What occurs anytime the target or enemy drops below the line of aim or line of sight?

When a target or enemy drops below the line of aim or line of sight, this situation is referred to as "Dead Space." Dead space is an area where direct fire cannot engage enemy troops or targets because they are positioned lower than the line of fire, often behind cover such as a dip in the ground or an obstacle.

Understanding dead space is critical for effective machine gun employment as it helps identify areas where the weapon system will have limited effectiveness or where alternative tactics need to be deployed, such as utilizing indirect fire or maneuvering into a position that allows for engagement of the target. Recognizing and managing dead space is essential for maximizing the lethality and combined capabilities of a unit during combat operations.