M249 (US designation)

The M249, designated by the U.S. military as a light machine gun, is a portable firearm designed for sustained automatic fire. It uses 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and is capable of firing in rapid succession, providing suppressive fire for infantry units. Its design combines features of a rifle and machine gun, allowing it to be carried easily by a single soldier and mounted on vehicles or tripods. Widely used for its reliability and versatility, the M249 enhances a unit’s firepower by enabling continuous, accurate shooting over extended periods without needing frequent reloading.