Prepare A Range Card

1. Prepare A Range Card Instructor: SSG Ronald W. Hoskins

2. Prepare A Range Card Task: Prepare A Range Card Conditions: during daylight in a defensive fighting position, given a tripod (vehicle) mounted weapon (or with a traversing and elevation (T&E) mechanism). You have an assigned primary sector of fire, a final protective line (FPL) or principal direction of fire (PDF), and a secondary sector of fire (both with recognizable targets). You have blank standard range cards (DA FM 5517-R), a pencil, a lensatic compass, and a map of your assigned sector of fire. Standards: prepare a range card for your assigned position in duplicate. Sketch in the terrain in you assigned sector of fire. Sketch in sector limits, the gun symbol, an FPL, and dead space. Complete the DATA section by entering the weapon, the unit, the data, and sketch in magnetic north direction. Sketch in terrain features that are likely targets, numbering them in priority. Record the direction, elevation, range and description of each target.

3. Prepare A Range Card References: STP 21-1-SMCT, Soldiers Manual of Common Tasks FM 7-7J, Mechanized Infantry Platoon & Squad FM 7-8 Infantry Platoon, Rifle & Squad FM 23-14 M249 Light Machine Gun In The Automatic Rifle Role FM 23-65 Browning Machine Gun Caliber .50 HB M2

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5. Prepare A Range Card Sector of Fire: A sector of fire is an area to be covered by fire that is assigned to an individual, a weapon, or a unit. Automatic riflemen are normally assigned a primary and a secondary sector of fire.

6. Prepare A Range Card Primary Sector of Fire: The primary sector of fire is the area to be covered by an individual or unit.

7. Prepare A Range Card Secondary Sector Of Fire: The secondary sector of fire is the same area covered by the same individual or unit after it has moved to a different location.

8. Prepare A Range Card Principal Direction Of Fire: A FPL is a predetermined line along which grazing fire is placed to stop an enemy assault. If an FPL is assigned, the M249 is sighted along it except when other targets are being engaged. An FPL becomes the m249’s part of the unit’s final protective fires. An FPL is fixed in direction and elevation; However, a small shift for search must be employed to prevent the enemy from crawling under the FPL and to compensate for irregularities in the terrain or the sinking of the bipod legs into soft soil during firing. Fire must be delivered during all conditions of visibility.

9. Prepare A Range Card Dead Space: The extent of grazing fire and the extent of dead space may be determined in two ways. In the preferred method, the weapon is adjusted for elevation and direction. A member of the squad then walks along the FPL while the automatic rifleman aims through the sights. In places where the soldier’s waist (midsection) falls below the automatic rifleman’s point of aim, dead space exists. Arm-and-hand signals must be used to control the soldier who is walking and to obtain an accurate account of the dead space and its location. Another method is to observe the flight of tracer ammunition from a position behind and to the flank of the weapon.

10. Prepare A Range Card Grazing Fire: A good FPL covers the maximum area with grazing fire. Grazing fire can be obtained over various types of terrain out to a maximum of 600 meters. To obtain the maximum extent of grazing fire over level or uniformly sloping terrain, the automatic rifleman sets the rear sight at 600 meters. He then selects a point on the ground that he estimates to be 600 meters from the weapon, and he aims, fires, and adjusts on that point. To prevent enemy soldiers from crawling under grazing fire, he searches (downward) by lowering the muzzle of the weapon. To do this, the automatic rifleman separates his elbows.

11. Prepare A Range Card Final Protective Fire: A FPF is an immediately available prearranged barrier of fire to stop enemy movement across defensive lines or areas.

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13. Prepare A Range Card Training Information Outline Note: The range card performs the following functions: Shows the gunner where to place fires on designated targets during limited visibility (e.g., night, fog, smoke). Provides the gunner conducting a relief in place all the information needed to respond immediately to enemy action. Provides the platoon leader and company commander information for their fire planning. Note: One copy of the range card stays at the machine gun position, and the other is sent to the platoon headquarters. Complete range cards are prepared for primary positions, and partially complete range cards are prepared for alternate and supplementary positions. Range cards are prepared immediately upon arrival in a position, regardless of the anticipated length of stay, and should be continually revised throughout the occupation of a position. The military symbols in figure 108 are used in preparing a range card.

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