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1-138. The automatic rifleman’s primary weapon is the M249 SAW. Each Infantry
squad has two automatic weapons. The M249 provides the squad with a high volume of sustained long-range suppressive and lethal fires beyond the effective range of the M16/M4 rifle. The automatic rifleman employs the SAW to suppress enemy Infantry and bunkers, destroy enemy automatic rifle and antitank teams, and enable maneuver of other teams and squads. (Refer to appendix B for more information on the employment of the M249 SAW.)
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad