UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

THE BASIC SCHOOL

MARINE CORPS TRAINING COMMAND
CAMP BARRETT, VIRGINIA 22134-5019

MACHINE GUN EMPLOYMENT

B3N4478
STUDENT HANDOUT

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Machine Gun Employment

Introduction This lesson will cover the basic principals and definitions
surrounding Machine Gun Employment. Also discussed will
be offensive and defensive considerations, to include the
support relationships that will be used when dealing with
supporting elements such as machine gun units. The class
will be based around the three Machine Guns found in an
infantry battalion, the M240G, M19 MOD3 and the M2 HB
.50 cal heavy machine gun. We have already been
introduced to the organization of the weapons platoon and
weapons company and the individual machine-gun units
within. Individual classes on the M240G, M2, and MK19
will also be given. You will be expected to be familiar with
these organizations and the capabilities of these weapons
prior to familiarization with this material. The focus of this
class will be centered upon the introduction of the
employment of machine guns.

Importance For some, this handout in conjunction with the practical

application will be the last formal instruction received on the
employment of these weapons. But the likelihood of these
weapons being employed by all MOS’s, from the Marine
Wing Support Squadron to the Truck Platoon, is highly
likely.

In This Lesson The basic principles, definitions and operating guidelines of

machine guns will be outlined in this text. More specific
details in relation to the individual weapons systems
mentioned above will be covered in their respective
classes.
This lesson covers the following topics:
Topic Page
Definitions 5
Classifications of Machine Gun Fire 6
Eight Principles of Machine Gun Employment 9
Machine Gun Fighting Positions 11
Support Relationships 14
Classification of Offensive Fires 15
Displacement Considerations 16
Defensive Considerations 18
Employment Considerations 19
Fire Commands 20
Range Cards 21
MG Tasking Statements 23
Summary / References / Glossary 24
Notes 26

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Learning Objectives Terminal Learning Objectives

Given a machinegun unit, a mission, and commander's
intent, employ machineguns in support of offensive
operations to achieve desired effects of machinegun fires in
support of the ground scheme of maneuver in accordance
with the Principles of Machine Gun Employment
PICMDEEP (Pairs, Interlocking, Coordinating, Mutual
Support, Defilade, Enfilading Fire, Economy of Fire, and
Protection). (0302-OFF-1202)

Given a machinegun unit, a mission, and commander's

intent, employ machineguns in support of defensive
operations to achieve desired effects of machinegun fires in
support of the ground scheme of maneuver in accordance
with the Principles of Machinegun Employment PICMDEEP
(Pairs, Interlocking, Coordinating, Mutual Support, Defilade,
Enfilading Fire, Economy of Fire, Protection). (0302-DEF-
1302 )

Given the requirement, an assistant gunner, a tripod

mounted M240B, M2, or MK19 machinegun, a sector of fire,
selected firing position, and entrenching tools, construct a
machinegun position in order to provide cover and
concealment without restricting effective fire. (MCCS-CSW-
2111)

Given a defensive fighting position, a tripod mounted

machinegun with components, a designated sector of fire
with recognizable targets, principle direction of fire (PDF) or
final protective line (FPL), paper, pencil, and lensatic
compass, prepare a range card in order to recall the data to
fire on predetermined targets and as an aid in estimating
ranges to other targets during regular visibility. (MCCS-
CSW-2112)

Given machinegun team(s) or a squad with tripod mounted

M240B, M2, or MK19 machinegun(s), entrenching tools,
selected firing positions and sectors of fire, supervise
construction of machinegun positions in order to provide
cover and concealment without restricting effective fire.
(MCCS-CSW-2113)

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Learning Objectives Enabling Learning Objectives

