25 years ago, when I was training Infantry, in the attack the preferred approach was to shoot at known, or suspect enemy locations. Using that approach meant you didn’t give the enemy the first shot. After he shoots, you can shoot back at muzzle flashes with (M-60) machinegun fire, and things were expected to be clearer, if less pleasant. We also had platoon snipers, armed with M-1D rifles in .30/06 (7.62mmX63), and we expected to used them against LP/OPs before the fight, or enemy leadership.
If your round is close, some enemy soldiers will put their heads down, and hesitate before they can screw up their courage to shoot again. If you are lucky, and you tag him, he may be out of the fight, or may be wounded, reducing his effectiveness.
In a situation where there are noncombatants around, this approach may not lead to the best results, and may not be permitted by your rules of engagement. We figured that after the first few rounds, the noncombatants should hide, or move away. We didn’t have the “jihadi” on our radar, though we knew that Russians after drinking would occasionally try a bums rush.
As a civilian, each round comes with its own lawyer, and using a larger caliber “man stopping” round would be preferred, so you employ as few lawyers as possible.
When it comes time to use your experience in a fire team,,, there will be no lawyers.
I am thinking more of the local urban enviroment, that we live in. I have a very bad feeling that things are going to come crashing around our ears, and I am thinking of being prepared.
Yeah, but flamethrowers are no longer in the TO&E.