071-030-0004 (SL1) - Engage Targets with an MK19 Machine Gun
Standards: Fired the MK19 machine gun to engage targets in assigned sector of fire. Applied correct machine gun target engagement techniques so each target was covered with fire.

1.   Assume a suitable firing position. Based on your situation, select a firing position that will allow you to observe and engage targets yet minimize your exposure to enemy fire.

a. Seated firing positions. Sit directly behind the weapon between the trail legs of the tripod.

(1)  Legs extended. Extend your legs under the tripod (figure 071-030-0004-1).

Figure 071-030-0004-1. Seated firing position, legs extended

(2)  Legs crossed. Cross your legs and place your elbows on the inside of your thighs for support when firing the weapon (figure 071-030-0004-2).

Figure 071-030-0004-2. Seated firing position, legs crossed

(3)  Legs braced. Extend your legs, brace them on the trail legs of the tripod, and place your elbows on the inside of your thighs for support (figure 071-030-0004-3).

Figure 071-030-0004-3. Seated firing position, legs braced

b. Kneeling position. Kneel and grasp the control grips with your thumbs on the trigger (figure 071-030-0004-4).

Figure 071-030-0004-4. Kneeling position

c. Standing position for gun mounted on a vehicle pedestal (figure 071-030-0004-5).

Figure 071-030-0004-5. Standing position for mounted gun

2.   Acquire the target using correct sight alignment.

3.   Apply correct engagement technique based on target types.

a. Use correct gun manipulation technique (figure 071-030-0004-6).

(1)  Fixed fire. This is fire delivered against a point target. Only one aiming point is necessary with little or no manipulation of the gun.

(2)  Traversing fire. This is fire distributed against a wide target requiring successive changes in direction of gun. This means using the T&E mechanism to traverse the gun left or right to distribute fire laterally.

(3)  Searching fire. This is fire delivered against a deep target or a linear target with depth in width by successive changes in elevation. This means using the T&E mechanism to move the muzzle of the weapon up or down to distribute fire in depth.

(4)  Traversing and searching fire. This is fire delivered in width and depth by successive changes in direction and elevation. It is employed against a target whose long axis is oblique to the direction of fire.

(5)  Swinging traverse. This is fire delivered against targets that require major changes in direction but little or no change in elevation. Loosen the traversing slide lock enough to swing the gun laterally.

(6)  Free gun. This is fire delivered against moving targets that must be rapidly engaged with fast changes in direction and elevation. To fire free gun, remove the T&E mechanism.

Figure 071-030-0004-6. Techniques of fire with respect to the MK19

b. Use correct application of fire to engage specific targets.

(1)  Point target. Engage point targets with fixed fire using a single aiming point (figure 071-030-0004-7).

Figure 071-030-0004-7. Point target

(2)  Linear target. Initially aim just outside either flank and fire. Traverse fire back and forth from flank to flank, covering the entire target area (figure 071-030-0004-8).

Figure 071-030-0004-8. Linear target

(3)  Linear target with depth. Initially aim at the near flank with range set to the midpoint of the target unless another portion of the target is more critical or presents a greater threat. Fire on the near flank, then traverse and search back and forth, covering the entire target (figure 071-030-0004-9).

Figure 071-030-0004-9. Linear target with depth

(4)  Deep target. Initially aim at the end of the target closest to the gun, unless another portion of the target is more critical or presents a greater threat (auto rifleman). Fire and search up the far end and back again repeatedly (figure 071-030-0004-10).

Figure 071-030-0004-10. Deep target

(5)  Area target. Initially aim at the midpoint of the target area. Traverse and search to either flank, then traverse and search to the opposite flank (figure 071-030-0004-11).

Figure 071-030-0004-11. Engagement of area targets, single gun

4.   Use observation of fire and adjusted aiming point to place effective fire on the target.

a. Observation of fire. Observe the strike of the rounds in relation to the target; adjust elevation and direction needed to move the center of impact onto the target.

Note. This does not call for use of the sights.

Example. Suppose you fire at a target 500 meters away. The rounds impact 20 meters short and 50 meters right. To manipulate the gun onto the target, use the traversing and elevating mechanism hand wheels to move the muzzle left and up the proper number of clicks.

b. Adjusted aiming point. Use this method to adjust fires quickly without making a sight or T&E adjustment (figure 071-030-0004-12).

(1)  If the initial burst misses the target, rapidly select a new aiming point the same distance from the center of impact of the initial burst but in the opposite direction.

(2)  Lay the gun on that aiming point and fire.

Figure 071-030-0004-12. Adjusted aiming point method

5.   Fire on the targets until they are destroyed or until you receive an order to cease fire.

1.   Assumed a suitable firing position.

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2.   Applied correct engagement technique based on target type.

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a. Used correct gun manipulation technique.

b. Used correct application of fire to engage specific targets.

3.   Placed effective fire on targets (score a minimum of 84 points).

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4.   Used correct application of fire to engage specific targets.

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5.   Used observation of fire and adjusted aiming point to place effective fire on the target.

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FM 23-27