TC 3-20.31-040 — Direct Fire Kill Chain
TC 3-20.31-040 governs the standardized direct fire kill chain for crews, teams, squads, and small units.
- Publication number: TC 3-20.31-040
- Title: DIRECT FIRE KILL CHAIN
- Date: 06/25/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 3-20.31-040 on armypubs.army.mil
TC 3-20.31-040 covers weapon posture, observation, target acquisition, identification, location, engagement, and reporting. It establishes processes for applying combat power, issuing fire commands, confirming targets, and delivering reports.
Applies to: TC 3-20.31-040 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard (of the United States), and United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Weapon posture
- Weapons handling measures
- Target signatures
- Detection challenges
- Target identification
- Target prioritization
- Fire commands
- Contact reports
Questions and answers
What must firing units do during a CEASEFIRE FREEZE?
Immediately, any firing subordinate units are to stop all movement, cease all firing, and leave all firing controls, ballistic solutions, ammunition, and weapon azimuths and superelevations in their immediate state. (paragraph 7-72)
What does a scan detect in an assigned sector?
A scan or scanning allows an observer to detect anomalies, potential threat positions, avenues of approach, and key terrain that could serve to interrupt friendly operations. (paragraph 2-4)
How many types of fire commands may leaders use during engagements?
During engagements, leaders may use up to three types of fire commands: initial, subsequent, and supplemental (see figure 7-2 on page 140). (paragraph 7-3)
When does an engagement begin and end?
An engagement begins with an initial fire command, may contain one or more subsequent or supplemental fire command(s), and ends with a termination command. (paragraph 7-3)
What must leaders report after completing the kill chain?
Although reports may be provided throughout the kill chain, leaders must deliver updated reports of their tactical situations at every completion of the kill chain (see figure 8-1). (paragraph 7-73)