(continued)
Given an attached crew served weapon unit, a mission and
a commander's intent, determine support relationships to
accomplish the mission and meet the commander's intent.
(0302-OFF-1202a)
Given an attached crew served weapon unit, a mission, and
a commander's intent, determine target precedence to
accomplish the mission and meet the commander's intent.
(0302-OFF-1202b)
Given an attached crew served weapon unit, a mission, and
a commander's intent, determine target reference points
(TRPs) to accomplish the mission and meet the
commander's intent. (0302-OFF-1202c)
Given an attached machinegun unit, a mission, and a
commander's intent, plan ammunition/rates of fire relative to
the attack to accomplish the mission and meet the
commander's intent. (0302-OFF-1202d)
Given an attached crew served weapon unit, a mission, and
a commander's intent, determine displacement criteria/plan
to accomplish the mission and meet the commander's
intent. (0302-OFF-1202e)
Given a machinegun unit, a mission and a commander's
intent, direct positioning of machinegun units to best
observe and support scheme of maneuver. (0302-OFF-
1202f)
Given a machinegun unit, a mission and a commander's
intent, determine engagement criteria to best support the
ground scheme of maneuver. (0302-DEF-1302d)
Without the aid of references, describe classifications of
machine gun fire without omission. (0302-DEF-1302e)
Without the aid of references, describe principles of
machine gun employment (PICMDEEP) without omission.
(0302-DEF-1302f)
Without the aid of references, describe the differences
between a principle direction of fire (PDF) and a final
protective line (FPL) without omission. (0302-DEF-1302g)

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Definitions

Trajectory The arching flight path of the round from the muzzle of the
weapon to the target.
Ordinate Elevation of the flight path of the round above the line of
sight
Maximum Ordinate The maximum elevation of that round above the line of sight
along its flight path. This distance is reached at 2/3 the
distance to the target.

Cone of Fire Each round fired from a machine gun travels a different
path. Vibration, tolerances of the ammunition and weapon,
and shooter positions all play a role in these differences.
The pattern of these rounds is called the cone of fire. For an
M240G the cone of fire is always 2 mils wide. Now, the
actual measurement may differ at 600m and 1800m due to
the factor of what 2 mils is at that distance, but it will always
be 2 mils wide.
Beaten Zone The beaten zone is defined as the elliptical pattern formed
by the impact of the rounds. Again, because the cone of
fire is always 2 mils wide, the beaten zone as well is two
mils wide out to the maximum effective range of the gun.
There are, however, differences in the length based on the
following:

Uniform terrain: At short ranges the beaten zone will be

longer because of the initial trajectory and narrow because
of the relatively short distance the bullet travels before it
strikes the ground. As range increases, the beaten zone
decreases in length because the bullets will be falling at a
steeper angle and increases in width as the rotation of the
bullet further affects dispersion.

Rising terrain: Terrain rising in the path of the cone of fire

has the effect of abruptly stopping the rounds and creates a
small beaten zone which nearly duplicates the pattern of
the cone of fire on steeply rising terrain.

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Definitions (Cont’d)

Falling terrain: When the terrain falls away before the gun, the
beaten zone becomes longer and depending on the range, either
long and narrow or long and wide.

Classifications of Machinegun Fires

We will next discuss the classifications of machinegun fires. We will describe the fires
of a machinegun in relation to the ground, the target and the gun.

In Relation to the Dead Space- Dead space occurs anytime the target (or
Ground enemy) drops below the line of aim or line of sight. This is
largely a product of terrain. Streams, ravines, draws and
other features may cause dead space.

Danger Space- When firing over terrain, any space up to

1.8 m above the deck (the height of an average man) is
considered danger space; that is, within the effects of the
rounds.

Plunging Fire- Plunging fire is defined where the danger

space is confined to the beaten zone. Plunging fire is
obtained when firing from high ground to low ground or low
ground to high ground and when using long range fires; an
example of this when a gunner engages a target on a street
from the third deck. The effects of the rounds are limited to
the beaten zone where those rounds are hitting the deck.

Grazing Fire- Defines fire where the center of the cone of

fire does not rise more than one meter off the deck. This is
the most effective type of fire we can employ, and we will
always seek a position where we can bring the greatest
amount of grazing fire upon the enemy.

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Classification of Fires (Cont’d)

In Relation to the Target Flanking Fire - Fires delivered on the flank of a target,
when the target is oriented 90 or more degrees away from
the firing unit.

Fontal Fire - Fire delivered on the front of a target, when

the target is oriented on the firing unit.

Oblique Fire- Fire delivered on the oblique of a target,

when the target is oriented between 0 and 90 degrees to the
firing unit.

