Figure 28. Basic Firing Positions
9. Select Reference Points. The selection of reference points, when used, must be made
well in advance of an enemy air strike. From your position, select an object two at a football field
distance which will be in the suspected avenue of approach of an enemy aircraft. "Eyeballing" that
path, select another object at the half football field distance. When an enemy aircraft is sighted,
you will fire at the appropriate reference mark when the aircraft is in the proper location.
Remember to do this for each suspected avenue of approach and from each position around your
perimeter.
10. Analyze a Practice Sequence of Engagement. A coordinated, high volume of fire will
get results; precision is not important. Fire is delivered on command and not at the option of the
individual soldier. The sequence of engagement might be as follows:
a. An aircraft commences an attack on your unit.
b. You, or the air sentries spot the attacker. In either event, you are alerted to the attack
and decide to engage the target.
c. You alert the unit. For example, " Air attack, inbound 5 o'clock, prepare to fire"
(Table 1 on page 14 lists the methods of giving alarms).
d. Each member of the unit prepares his weapon to fire by placing the weapon in full
automatic mode. He locates the target, finds his aim reference point as determined by the rules
(Table 2), and waits for your command to fire.
e. You estimate the right moment and give the command "Fire".
f. Each individual fires at the aiming point until he expends his ammunition, or you order
"Cease Fire". Everyone immediately reloads and prepares to engage follow-on attackers.
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