When engaging targets, which targets should gun crews prioritize first?

Gun crews should prioritize engaging priority targets first due to the critical impact these targets have on the overall mission and operational effectiveness. Priority targets are usually the ones that pose the greatest threat to friendly forces or have the potential to achieve significant mission objectives. By focusing efforts on these high-value targets, gun crews can effectively reduce enemy capabilities and maintain the initiative on the battlefield.

This prioritization is rooted in tactical decision-making, ensuring that the resources and firepower are directed where they will yield the most significant advantage. Engaging priority targets first allows for efficient use of ammunition and minimizes risk, as neutralizing these threats can directly influence the outcome of combat situations.

In contrast, secondary targets, while still important, do not pose an immediate risk to the mission's success and can be addressed once priority targets are dealt with. Engaging all targets equally could lead to inefficiency and the potential for allowing more dangerous threats to remain active. Passive targets, which do not pose a direct threat at the moment, are typically deprioritized to concentrate on actively threatening or high-value objectives. Thus, focusing on priority targets aligns with effective tactics and maximizes the effectiveness of the fire support provided by machine gun crews.