Enfilade Fire- The long axis of the beaten zone coincides

with or nearly coincides with the long axis of the target. This
class of fire is either Frontal or Flanking and is the most
desirable class of fire with respect to the target, because it
maximizes the use of the beaten zone.

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Classification of Fires (Cont’d)

In Respect to the Gun Fixed – Fire delivered on a point target. Little or no

manipulation of the gun is required to obtain and maintain
effect on target.

Traversing - fire delivered against a wide target requiring

changes in direction. The beaten zones of each successive
burst should be adjacent to each other if not overlapping
(may be produced from either a tripod or bipod).

Searching - Fire delivered against a target in depth

requiring changes in elevation. The beaten zones of each
successive burst should be adjacent to each other if not
overlapping (may be produced from either a tripod or bipod).

Traversing and Searching - fire delivered against an

oblique target requiring changes in both elevation and
direction. The beaten zones of each successive burst
should be adjacent to each other if not overlapping (may be
produced from either a tripod or bipod).

Swinging Traverse - Fire delivered against targets which

require major changes in direction with little or no change in
elevation. Fired at the cyclic rate of fire using the tripod.
(The beaten zones of each successive burst need not be
adjacent to each other.)

Free Gun - Fire delivered against moving targets that require

major changes in both direction and elevation. The beaten
zones of each successive burst need not be adjacent to each
other (can only be produced from a tripod or vehicle mount).
The T&E is not used as the manipulation is done by the
Gunner.

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Employment Principles

The following table represents the Eight Principles of Machine Gun Employment,
abbreviated by PICMDEEP. Will we be able to execute all of these principles each and
every time we employ machine guns? No, we will not. Each situation will be different,
terrain may not allow us each of these considerations, or our assets may make it
impossible to support. We will, however, take the time to analyze our assets, our
mission and our enemy to best employ these weapons in accordance with the principles
outlined below.

Pairs We attempt to employ machine guns in pairs at all times.

Guns employed in pairs should not be separated by
intervening terrain. 35 meters is the optimal separation
between the two weapons systems, terrain dictating. This
allows us to duplicate fires to ensure continuous fire support
even if one gun goes down. This also gives us “talking
guns”, giving us constant fires on the target and
uninterrupted fires during immediate action drills or if a gun
goes down. A SAW can be integrated to the pairs if
needed.

Interlocking Fires Reinforce and double the firepower employed across the
units frontage. This also ensures no area goes uncovered,
especially when grazing fires intersect

Coordination of Fires Dictates use of appropriate weapons to fire on appropriate

targets. This allows maximum effectiveness of all weapons
systems employed, to conserve ammunition, and also to
mask the machine gun position until their fires are required.
Mutual Support The weapons systems need to be able to support each
other. If one weapon is overrun or fails, the other weapon
needs to be able to fire the mission.

Defilade Defilade allows us to fire the gun behind the mask of terrain
outside the effects and observation of the enemy. This
allows us to increase survivability of the position, the gun
and the crew. The following diagram illustrates the types of
defilade that we can attain:

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Defilade (Cont’d)

The diagram above outlines the five positions of defilade we

can employ in a machine gun position.

Enfilade Whenever we utilize machine guns, we attempt to achieve

enfilading fires upon our enemy. By enfilade fires we mean
that the long axis of the beaten zone coincides with the long
axis of the target.

Economy By economy, we mean economy of our fires. We utilize the

appropriate weapons systems in accordance with the
threat. We will not open up with the M240 if we get
attacked by a single enemy soldier. We establish
engagement criteria for our crew served weapons to
conserve ammunition, make sure the weapon system is
appropriate to the threat and to ensure weapon system and
crew survivability.

Protection Obvious considerations need to be taken in the construction

of machine gun positions in order to ensure maximum
survivability of the crew. Once the guns are ordered to
engage, they will obviously become a focal point of the
enemy. Cover and concealment are critical. The
construction must be robust as well as moved frequently in
order to ensure the continued support of their fires.

