What type of fire is effective against a deep target?

Searching fire is particularly effective against deep targets because it allows the gunner to engage targets that may be hidden or beyond direct line of sight. This method involves sweeping the machine gun across a designated area to ensure coverage of a larger space, making it suitable for hitting targets that are not easily observable or are positioned at a considerable distance.

In the context of machine gun employment, utilizing searching fire helps overcome challenges associated with concealment or terrain that obstructs direct fire; it effectively allows the gunner to saturate a target area. This technique can also confuse and keep adversaries pinned down, as the trajectory of the rounds can land in unpredictable patterns over the target area, providing a higher probability of hitting the elusive or retreating enemy.

The effectiveness of searching fire against deep targets is enhanced by maintaining a rigorous understanding of the weapon's capabilities and the potential target location. Utilizing this technique optimizes the machine gun's versatility, extending its reach to influence engagements that might otherwise be deemed difficult or unreachable through direct engagement alone.