What defines grazing fire in a combat scenario?

Grazing fire is defined by having the center of the cone of fire not rise above 1.8 meters (approximately 6 feet) off the ground. This type of fire is specifically designed to be effective against enemy personnel who are in a prone position or using low cover, making it highly effective in combat scenarios where troops are seeking to minimize their exposure while maneuvering. The low trajectory ensures that bullets travel along a path that can maximize the chance of hitting a target without risking over-shooting beyond the intended area.

Firing at a moving target generally does not characterize grazing fire, as that could involve various height trajectories depending on the target's position and movement. Similarly, while fire directed at fortifications is important in combat, it does not relate to the principle of keeping fire low to the ground as grazing fire does. Long-distance sniper targets involve different tactics and firing angles that would usually exceed the height limitation established for grazing fire. Understanding these distinctions highlights why the definition involving the fire cone’s height is crucial for effective combat tactics.