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Machine Gun Fighting Positions

Fighting positions for machineguns are an integral part of their employment. They
ensure survivability for the weapon system and the crew. When properly placed,
allow that supported unit leader to best accomplish the mission by having the
devastating fires to defend his position. Before we discuss the physical types of
fighting positions we will label the three classifications of fighting positions:

Primary Position The position from which the gun will fire it’s primary sector
of fire

Alternate Position A secondary position from which the gun will fire it’s primary
sector of fire
Supplemental Position Another separate prepared position from which the gun
fires a secondary or alternate sector of fire.

L-Shape Fighting When only one sector of fire is assigned, only one half of
Position the position is dug (L-shape) (see diagram below).
The FPM must parallel either arm of the “L.” The L-shaped
position should always be improved upon to make a “T” or
horseshoe-shaped position.

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Machine Gun Fighting Positions (Cont’d)

T-Shaped Fighting The most preferred position to employ. This position will
Position provide both primary and secondary sectors of fire. When
employing the M240G, the tripod is used on the side
covering the primary sector of fire. The bipod legs are used
when covering the secondary mission. When witching from
primary mission to secondary mission, the tripod stays in
place and the weapon itself is moved to engage the targets.

Primary Mission

Secondary Mission

When digging a T-Shaped Position, the hole is dug armpit

deep. When cover to the front is high enough, spoil is
used to build up the flanks and the rear. Grenade sumps
should be located at the end of each leg of the position.

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Machine Gun Fighting Positions (Cont’d)

Horse-Shoe Fighting The open end of the horseshoe is toward the enemy (see
Position diagram below). This allows for easy 180-degree traverse
across the frontage, but provides less frontal cover than the
T-shaped position. Protection from indirect fire greater than
the "T"-shaped position. The firing platform is located
within the horseshoe. Spoilage is used to provide cover all
around the position

Two Hole Fighting Uses two one-man fighting holes at 90-degree angles (see
Position diagram below). Provides excellent protection for the
gunner and assistant gunner but allows only limited
traverse of the gun. Each hole is dug as a standard one-
man fighting hole. When switching from the primary to the
alternate sectors of fire, the gunner and the assistant
gunner switch roles.

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Support Relationships

When utilizing assets that are not organic to a rifle platoon, such as machine
guns, we will use support relationships that define the command and control of
those assets. Examples of such relationships are outlined below:

General Support: A unit commander may task a subordinate unit to a general

support mission. This is defined as “that support which is given to the supported
force as a whole and not to any particular subdivision thereof” according to
MCRP 5-2A. If a unit is designated to be in General Support, of another unit, it
will provide fires to assist the supported units’ scheme of maneuver. For
example, a Machine Gun Section may be placed in General Support of an
Infantry Company. The Section is then responsible to provide fires in support of
that Company’s scheme of maneuver. Within that Company, any or all of the
subordinate units may be supported; in this case priority of fires is established to
indicate the order in which the support is provided such as Flanking Fires by
section in support of the company’s attack.

Direct Support: A unit in direct support of another unit is assigned the mission
of providing the support requested directly to the supported unit. The unit being
supported directly (a rifle platoon, for example) is assigned fires directly
supporting the platoon (Main Effort). The supported unit commander assigns the
guns a mission and targets; however, tactical control still remains with the
Machine Gun Section Leader.

Attachment: Attachment is the placement of a unit in an organization where

such placement is relatively temporary. The organization to which a unit is
attached assumes complete tactical and administrative control over the unit,
subject to any limitations (usually time) stipulated in the attachment order.

Machine guns may be attached to a rifle platoon that cannot be supported from
general or direct support positions because of the terrain or other conditions.
The “attached” command relationship gives the supported unit leader complete
tactical and administrative control over the attached unit.

Below, we will look at these differing command relationships in regards to a

situation you may see here at The Basic School, the relationship of a machine
gun section within a rifle company and the differing relationships between the
Company Commander and his rifle platoons.

Admin & Logistical

Relationship Use of Fires Tactical Control
Control
General Company Weapons platoon Weapons platoon
Support commander commander commander
Direct Supported Machine gun Weapons platoon
Support unit leader section/squad leader commander
Attached Supported unit leader

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Classification of Offensive Fires

Close Supporting Fire Fires delivered against enemy objectives directly opposing
the advance of the attacking rifle units.
Some considerations to take into account when employing
these types of fires include
• Rates of fire
• Location of lead trace of maneuver element
• Signal plan for commencing, shifting, and ceasing
fires

Long Range Fires Fires that are delivered against targets to the rear of enemy
forward position that may directly influence the main effort
attack on the primary objective. Terrain and weapon
permitting, long range fires are often assigned to
machineguns when they can no longer provide close
supporting fires to the attack.

