What is the purpose of traversing fire?

Traversing fire is primarily used to distribute fire in width by changing direction, which allows a unit to cover a broader area and engage multiple targets effectively. This technique is particularly useful when faced with an enemy that may be advancing across a wide front or when aiming to saturate a target area with suppressive fire. By adjusting the angle of fire, gunners can maximize their engagement space and control the battlefield environment more efficiently.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of traversing fire. While traversing can be adapted for moving targets, its main intention is to manage the width of the fire. Similarly, distributing fire in depth does not specifically relate to changing direction, focusing instead on engaging targets at varying ranges. Achieving maximum accuracy is typically the goal of aimed fire rather than a traversing technique, which emphasizes coverage over precision in a given area.