USE OF COVER AND CONCEALMENT
On the battlefield, a firing position that allows maximum observation
of the enemy as well as cover and concealment is a necessity. A good
position provides a solid foundation for the pistol, maximizes the use
of cover to provide protection from enemy fire, allows mobility, and
provides observation of the enemy. Where possible, the cover should be
used to provide additional support for the position.
When contact with the enemy is made, it is important to seek cover as
quickly as possible. Cover is anything that provides protection from
enemy fire. Cover should be, at a minimum, thick enough to stop small
arms fire and high enough to protect the Marine when firing from behind
it. The effective use of cover enables engagement of enemy targets while
affording protection from enemy fire. Cover can also be effectively used
to conceal the Marine from enemy view while searching for targets.
Concealment is anything that hides a Marine from enemy view; however, it
might not afford protection. Concealment can be provided by brush, trees,
etc.
_Note_: The procedures in this chapter are written for
right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines must reverse
directions as needed.
Cover Materials
Natural cover (rocks, logs, rubble, etc.) is best because it is hard to
detect. But any material (including buildings, structures, etc.) that may
protect an individual from small arms fire can be used for cover. Some
common types of cover material are as follows.
Dirt
The best type of cover is dirt packed to a minimum thickness of 18 inches.
Cinder Blocks
Cinder blocks used as foundations for houses or walls can be used for
cover, but they can be penetrated. They are also brittle and can shatter
upon impact from small arms fire, which can cause injury by secondary
fragmentation.
Trees, Logs, and Telephone Poles
Wood is a relatively dense material; therefore, it offers good covering
protection since bullets have a tendency to fragment as they penetrate.
Live trees have a greater resistance to bullet penetration than dead
wood. Wood that has been treated with creosote, such as telephone poles
and railroad ties, offers better protection from projectiles than
untreated wood, but it still does not ensure protection from small arms
fire.
Sandbags
Sandbags can be used for cover. However, they should always be packed
tightly and tamped down to increase their density. If loosely filled
or moist, a bullet can more easily penetrate the sandbag. Doubling or
overlapping sandbags also increases their protective qualities.
Considerations for Firing From Cover
Adjusting the Firing Position
Cover can provide additional support for the firing position. The firing
position is adjusted to ensure stability, mobility, and observation of
the enemy.
The Marine chooses a firing position based on his height in relation to
the height of the cover. The firing position must minimize exposure to
the enemy but allow observation of the area.
Although the cover provides additional support, the Marine continues
to apply the same amount of muscular tension in the grip, wrist, and
forearms. Muscular tension is still necessary to stabilize the pistol
sights and manage recovery.
Because the sights are higher than the muzzle of the pistol, the Marine
must ensure that the muzzle of the pistol clears the cover as he obtains
sight alignment/sight picture on the target. The closer the Marine is to
the cover, the easier it is to ensure the muzzle clears the cover.
Applying the Weaver and Isosceles Variations
The type of cover may dictate which variation of a firing position will
be the most effective. The position should provide the Marine with the
maximum amount of stability and control and allow the Marine to manage
recoil effectively in order to recover on target.
_Weaver Variation_
The Weaver variation exposes less of the body from behind cover due to
the angle of the body. The Weaver variation may be better suited for
firing from behind the right or left side of cover. For example, the
Weaver prone is ideal for firing from behind a log.
_Isosceles Variation_
The Isosceles variation is good for firing over the top of cover (e.g., a
window). The Isosceles prone is ideal for firing from behind narrow cover
(e.g., a telephone pole).
Keeping the Body Behind Cover
Avoid inadvertent exposure of any part of the body. Be especially aware
of the top of the head, elbows, knees, or any other body part that may
extend beyond the cover.
_Log or Curb_
When firing from behind a log or curb, the Marine must present the lowest
possible silhouette and may use the log or curb for maximum support of
the position. For maximum protection, muzzle clearance is kept as close
as possible to the top of the log or curb. The Marine may fire from
either the side or the top of the log, depending on cover and concealment
(see fig. 5-1). The Marine fires over the top of a curb when it is used
for cover.
[Illustration: Figure 5-1. Firing Around a Log.]
_Wall or Barricade_
Firing is done from either the side or over the top of a wall or
barricade. See figure 5-2.
[Illustration: Figure 5-2. Firing From a Barricade.]
_Window_
If the Marine has not been detected by the enemy, he should use the side
of the window or the window sill for support. Ideally, it is best to fire
from the corner of the window sill when using the window for support.
