Previous: F-146: Machine Guns in the Defense
F-150. In the defense, the M249 adds increased firepower without the addition of manpower. Characteristically, M249s are light, fire rapidly, and have more ammunition than the rifles in the squad they support. Under certain circumstances, the platoon leader may designate the M249 machine gun as a platoon crew-served weapon.
Next: F-151: M240-Series Medium Machine Guns in the Defense
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad