Fire control includes all operations connected with the preparation and actual application of fire to a target.

Fire control implies the following abilities of the leader:

l To have his or her unit open fire the instant he or she desires

. To adjust the fire of his or her weapons on the target

l To shift fire from one target to another

l To regulate the rate of fire

l To cease firing at will

Lack of proper fire control causes the loss of the surprise effect, premature disclosure of the position, misapplication of fire on unimportant targets, and waste of ammunition. DISCIPLINE and CORRECT TECHNICAL TRAINING are fundamental in ensuring fire control.

Figure 3-67-Fire distribution by individuals of the rifle squad.

The platoon commander's order to his or her section of squad leaders assigns a mission to each section or squad; gives the firing position area each squad will occupy and the targets it will engage; or the sector of fire it will cover. In addition, he or she frequently prescribes the technique to use in engaging targets. The section or squad leader's order prescribes the location for each weapon, the targets, and the technique to be used. In the absence of orders from the next higher commander, the platoon, section, or squad leaders regulate opening fire and lifting, shifting, and rate of fire.