TC 3-20.31-043 — Conduct Of Fire
TC 3-20.31-043 governs the standardized direct fire engagement process for crews, teams, squads, and small units.
- Publication number: TC 3-20.31-043
- Title: CONDUCT OF FIRE
- Date: 10/03/2024
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 3-20.31-043 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers fire commands, engagement sequences, target descriptions, fire patterns, weapon safety status, and termination commands. It requires standardized fire commands containing up to nine elements and addresses initial, subsequent, and supplemental commands.
Applies to: TC 3-20.31-043 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
Topics covered
- Direct fire engagement process
- Fire command elements
- Target description
- Engagement sequence
- Fire pattern methods
- Weapon safety status
- Termination commands
Questions and answers
How many elements can a fire command contain?
Fire command is a standardized format containing up to nine (9) elements used by a team or crew to deliver direct fire against a threat. (paragraph 11-1)
What is the engagement sequence?
The engagement sequence is the order in which multiple targets are engaged with direct fire. The engagement sequence may be directed during the conduct of fire or follow standard target prioritization rules of thumb. (paragraph 8-18)
What does CEASE FIRE require when a Soldier observes hazardous conduct?
Soldier issued CEASE FIRE is given when any safety or hazardous conduct is observed and must cease. (paragraph 3-90)
What is required after a higher authority announces CEASE FIRE?
As a subordinate leader receives the command to CEASE FIRE, the leader must notify all subordinates actively engaging to cease all direct fires. (paragraph 11-7)