Infantry ALC Machine Gun Employment Practice Test 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Master Your Exam!

Flanking fire is characterized by the gunner engaging the target from the side, which allows for a tactical advantage. This type of fire can increase the effectiveness of the weapon system because it catches the enemy off guard and can potentially lead to greater accuracy and lethality. Flanking fire is particularly useful when positioned in a way that minimizes the target's ability to return fire effectively.

In contrast, frontal fire involves firing directly at the front of the target, which may expose the gunner to more risk and allow the target to defend more effectively. Oblique fire refers to firing at an angle, typically between frontal and flanking, and enfilade fire involves firing along the longest axis of a target, maximizing the effect against multiple enemies in a linear formation. Each of these other types of fire has its own advantages and uses, but flanking fire specifically stands out for its ability to engage the target from a vulnerable position, enhancing the overall tactical approach.