Which firing command is NOT included as part of the initial fire commands?

The firing command that is not included as part of the initial fire commands is the rate of fire. In the context of machine gun employment, the initial fire commands typically are focused on establishing the conditions for engaging a target effectively and ensuring that all members of the crew are synchronized in their actions.

Initial fire commands primarily consist of direction, which indicates where to aim, range, which informs the crew about the distance to the target, and the method of fire, which specifies how the weapon will be fired (such as individual, pairs, or sustained fire). These elements are critical for setting up the engagement and ensuring that all personnel understand the immediate tactics being employed.

The rate of fire, while important in managing ammunition and the overall effectiveness of machine gun fire, is typically not included in the very first commands as the crew focuses initially on where to aim and how to engage the target. This makes the option related to rate of fire distinct from the essential components of the initial fire command sequence.