Not only do bullets that ricochet usually tumble after striking, but they are also mutilated, so that wounds inflicted by ricochet hits are usually severe.
The most favorable ground for ricochets is a smooth, hard, horizontal surface, the aim being low, the chance of ricochets in sand is very slight.
[1426]. Occupation of ground. The question of the occupation of ground presents these two aspects:
1. What firing positions may be chosen which will tend to increase the losses of the enemy?
2. What positions may be chosen and formations adopted to minimize our own losses?
The selection of a defensive position presents this question: Shall it be near the crest or well down the slope?
A position well down the slope
Advantages:
1. The depth of the beaten zone for fire delivered from the position is increased and the upper portion of the cone of fire will include the supports and reserves advancing to reënforce the hostile firing line. That is to say, the fire will be a grazing fire.
2. It eliminates dead spaces that might otherwise exist at the bottom of the slope.