Flank Protection Fires When the advance or location of a unit exposes their flank,
the machine guns may be tasked with protecting it.

Fires in Support of Enemy counterattack should be expected following seizure

Consolidation of an objective. Machine guns are used to protect the unit's
consolidation and reorganization. Employment of the guns
on the objective should be planned and rapidly executed.
Many of the machine guns will have to be displaced from
SBF positions.

The M249 SAW will provide immediate automatic firepower

forward in support of consolidation until the medium and
heavy machine guns displace. After the seizure of an
enemy position or when the machine guns can no longer
provide fire support from their positions, you must move
them to a new location; this movement is a "displacement."
Displacement must be as rapid as possible to continue the
mission of fire support or protection.

An acronym used to describe this displacement process is

MORT. This acronym allows us to remember some of the
considerations associated with a machinegun crew’s
displacement.

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Displacement Considerations

Once the mission of the machine guns is complete, or the position is no longer able to
be occupied, that unit will need to displace to either a new firing position or to link up
with the parent unit. As a unit leader, we must plan for this movement when given the
asset of machine guns. The acronym we use to outline the required planning
considerations is MORT, (Method, Objective, Route and Time).

Method Echelon: By echelon, we essentially mean “leap frogging”

those elements to the new position. An example of this
would be one element displacing while the adjacent two
elements provide security. Once the bounding element
reached its next security position, they would then provide
over-watch while the other two units move. This action is
repeated until the unit as a whole reaches its final
destination.

By Unit: In an instance where security en-route to the

objective is not as much of a factor, the machine gun
element may be ordered to displace directly to the parent
units position in order to provide the immediate additional
firepower of the machine guns in support of consolidation.

Objective The unit will be forced or directed to move to one of two

types of locations. Once the maneuver element has
completed the assault upon the tactical objective, the unit
leader may task the machine gun element to move to their
location in order to provide addition fires in support of
consolidation. An additional consideration may be a
secondary support by fire position in order to continue
support of an attack after the initial position has become
untenable.

Route A route is a crucial consideration for the unit leader when

planning the displacement of the machine gun element.
Higher can assign these routes based on operational
knowledge of the area, or it can be left to the discretion of
the subordinate unit leader in charge of those Marines who
may have better situation awareness of the battlefield as it
now stands.

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Displacement Considerations (Cont’d)

Time Careful consideration must be given to when that unit will

displace. We must plan for when we will need their fires
again if displacing to a secondary SBF, or how long we will
be able to support consolidation while the machine gun
assets displace to the rest of the unit. Another important
aspect is the signal plan surrounding that displacement.
We must make sure that the signal is clearly communicated
in the order and is able to be executed on the battlefield. If
a unit fails to receive proper communication we may not
have fires when we need them or expose those Marines to
unnecessary risks by unmasking and moving too early.

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Defensive Considerations

Principal Direction of Before we discuss individual weapon systems, we will

Fire discuss the two tactical tasks a machine gun can be
assigned in the defense. The first is a PDF, or a principle
direction of fire. The weapons primary focus is covering a
likely avenue of approach, key piece of terrain, or whatever
object of interest that unit leader assigns it. Now, the
weapon will also have a left and right lateral limit that will
allow the gunner to engage targets of opportunity within that
sector of fire, but unless that situation arises, that weapon is
laid on that PDF, ready to engage on at that point.

Final Protective Line Secondly, we can assign the mission of a FPL, or final
protective line. This mission dictates that the weapon is
primarily in a position to employ grazing fires across a units’
frontage as a last effort to defend the lines. The FPL is only
fired in accordance with the unit commander giving the
order to fire his Final Protective Fires. Again, a sector of
fire is given, with the instruction that in accordance with
engagement criteria that gun can engage a target of
opportunity. But again, the primary mission of that gun is to
be laid on that designated FPL.

