Enfilade fire is delivered so that the beaten zone's long axis matches the target's long axis.

Enfilade fire is delivered so that the beaten zone's long axis matches the target's long axis.

• A. It fires at a steep angle
• B. It uses short, irregular bursts
• C. Enfilade fire aligns the beaten zone with the target's long axis
• D. It is fired only from elevated positions

Answer: (C)

Enfilade fire means directing the line of fire so it travels along the length of the target. The beaten zone, which is the area of casualties produced by the volley, will have its long axis run in the same direction as the target’s length when the fire is enfilade. That alignment makes the fire traverse the entire length of the target, maximizing effect along the body rather than across a short cross-section. Steep angles, short irregular bursts, or firing only from elevated positions don’t define this alignment, which is the defining feature of enfilade fire.

Enfilade fire means directing the line of fire so it travels along the length of the target. The beaten zone, which is the area of casualties produced by the volley, will have its long axis run in the same direction as the target’s length when the fire is enfilade. That alignment makes the fire traverse the entire length of the target, maximizing effect along the body rather than across a short cross-section. Steep angles, short irregular bursts, or firing only from elevated positions don’t define this alignment, which is the defining feature of enfilade fire.