What are the three main types of fire used by machine guns?

The three main types of fire used by machine guns are point fire, area fire, and grazing fire. Point fire involves aiming at a particular target such as an enemy personnel or a specific object, which allows for precision in targeting. Area fire is utilized to cover a wider space, laying down suppressive fire across a designated area to deter enemy movement or suppress their capabilities, especially when the exact position of the enemy is unknown. Grazing fire is characterized by the trajectory of the bullets traveling close to the ground, which is particularly effective at short ranges against troops in exposed positions as it reduces the arc of fire and enhances the likelihood of hitting moving targets.

Understanding these types of fire is fundamental for effective machine gun employment on the battlefield, as each serves specific tactical purposes and adapts to different combat scenarios. The distinction between these types allows operators to select the most appropriate method for engaging the enemy based on their layout and movement, ensuring effective use of firepower.