FM 3-19.4 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

FM 3-19.4
PREPARE RANGE CARDS
4-66. The FPL for the M249 is the line where an enemy
assault is to be checked by interlocking fire from all
weapons. Use the M249 on the FPL for grazing fire no
more than 1 meter above the ground, about hip high,
across the front of the element. Use the MK19 or M203
to cover the dead space. To figure the dead space on the
FPL, the gunner watches a person walking down the
FPL and marks spaces that cannot be grazed. The
gunner records all the dead space data on the range card
(Figure 4-3, page 4-30). He prepares at least two copies
of the range card, keeping one card at the position and
giving one copy to the squad leader. Fire on a gunner's
FPL is its final protective fire (FPF). FPF is usually used
as a last resort to stop an enemy assault. All weapons
fire on command, continuously, until the call to stop
FPF is given.
4-67. When terrain prevents the use of an FPL, the
gunner uses a PDF instead. He directs his fire toward
the most threatening avenue of approach that leads to
his position. His weapon is positioned to fire directly on
this approach rather than across the squad's front.
4-68. Construct fighting positions for the MK19 like
M249 fighting positions. However, be aware that it takes
added effort to keep the M3 tripod from moving because
of the recoil of the MK19. If gunners are using the M249
machine gun, they should use the tripod when firing at
an angle and the bipod when firing to the front. When
gunners change their fires from the oblique to the front,
they must move the machine gun, but leave the tripod in
place. If gunners are using the MK19, they position the
tripod toward the primary sector of fire. However,
because there is no bipod for the MK19, gunners must be
preparedtoadjustboththeweaponandthetripodtothe
secondary sector, if required. After a crew is positioned
andisassignedanFPLoraPDF,theteam—
Combat Operations 4-29