What does traversing and searching fire entail?

Traversing and searching fire is a technique used in machine gun employment where a gunner shifts the direction of fire horizontally (traversing) as well as vertically (searching) to engage targets effectively. This method allows for better coverage of an area and is crucial in dynamic combat situations where targets may not remain stationary.

By incorporating both changes in direction and elevation, traversing and searching fire enables the gunner to adapt to the movement of targets and effectively utilize the weapon's capabilities to suppress or destroy enemy forces. This approach is particularly effective in scenarios where enemy positions are dispersed or where they may be moving in various directions.

This technique contrasts with other options that may limit the gunner's effectiveness, such as focusing solely on stationary targets or firing from fixed positions without the flexibility to adjust fire based on the tactical situation. Combining strafe and crawl techniques has no direct relation to the method described in the question, while firing exclusively from fixed positions would hinder the ability to effectively engage moving targets across different elevations and directions.