What type of fire is used against a wide target, requiring changes in direction?

The type of fire used against a wide target that requires changes in direction is traversing fire. This method is particularly useful when the target or area of interest spans a broad area and movement across the target line is necessary.

Traversing fire involves the machine gunner changing the orientation of the weapon horizontally to engage targets that are spread out in front of them. This can be particularly effective in situations such as suppressing enemy personnel or vehicles that are not clustered together or are moving across a wide visual field. The ability to traverse allows the gunner to maintain effective fire on multiple targets without having to reposition the entire weapon system.

The application of traversing fire can enhance effectiveness in engagements where the enemy may be trying to maneuver, making it essential to adapt quickly to changing targets while maintaining a low rate of ammunition expenditure. This approach contrasts with other methods, such as fixed fire, which focuses on a stationary point, and sweeping fire, which typically involves a broader horizontal movement but not the same precision in changing direction as seen in traversing fire.