Previous: F-144: M240-Series Medium Machine Guns in the Offense
F-145. The MK19 and M2/M2A1 can be used as part of the base-of-fire element to assist the friendly assault element by suppressing enemy bunkers and lightly-armored vehicles. Even if ammunition fired from the guns is not powerful enough to destroy enemy vehicles, well-aimed suppressive fire can keep the enemy buttoned up and unable to place fire on friendly assault elements. The MK19 and M2/M2A1 are particularly effective in preventing lightly-armored enemy vehicles from escaping or reinforcing. Both vehicle mounted weapons can fire from a long range stand-off position, or be moved forward with the assault element.
Next: F-146: Machine Guns in the Defense
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad