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The support by fire task focuses on the specified form of maneuver or the designated main effort with direct or indirect fires. The result is an objective on which the conditions set will enable the maneuver force to accomplish its assigned task.
We offer here some techniques for setting up a light infantry support-byfire (SBF) position. Although indirect fires are also important, these techniques focus on the direct-fire engagement only. This is by no means the only solution, but it has proved helpful in setting the conditions on the intended objective. These techniques focus on the direct-fire engagement only (with no intent of diminishing the importance of indirect fires). They can be applied to team through battalion level positions (squad level react to contact, platoon ambush, platoon or company SBF, and defense).
The result is an effective SBF element that balances the rate of fire with the desired effects. All of this leads to a no-lull SBF that fully accommodates any amount of time needed for the desired form of maneuver.
Assumptions. Planning a deliberate SBF begins with a detailed reconnaissance of the objective area and the selection of a tentative position. Imagery, photographs, and human intelligence will provide many of the answers that help develop a plan for the execution of the SBF. Further reconnaissance will then refine the plan and confirm the SBF location, sectors of fire, primary targets, and engagement priorities. But even a hasty SBF will succeed if the principles discussed here are incorporated into a unit standing operating procedure (SOP). The unit will simply be able to accomplish more in less time.
Concept. The SBF element is built at the lowest level a team consisting of M60 machinegun, M249 light machinegun (or (SAW), M203/M16, and M16 marksman. This team concept facilitates the control and distribution of fire that will be discussed later. It also allows teams to be placed together to form larger SBF elements.
The team is formed with the M60 on the left or right limit, with the M249 next to it, then the M203 and the M16. This team allows for the matching of the two key weapon systems, the M60 and the M249, to cover both the primary and the secondary sectors of the M60. This...