Which fire type is appropriate for linear targets?

The appropriate choice for engaging linear targets is traversing fire. This method is specifically designed to engage targets that are spread over a line, rather than in a concentrated area. When using traversing fire, the gunner moves the weapon side to side, sweeping across the target line to maximize the area affected by the rounds. This technique ensures that multiple enemy personnel or vehicles within a linear arrangement can be effectively targeted.

In contrast, searching fire generally involves a back-and-forth motion to find and hit targets that may not be located in a straight line, making it less effective for linear arrangements. Fixed fire applies to situations where the target is stationary and does not require significant lateral movement, which is not suitable for targets arranged in a line. Exclusive fire implies targeting a specific area or individual target without consideration for nearby potential threats, which doesn’t align with the typical needs when addressing linear formations. Therefore, traversing fire is the most fitting method for engaging linear targets effectively.