If there is little chance for detection or the shot can be made without
support, the Marine should remain back and to the side of the window
opening so the pistol does not protrude and his body is concealed by the
shadows/darkness of the room. If the Marine is positioned too close to
the window, his body provides a silhouette to the enemy.
_Vehicle_
In many combat situations, particularly in urban environments, a vehicle
may be the best form of cover. When using a vehicle for cover, the engine
block provides the most protection from small arms fire. The Marine
establishes a position behind the front wheel or front door jamb so the
engine block is between him and the target. See figure 5-3.
From this position, the Marine fires over the hood of the car or
underneath the car from behind the wheel. At the back of the car the axle
and the wheel provide the only cover. If the Marine must shoot from the
back of the car, he must position himself directly behind the wheel as
much as possible. See figure 5-4.
[Illustration: Figure 5-3. Firing Over the Hood of a Vehicle.]
[Illustration: Figure 5-4. Firing From the Back of a Vehicle.]
Providing Support for the Position and the Pistol
Support helps stabilize both the firing position and the pistol and
enable the Marine to maintain sight alignment and sight picture.
The forearms or hands can contact the support to stabilize the pistol.
The Marine may rest the pistol on or against the support as long as the
support does not interfere or affect the pistol’s cycle of operation. See
figure 5-5.
[Illustration: Figure 5-5. Hand Resting on Support.]
When firing over the top of cover, the Marine can establish a supported
position and stabilize the position by resting the trigger guard or the
magazine on the cover. The pistol may be pushed up against the support so
the “V” formed by the receiver and the front of the trigger guard rests
firmly against the support. See figure 5-6.
[Illustration: Figure 5-6. Trigger Guard Resting Against Support.]
When firing around the sides of cover, the Marine can establish support
and stabilize the position by placing the back of the hand or arm against
the cover. Avoid placing the slide of the pistol against the cover
because it can interfere with the pistol’s cycle of operation. However,
the pistol can be canted and placed against the cover so the trigger
guard or the “V” formed between the receiver and trigger guard rests
against the support. This position enables the Marine to expose less of
himself to the enemy. See figure 5-7.
[Illustration: Figure 5-7. Hand Resting Against Side of Support.]
When using a vehicle for cover, the Marine can establish additional
support for the pistol by positioning himself in the car behind the door
jamb (frame of door) and placing his hands or pistol against the “V”
formed by the open door and door frame. See figure 5-8.
[Illustration: Figure 5-8. Firing From Behind the Door Jamb of a Vehicle.]
When shooting from the left side of cover, the Marine still uses his
right hand and eye. See figure 5-9. He may have to cant his head and
the pistol to the left to establish sight alignment. For right-handed
Marines, shooting from the left side of cover may expose more of the
Marine to the enemy than shooting from the right side.
[Illustration: Figure 5-9. Firing From the Left Side of Cover.]
Changing Positions
If the Marine has been firing from cover and has to reload or clear a
stoppage behind cover he should attempt to resume firing from a different
position. The enemy is aware of the Marine’s current position and will be
ready to engage him once he re-appears.
Moving
In combat, the Marine must be constantly aware of his surroundings and
the available cover should enemy contact occur during movement from one
position to another.
When moving from cover to cover, the Marine selects the next cover
location and plans the route of movement before leaving his present
position. This is done by quickly looking from behind cover to ensure the
area is clear, ensuring the head and eyes are exposed for as short a time
as possible. If necessary, the Marine should conduct a Condition 1 reload
before moving from cover. Once the Marine is committed to moving, he must
focus on the move until cover is reassumed.
Supported Firing Positions
During combat, the Marine may not have the time to assume a perfect
firing position. He must know instinctively that his position is correct
rather than follow a regimented sequence of movements to ensure its
correctness. With training, the Marine can assume stable firing positions
quickly and instinctively by incorporating the use of cover for support.
Support provides foundations for the firing position; which, in turn,
provides support for the pistol. To maximize the support provided by the
position, the firing position should be adjusted to fit or conform to the
shape of the cover.
A supported firing position minimizes exposure to the enemy, maximizes
the stability of the pistol and protection from fire, and provides
observation of the enemy. Any stable support may be used (e.g., logs,
sandbags, walls). The surrounding environment dictates the support and
position.
The size, distance to the target, and time affect the need for stability
and recovery in the selection of a supported firing position. For
example, if the target is a great distance from the Marine, he may
sacrifice some of his ability to manage recoil in order to assume a
supported firing position that provides him the additional stability
needed to fire accurately at long range. But, recovery may be more
important for the Marine if he must fire multiple shots on target
quickly; therefore, he may sacrifice some stability in his supported
firing position in order to engage a target with multiple shots.
