What constitutes overhead fire?

Overhead fire specifically refers to the situation where rounds are fired over the heads of unprotected personnel. This constitutes a significant safety risk because once the projectile is fired, it has the potential to impact in unintended areas, posing a serious threat to anyone in the vicinity. The concept of overhead fire is critical in range safety protocols, as it directly relates to the management and mitigation of hazards when conducting live fire exercises.

In the context of range management, particularly within the Marine Corps, ensuring that no unprotected personnel are located where they might be affected by overhead fire is paramount to maintaining safety during operations. This option highlights the essential duty of a Range Safety Officer to control and prevent any situations that could endanger personnel during live-fire exercises.

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition of overhead fire. Some refer to different aspects of safety and operational considerations but do not specifically address the risks associated with firing over individuals.