent feature, natural or manmade, such as a ridge,stream, road, or railroad track. He uses this feature as a trigger line to initiate anengagement or to distribute fires in depth within a sector.e. Rules of Engagement. These specify engagement limitations and circumstances:(1) Factors that influence the ROE include--• National command policy.• Mission and commander's intent.• Operational environment.• Law of war.(2) ROE always recognize the soldier's right of self-defense, clearly defining--• The conditions in which a soldier may fire at a target.• The conditions in which a soldier may fire warning shots.• Combatants.• The treatment of noncombatants.f. Weapons-Control Status. The three levels of weapon control define theconditions, based on target-identification criteria, in which friendly elements engagetargets. The platoon leader sets and adjusts weapons-control status based on thedisposition of friendly and enemy forces and on the clarity of the situation. In general, ahigher likelihood of fratricide requires more restrictive weapons control. The three levelsof weapons-control status, in descending order of restriction, are as follows:(1) Weapons Hold. Engage only if engaged or ordered to engage.(2) Weapons Tight. Engage only those targets positively identified as enemy.(3) Weapons Free. Engage any targets not positively identified as friendly.g. Engagement Priorities. These serve three functions; they--• Identify what type(s) of targets to engage first.• Distribute fires among the various types of targets.• Match weapons and ammunition to target type.9-6