Supported Prone
The supported prone position presents the lowest silhouette and provides
maximum protection from enemy fire. The supported prone position can be
assumed behind a tree, a wall, or almost any type and size of cover. It
is flexible and allows firing of the pistol from all sides. To assume the
supported prone position and maximize the use of cover, the position is
kept as low as possible to ensure no part of the body is exposed to the
enemy. If the cover is narrow, the Marine positions his body directly
behind cover and keeps his legs together. The Marine’s body is in line
with the pistol and directly behind the pistol. The Isosceles prone
position presents a smaller target to the enemy and more body mass to
absorb recoil. The Weaver prone position is ideally suited to fire from
around cover (e.g., log) because of the angle of the body, but this
position presents a larger target to the enemy. See figure 5-10.
[Illustration: Figure 5-10. Weaver Prone.]
Supported Kneeling
If the prone position cannot be used because of the height of the
support, the Marine may use the supported kneeling position. The kneeling
position allows firing of the pistol from all sides. This position may be
altered to maximize the use of cover or support by assuming a variation
of the kneeling position (high, medium, low, or two-knee). The kneeling
position provides more mobility than the prone position. See figure 5-11.
=Caution=
The Marine must not indicate to the enemy his position with his
exposed knee. If the Marine changes knees while exposed to the
enemy, he has indicated the direction of his next shot to the
enemy.
[Illustration: Figure 5-11. Supported Kneeling.]
Supported Standing
When use of the support is maximized, the supported standing position can
be as stable as the supported kneeling or prone position. The supported
standing position provides greater mobility than the other positions
and usually provides greater observation of the enemy. In the standing
position, the Marine must not allow the placement of his foot to indicate
to the enemy his position behind cover. See figure 5-12.
[Illustration: Figure 5-12. Supported Standing.]
Locate and Engage Targets From Behind Cover
To locate targets when behind cover or to ensure the area is clear before
moving, the Marine must expose himself to the enemy. There are two
techniques used to locate and engage targets from behind cover: the pie
and the rollout. These techniques minimize the Marine’s exposure to enemy
fire while placing him in a position to engage targets or to move to
another location if necessary. Both techniques are used in the kneeling
and standing positions.
Pie Technique
The Weaver position is the most effective position when executing the pie
technique because the position of the Marine’s body minimizes exposure to
the enemy. See figure 5-13.
To perform the pie technique—
Stay behind cover while moving back and away from the leading
edge of the cover. The surroundings and situation dictate
the distance the Marine moves back and away from the cover.
Generally, the further back the Marine is from cover, the
greater his area of observation; staying too close to cover
decreases the area of observation.
Assume a firing position and lower the pistol sights enough to
have a clear field of view, aiming in on the leading edge of
the cover.
Take small side steps and slowly move out from behind cover,
covering the field of view with the aiming eye and muzzle of
the pistol. Wherever the eyes move, the muzzle should move
(eyes, muzzle, target).
Continue moving out from cover until a target is identified or
the area is found to be clear. If a target is identified, sweep
the safety off, place the finger on the trigger, and engage the
target.
[Illustration: Figure 5-13. Pie Technique.]
_Note_: If a target is identified before moving out from cover,
the pistol should be thumbcocked and off safe before moving out.
Rollout Technique
In this technique, the Isosceles position is the most effective position
when executing the rollout technique because the position of the body
allows the Marine to better maintain his balance. See figure 5-14. To
perform the rollout technique—
Stay behind cover, move back, and position the body so it is in
line with the leading edge of the cover, ensuring that no part
of the body extends beyond cover.
Assume firing position and come to the Ready, ensuring the
muzzle is just behind cover.
Cant the head and pistol slightly and roll the upper body out
to the side enough to obtain a clear field of view. Keep the
feet in place and push up on the ball of one foot to facilitate
rolling out.
Continue to roll out from cover until a target is identified or
the area is found to be clear. If a target is identified, sweep
the safety off, place the finger on the trigger, and engage the
target.
[Illustration: Figure 5-14. Rollout Technique.]
_Note_: If a target is identified before moving out from cover,
the pistol should be thumbcocked and off safe before moving out.
Combining the Pie and Rollout Techniques
In some situations, it may be necessary to utilize both the pie and
rollout technique in order to search an entire area for targets (i.e.,
corner of a building, doorway). Changing from one technique to another
may allow the Marine to minimize his exposure to the enemy and reduce the
time he is exposed to enemy fire.