Range Cards
Created by BU2 Collins
NMCB 14
04/30/2011
Range Card
• A range card is a sketch of the assigned sector that a
direct fire weapon system is intended to cover. A range
card aids in planning and controlling fires and aids the
crews and squad gunners in acquiring targets during
limited visibility. It is also an aid for replacement
personnel or platoons or squads to move into the
position and orient on their sector. The individual soldier
or gunner should make the range card so that he
becomes more familiar with the terrain in his sector. He
should continually assess the sector and, if necessary,
update his range card. The range card is always being
updated.
Parts of a Range Card
Command Block
1
2
C
The command block is used by higher to form the squad, platoon, company, and
battalion fire plan sketch.
Magnetic North Block
Magnetic north is used to help determine the direction of the fox hole in
relation to a map for higher.
Data Section
Position Identification Block
GRID 95214623
The Position Identification block is used by higher to plot your
fighting position on the map in the COC. You can use grid
coordinates or distance from a known point such as cross
roads, buildings, etc.
Date and Time Block
0725
13 OCT2011
The Date and Time Block is going to show any time you update
your card and used by higher to update their map and fire plan
sketch.
Weapon Block
M16A2E3
The Weapon Block will designate what type of weapon system for
which this card was drawn. It can be for a personal weapon
(M16/M4, M203), crew served weapon (M240B, M2, Mk19) or any
other weapon (AT4).
Distance Block
50
The Distance Block is used to show the distance between
each circle on the picture section. The distance can be
predetermined by higher or by you.
Target Blocks
M16A2E3
1
342
--------
250
TRAC
HOUSE
The Target Blocks are used as a quick reference point for the shooter to
determine range and direction to a target. These can be predetermined
by the Squad Leader such as a PDF or FPL or chosen by the shooter.
These points can also change and would then have to be updated on a
new card.
Target Blocks
1
326 degrees
2
L 52
-------+5
The Number Block is used in conjunction with the picture to help identify
targets.
The Direction Block can either be an azimuth in degrees or the direction
and degrees from the traversing bar on a tripod.
The Elevation Block is used for the direction and elevation from the T&E
on crew served weapons.
Target Blocks
250
150
BALL WOODS
WP
DEAD SPACE
The Range Block is the actual or estimated range to the target in
meters.
The Ammo Block is used to determine what type of ammo is to be used
on the target. This could be tracer, AP, HE, etc.
The Description Block is used to identify what is the target.
Picture Block
Picture Block
Sector of Fire- A 45 degree arc from your fighting position that
is your area of responsibility.
Picture Block
Principal Direction of Fire (PDF)- This will be a primary firing
position that the enemy will most likely send their attack.
Picture Block
Final Protective Line (FPL)- This will be a right of left lateral limit
designed to provide a protective wall of lead in front of the lines.
Dead space will be included in the FPL.
Picture Block
After receiving your PDF or FPL you will commence to sketch the
area in front of you denoting key features that you can use as
reference points or where the enemy might commence their attack.
GRID AD 4591 2684
M240B
1
2
3
4
5
6
0
L40
R 50
L 10
L 25
R 20
0
+10
+5
-5
-10
+ 30
1350 5JAN11
50
375 TRAC PDF-INTERS
350 BALL RLL- HOUSE
350 BALL LLL-WOODS
300 N/A LPOP
250 BALL RIVER
425 BALL HILL TOP
After finishing your sketch you
will want to fill out your data
section. This can also be done
as you fill out your sketch.
Remember to include everything
that you can as you will not be
the only one using this sketch
and will not occupy the same
fighting position the entire time.
QUESTIONS?
Practical Application 1
Fill out your range card from the
following picture. You will be
assigned to 1 Squad 2 Platoon C
Company, position is located at grid
ED 4862 7941, weapon is a
M16A2E3, distance between each
circle is 25 meters, and you will
have a PDF.
Practical Application 2
Fill out your range card from the following
picture. You will be assigned to 3 Squad 1
Platoon B Company, position is located
100 meters west of intersection A45,
weapon is a M203, distance between each
circle is 25 meters, and you will have been
designated as squad support.
QUESTIONS?