The Identification of Objective Relationships between Small Arms Fire Characteristics and Effectiveness of Suppressive Fire

The purpose of this study is to identify objective relationships between small arms weapons characteristics and effectiveness in suppressive fire. In addition, this study provides a methodology through which the suppressive capabilities of various small arms weapons may be assessed. An initial suppression data base is developed as the result of an extensive review of the available literature. This data base provides both an indication of suppression factors and an enumeration of gaps in our knowledge about suppression. To verify the suppression factors and to attempt to fill the data gaps, a new data collection program was employed. The first efforts in this program included the collection of up-to-date information through the use of structured interviews, rating scales, and questionnaires administered to U.S. military personnel with recent combat experience and to others undergoing military training within CONUS. In addition, interviews and questionnaires were administered to U.S. and Australian forces, Hoi Chanh, and POW personnel in Vietnam.