Marine Rifle Squad

Section V. Fire Commands
2501. Purpose and Importance
Since enemy troops are trained in the use of cover and concealment, targets
are often indistinct or invisible, seen only for a short time, and rarely remain
uncovered for long. When a target is discovered, leaders and squad members
must define its location rapidly and clearly. Squad members are trained to
identify the target area quickly and accurately and to place a high volume
of fire on it even though no enemy personnel may be visible. A small point
target like an enemy sniper might be assigned to only one or two riflemen,
while a target of considerable width like an enemy skirmish line requires the
combined fires of the entire squad. As an aid in designating various types
of targets, all members of the squad must become familiar with the
topographical terms frequently used in designating targets; e.g., crest, hill,
cut, fill, ridge, bluff, ravine, crossroads, road junction, and skyline. (See fig.
2-11.) When the squad or fire team leader has made a decision to fire on a
target, he gives certain instructions as to how the target is to be engaged.
These instructions form the fire command. The leader directs and controls
the fire of his fire unit by fire commands.
2502. Elements
A fire command contains six basic elements that are always announced or
implied. Fire commands for all weapons follow a similar order and include
similar elements. Only essential elements are included. The six elements
(ADDRAC) of the fire command are:
Alert.
Direction.
Target Description.
Range.
Target Assignment.
Fire Control.
2-17