In combat, you seldom know ranges in advance. To bring effective fire to bear on the enemy, train the riflemen and machine gunners to estimate ranges quickly and accurately. Ranges are estimated either by eye or by observation of fire.

ESITMATION BY EYE is the usual method of estimating range in combat. You accomplish this by mentally applying a unit of measure to the distance to the target. This unit is normally 100 yards. You need to be familiar with the appearance of this unit of measure at various distances and over varying types of terrain to be able to use this method effectively when estimating ranges by eye.

Eye estimation is difficult to apply for ranges of more than 500 yards. When the range exceeds 500 yards, estimate a point halfway to the target; then, double the estimate.

When much of the ground between the observer and the target is hidden, eye estimation is difficult. In some cases, you may overcome this difficulty by the use of a MENTAL ARC. Move your gaze in a mental arc to the right or left of the target. Find a prominent object at about the same range as the target, and use it to estimate this range.

When none of the previously described methods are feasible, you may possibly estimate the range by the appearance of objects. Conditions of light, atmosphere, color, and terrain affect the apparent distance of objects. Accurate estimation of ranges by eye requires considerable practice over all types of terrain and under all conditions of visibility. The use of known distance ranges, marked off in 100-yard intervals, is recommended for initial training.

Range estimation of OBSERVATION OF FIRE is determined by observing the flight of tracer bullets or by observing the points where projectiles strike. Tracer bullets leave a red trail for about 950 yards of their flight. The shooter first estimates the range by eye to determine the initial sight setting. Thereafter, by watching the strike of the tracer bullets, he or she corrects the sight setting to hit the target.

When you are in suitable terrain, watch a projectile strike the ground. If it kicks up dust or other visible material, follow the same procedure as you would with tracers.

FIRE DISCIPLINE

Fire discipline is the state of order, coolness, efficiency, and the obedience existing among troops in a fire fight. It implies the careful observance of instructions in the use of weapons in combat and the execution of the exact orders of the leader. To have effective fire discipline, control it by having leaders. The responsibility for fire discipline in the platoon rests with the platoon commander, assisted by his or her subordinates. The squad leader maintains discipline in the squad. There is a tendency for untrained machine gunners and riflemen to open fire at night when hearing noises and on seeing imaginary targets. This is dangerous and wastes ammunition; but more important, it gives the position away. Also, the enemy could stand off and send a couple of scouts into fire several shots or to throw some grenades at the defensive positions to draw responsive fire. If the fire discipline is poor, the defenders return the fire. The enemy can then plot the locations of the defense positions, plan an attack to avoid strong points, or direct supporting fire accurately on the defenders. The squad leader is responsible for controlling these tendencies in his or her squad.