Individual Weapon M240G: Terrain is one of the biggest factors when deciding
Considerations the role these weapons will play. If terrain greatly
constitutes grazing fire, push the weapons out to the flank
where the greatest amount of grazing fire can be achieved
while interlocking the fires with adjacent guns and assign
the mission of a FPL. If terrain is canalizing, allowing
limited access to your position, consider assigning the guns
a PDF, greatly improving the coverage on those areas most
likely to be advanced upon. Again, we will strive to employ
8 principles of machine gun employment at every chance,
regardless of mission.
M2 .50 Caliber HMG: Its direct fire characteristics dictate
employment very similar to considerations used with the
M240, with the greatest considerations being its anti-armor
capabilities and penetration.
MK19 MOD 3: The MK19 differs most greatly in the fact
that we cannot achieve grazing fires based on the nature of
the ammunition. That being said, the weapon is an
excellent choice to assign a PDF, such as choke points,
obstacles and avenues of approach, as well as dead space.

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Employment Considerations

Offensive M240G: Best and most often used in a support by fire position
Considerations for to provide a heavy volume of accurate suppressive fire. If
Machineguns terrain is viable, consider the use of an observer in order to
allow the guns to be employed from defilade. The weapon can
also be taken into the assault, utilizing either the bipod or the
tripod. Asset is organic to the rifle company and also found in
weapons company.
M2 .50 Caliber Heavy MG: This weapon can also be employed
as a support by fire asset, especially when the enemy is utilizing
fortified positions. Also used against mechanized or lightly
armored assets, taking account the increased penetration of the
rounds available. Can also be employed in indirect fire mode,
utilizing terrain to mask its location and at the same time
engage targets attempting to mask themselves. Commonly
vehicle mounted and paired with the MK19 within the heavy
machine gun platoon of the infantry battalion, providing a highly
mobile, versatile combination.

MK 19 MOD 3 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher:

Extremely effective against personnel due to its 15m ECR from
the 40mm round. Very effective combined with an observer to
deliver indirect fires. Anti-armor capability of 2 inches of
homogenous steel out to 2200 m. Like the other two weapon
systems, also able to be utilized in SBF position. Some
constraints to aware of include the minimum arming distance of
18 to 40 meters and the ability of vegetation or other debris to
cause premature detonation. Like stated above, commonly
paired with the M2, providing an excellent example of combined
arms, allowing the unit leader to mix the weapons systems for
desired result.

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Fire Commands

We have already been familiarized with the term ADDRAC in previous exercises.
The same considerations apply with machine guns with a few minor
considerations.

Alert Mandatory part of the order.

• Fire Mission = Both guns fire

• Number One, Fire Mission- Only one gun fires
• Fire Mission, Number Two- Gun number two fires the
mission, but gun number one tracks it and is
prepared to fire on command.

Direction • Only when not obvious or in an instance when firing

from defilade under the direction of an observer.

Description • Given to allow the gunner and A-gunner to more

accurately orient on the target.

Range • Cannot be over emphasized. Several field expedient

methods that have already been discussed elsewhere
in your instruction. Sooner correct range is acquired,
the quicker the effects of those rounds are felt by the
enemy.

Assignment • Assignment is only used if specific requirements are

needed to divide the target, assign a class of fire, or
designate a rate of fire.

Control • Mandatory in order to coordinate proper initiation and

control of fires. Subsequent commands will be made
by the unit leader in order make corrections on the
impacts of the rounds, rates of fire, or even to shift or
cease fires

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Range Cards

A range card is a diagram drawn to record the firing data and mission of that
machine gun position and also serves as a document to assist in defensive fire
planning. A range card is constructed of a sketch of the position and also of the
terrain that lies to the front of the weapon system. Here we outline target reference
points, key terrain features, dead space, and any other feature or detail to assist that
gunner and further the unit leader in gaining as much situational awareness on the
position as possible. One key element of creating a range card is walking the terrain
we are about to document. This allows to properly annotate our dead space. This is
especially important when recording our FPL.

Step 1 Gunner lays himself behind the gun, sets his sights on the
limit of grazing fire, and then lays the gun on an aiming point
along the FPL.

