What is defined as fire directed against a target from a position at an angle to the target's long axis?

Oblique Fire is defined as fire directed against a target from a position at an angle to the target's long axis. This means that the fire is not directly aligned with the target, but rather at an angle, allowing for engagement of the target while potentially minimizing its ability to return effective fire. This type of firing can be advantageous as it can create difficulties for the target in accurately locating and returning fire to the source of the attack.

The concept of oblique fire can be critical in military tactics, where the angle of engagement can provide better coverage of the target area and exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defensive setup. Engaging a target obliquely may also allow the firing unit to maintain better cover or concealment while still delivering effective firepower.

In contrast, frontal fire is directly aimed at the target, flanking fire is positioned to engage the target from the side, and enfilade fire is targeting the length of a formation or position, directly impacting its vulnerabilities in a different manner. Each fire type has its strategic applications, but oblique fire specifically highlights the advantage gained from an angled approach.