EXPEDIENT METHODS OF LAYING FOR PREDETERMINED FIRE During different tactical situations, a T and E mechanism (refer to Seabee Combat Handbook, Volume 1, for predetermined fire) may not be available. This may be due to the lack of either a T and E mechanism or a tripod or a system is needed that is more applicable to firing at night. Whatever the reason, the following methods can be just as effective:

1. Muzzle Stakes: This method is good for night firing. It requires no illumination to lay on a target and can be used with or without a T and E mechanism. It is most effective when used with your gun mounted on a tripod. It can be used from a bipod mount if a notched stake is used to stabilize the rear of the weapon. Each target is designated by driving a stake into the ground under the muzzle. Drive the stake into a position and to a depth that will result in the gun being correctly aimed when the muzzle is lowered directly over the stake (fig. 4-25). The gun is tripod-mounted and will use swinging traverse fire.

2. Notched Log under Muzzle: Instead of using individual stakes, this method uses a log or board under the muzzle. This method is also used for night fire. Notches are cut into the log or board to the depth and position required to fire on each target. This method is very limited in depth, but if the ground that is fired over is level or uniformly sloping, this may not be a problem (fig. 4-26).

Figure 4.23.- Beginning of a range card.

Figure 4-24.- Completed range card.

Figure 4-25.- Muzz1e stakes.

Figure 4-26.- Notched log method. 3. Forked Stakes: This is a method that works or find naturally forked stakes. The front of the gun is well with your gun supported by a biped only. To use supported by the biped, and the rear is supported by the this method, make a set of stakes with notches in the top forked stakes. It is essential that a set of U-shaped pits

Figure 4-27.- Forked stake method. are dug under the feet of the bipod to rotate in. If the feet of the bipod move about freely without being contained in these pits, the accuracy of the fire will be reduced (fig. 4-27).

4. Notched Log under Receiver: This method works similar in principle to the fork method. Instead of having notched stakes for each target, a log is substituted under the receiver with notches cut to the correct depth and in the correct spot for direction. The biggest drawback here is the limited depth of target you can engage; however, if the ground is level and uniformly sloped, this may not be a factor (fig. 4-28).

5. Aiming Stakes and Tape: This method is unique because it is the only method that does not restrict the free movement of the gun. Although it is more accurate than most others, it also consumes the most time and requires the use of some material that will not always be available. To use this method, you must mount the gun on a tripod and have the T and E mechanism in place. To implement this method, you will need luminous tape and one stake for each target and each sector. Figures 4-29 and 4-30 show this method with an M19.

COMPANY FIRE PLAN All the platoon commanders submitted their fire plans to the company CP. The company CP compiles the information and prepares a company fire plan. Items that must be included on the company fire plan include the following:

Each primary and secondary position of the platoon

Each sector of fire of the platoon Position and PDF for each automatic rifle Location of the platoon or the company observation post

Location of the platoon or the company listening post

Location of the forward observer (FO) FPLs of all weapons located in each defense area of the platoon

On-call targets Barriers and early warning devices Claymore mines

Figure 4-28.- Notched log under receiver.

Figure 4-29.- Base stake technique. 4-26 68

Figure 4-30.- Aiming stakes used with a log. . Layout of barbed-wire entanglements . Patrol routes . Evacuation routes The company CP will submit the fire plan to the COC. The COC compiles the information and prepares a battalion fire plan similar to the items required in a company fire plan.

SUMMARY

Planning and development of defensive tactics take a lot of time and coordination. All company commanders, platoon commanders, and squad leaders must be involved. Communication between them is essential for developing defensive tactics. A well-thought-out defensive plan will surely be an asset.

"Know the enemy, know yourself; your victory will never be endangered. Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total." Sun Tzu (500 B. C.)