Step 2 The A-Gunner walks along the FPL using a standard and
measured pace count

Step 3 When the gunner looses sight of the A-Gunner in defilade,

he yells “Mark!”. The A-Gunner records the distance to
properly annotate it on the range card.

Step 4 This process is completed until terrain denies you grazing

fire, or you reach the maximum range of grazing fire for that
weapon system.

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Range Cards (cont’d)

The FPL is annotated by a heavy black solid line along the azimuth of the FPL.
Dead space is signified by a break in the heavy to a thin line, turning back to a heavy
line after the limit of the dead space has been reached. . The range is recorded to
the near and far ends of the dead space and to the maximum extent of graze along
the FPL. The firing data needed to fire this target as well as the magnetic azimuth is
recorded on the range card.

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Machine Gun Tasking Statements

Defense:

Machinegun Squad (Supporting Effort # 1), you are in General Support of the platoon.
O/O destroy targets of opportunity IOT prevent the enemy from escaping the platoon
engagement area. Target Precedence: Squad size elements or larger, light-skinned
vehicles, command and control nodes, and CSWs. Engagement Criteria: Engage units
IVO TRP1 (old barn) or south of Phase Line Blue (Aquia Creek). BPT displace to
supplemental positions. O/S fire the FPL. Save 600 rounds for the FPF.

• Support Relationship: GS of the platoon

• WHO: Machinegun Squad
• WHEN: O/O or O/S
• WHAT: Destroy
• WHERE: Engagement Area, TRP 1, Phase Line Blue, FPL
• WHY: IOT prevent the enemy from escaping the platoon engagement area.
• Fire Control Measures: Target Reference Point, Target Precedence,
Engagement Criteria

Offense:

MG section (Supporting Effort #1), you are in General Support of the platoon. O/S
suppress the enemy on Co Obj A IOT deny the enemy the ability to interfere with the
main effort’s attack. O/S commence fire at the rapid rate at TRP1 for one minute, then
switch to the sustained rate for 3 minutes. O/S shift to TRP2 and fire at the sustained
rate. O/S cease fire. O/S displace by unit by the most direct route to Co Obj A to
support our consolidation. Save 400 rounds for consolidation.

• Support Relationship: GS of the platoon

• WHO: Machinegun Squad
• WHEN: O/S
• WHAT: Suppress
• WHERE: Company Objective Alpha
• WHY: IOT deny the enemy the ability to interfere with the platoon main effort
attack
• Fire Control Measures: Commence fire: O/S raid rate 1 minute then sustained
rate for 3 minutes, Shift Fire: O/S, Cease Fire: O/S, Displacement: O/S displace
ISO consolidation.

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B3N4478 Machine Gun Employment

Summary

This lesson covered the basic employment principles for the various machine
gun systems found throughout the Marine Corps. Both offensive and defensive
considerations were introduced, as well as planning guidelines for planning
displacement of a machine-gun unit. Proper construction and descriptions of the
differing machine gun positions have been outlines also. Range Cards and
proper terminology surrounding machine guns were also discussed.

References

Reference Number or Reference Title

Author
MCWP 3-15.1 Machine Guns and Machine Gun Gunnery (under revision)
FM 3-22.68 Light and Medium Machineguns
FM 3-22.27 Mk19 40mm Grenade Machinegun Mod 3
FM 3-22.65 Browning Machinegun, Caliber .50, HB M2
FMFM 6-3 Marine Infantry Battalion
FMFM 6-4 Marine Rifle Company/Platoon

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Term or Acronym Definition or Identification

ADDRAC Alert, direction, description, range, assignment, control
Beaten Zone The beaten zone is defined as the elliptical pattern formed
by the impact of the rounds.
ECR Effective casualty radius
FPL Final protective line
Grazing Fires Defines fire where the center of the cone of fire does not
rise more than one meter off the deck. This is the most
effective types of fire we can employ, and we will always
seek a position where we can bring the greatest amount of
grazing fire upon the enemy.
MORT Method, objective, route, time – displacement
MOS Military occupational specialty
PDF Principle direction of fire
SAW Squad automatic weapon
SBF Support by fire

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B3N4478 Machine Gun Employment

Notes

26 Basic Officer Course