Which class of fire requires the weapon to remain stationary while targeting?

Fixed fire is characterized by the weapon remaining stationary while targeting a specific point or area. This approach is utilized when the target is expected to remain in a predetermined location or when maximum accuracy is required, such as in defensive positions or during ambush scenarios. The machine gunner must point the weapon at a specific point and maintain that aim to effectively engage the target, relying on either the enemy’s movement to come into the line of fire or using the weapon in a carefully planned ambush.

In contrast, the other types of fire, such as traversing fire, searching fire, and grazing fire, often involve movement of the weapon or adjustments to aim. Traversing fire allows the weapon to sweep horizontally across a field of fire, adapting to moving targets. Searching fire is a technique employed to engage targets in a designated area by moving the weapon up and down or side to side. Grazing fire represents a fire technique maintaining a low trajectory but does not necessitate keeping the weapon stationary toward a fixed point; rather, it is designed to be effective against a target that is moving along the ground.

Understanding these distinctions helps in effectively utilizing machine guns across different combat scenarios, ensuring that soldiers can adapt their tactics based on the nature of the target and the operational