Firing Positions for the M136 AT4
The weapon can be fired from all four of the basic firing positions; individual physique determines exact body and hand positions.

Posted Thursday, November 3, 2005

STANDING POSITION:

Two standing positions are used: a basic standing position and one modified for the infantry fighting position for use in combat only

Basic Standing Position:

Raise the launcher slightly higher than shoulder level. Execute a left face, rotate your shoulder under the launcher, and spread your feet a comfortable distance apart. Move your left foot 15 to 24 inches forward, keeping your hips level and your weight balanced on both feet. To obtain a firm, stable position, tuck both elbows tightly into your body. To smoothly track a moving target, turn your body at the waist—not with your legs. Grasp the sling near the launcher with your left hand and the shoulder stop with your right hand. Raise the launcher above shoulder level. After placing the launcher on your shoulder, release the shoulder stop and place your right hand on the trigger. Place your firing eye 2 1/2 to 3 inches from the rear sight. Unless you are behind a protective barrier, such as a wall, the standing position exposes you to enemy observation and possible suppression more than any other position.

WARNING:  Always keep the launcher pointed in the direction of fire.

Basic Standing Position

Modified Standing Position (For use in combat only):

Use this position when you occupy an infantry fighting position. Assume the basic standing position, but instead of stepping forward, lean against the back wall of the fighting position. Ensure that the venturi, or rear of the weapon, extends beyond the rear of the fighting position. Ensure that NONE of the following are in your backblast area:

• Other Soldiers.
• Other fighting positions.
• Equipment.
• Any part of your own fighting position.
• Obstructions within 5 meters.

Note. Leaders must ensure that light antiarmor weapons are positioned so that the backblast misses other fighting positions.

DANGER:  FIRE THE AT4 FROM THE FIGHTING POSITION IN COMBAT ONLY. DO NOT FIRE THE AT4 FROM THE FIGHTING POSITION DURING TRAINING DUE TO THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OPERATOR.

DANGER:  DO NOT FIRE FROM AN ENCLOSURE OR FROM IN FRONT OF A BARRIER.

Modified Standing Position

KNEELING POSITION:

The basic kneeling position is the best position for tracking moving targets. The modified kneeling position is best for engaging stationary targets, since it is a supported position. However, either can be used for stationary or moving targets.

Basic Kneeling Position:

From the basic standing position, kneel onto your right knee, keeping your left thigh parallel to the ground. Rotate your lower right leg 90 degrees to the left. (This removes your right foot from exposure to the backblast.) Keep your right thigh and back straight and perpendicular to the ground. Point your left foot in the direction of fire and tuck your elbows in to your sides. Though this is not a supported position, it should be a firm and stable one.

Basic Kneeling Position

Modified Kneeling Position:

From the basic kneeling position, sit back on your right heel. Place the back of your upper left arm on your left knee, making sure you do not have bone-to-bone contact between your left elbow and left knee. Keep your right elbow tucked in close to your right side. Use any protective barriers available.

Modified Kneeling Position

SITTING POSITION:

The sitting position is the most stable firing position for the M136 AT4. In this position, the arms are placed on the legs for support. Depending on his physique, the firer can use either of two versions of the sitting position, both of which are suitable for engaging stationary targets.

Basic Sitting Position:

Sit on your buttocks while facing the target, and spread your feet a comfortable distance apart. Lean forward and place the backs of your upper arms on your knees, avoiding bone-to-bone contact or elbows inside of thighs.

Basic Sitting Position

Modified Sitting Position:

This position is the same as the basic sitting position except you must cross your ankles for added support. Raise or lower your knees to adjust for elevation on the target.

Modified Sitting Position

PRONE POSITION (FOR USE IN COMBAT ONLY):

The prone position is the most dangerous position in regards to potential backblast injury, due to its proximity to the ground. It also offers the most protection from enemy observation. Ideally, the ground should slope downward from the rear of the launcher, which reduces the effects of the backblast.

• Lie on your stomach with your body at a 90-degree angle to the direction of fire, and with your body and legs to the left of the direction of fire. Ensure that neither the body nor the legs are in the backblast area.
• Unlike other firing positions, this one prevents you from placing the launcher on your right shoulder. Instead, you must hold the launcher in place against your upper right arm. For stability, apply extra pressure on the firing mechanism with your right hand. The prone position is the least stable of all firing positions for the M136 AT4. You must practice it often to become confident using it.

DANGER:  FIRE THE AT4 FROM THE PRONE POSITION IN COMBAT ONLY. DO NOT FIRE THE AT4 FROM THE PRONE POSITION DURING TRAINING DUE TO THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OPERATOR.

DANGER:  FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A 90-DEGREE ANGLE FROM THE DIRECTION OF FIRE COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE FIRER.

Prone Position with the M136 AT4