M249 light machine gun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Machine Gun, 5.56 mm, M249 |
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| Type | Squad automatic weapon/Light machine gun |
| Place of origin | United States (M249 derivative) Belgium |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1984-Present |
| Used by | United States armed forces Lebanon |
The M249 light machine gun is a powerful machine gun used by the U.S. military and Lebanon. It's a special version of a Belgian machine gun called the FN Minimi. This weapon helps soldiers by providing lots of continuous fire. This is called cover fire, and it helps protect other people in their group, known as a squad. The M249 uses small 5.56mm bullets, which are a common type of ammunition for military weapons.
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About the M249 Machine Gun
The M249 is a type of machine gun that can fire many bullets very quickly. It's also known as a light machine gun because it's lighter than some other machine guns. This makes it easier for soldiers to carry and use in different situations. It's designed to give a squad of soldiers a lot of firepower.
Why the M249 Was Created
The M249 was made because many groups of soldiers in the U.S. Army needed more automatic weapons. Before the M249, not every squad had a gun that could fire continuously. This machine gun filled that need, giving soldiers a strong advantage in battles.
M249 in Action
The M249 has been used in every major conflict the United States has been involved in since 1989. This shows how important and reliable it has been for soldiers. It has helped troops in many different parts of the world.
Future of the M249
The M249 is a very important weapon, but some parts of the U.S. military are looking at new guns.
Replacement Plans
The U.S. Marines plan to replace their M249s with a different gun called the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. This new rifle is made in Germany. The Marines believe the M27 will be better for their specific needs.
U.S. Army's Decision
However, the U.S. Army does not plan to buy the M27. This means the M249 will continue to be used by Army soldiers for the foreseeable future. It will remain a key weapon in their arsenal.
Images for kids
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Initial Belgian-designed Minimi prototype delivered to the U.S. Infantry Board for evaluation, before it received its XM249 designation (note the difference)
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An early model of the M249
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A U.S. Marine firing an M249 from an M122A1 tripod at a training range in November 2003
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The different rounds that can be successfully loaded into the M249 SAW
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A cloth pouch in Universal Camouflage Pattern used for holding belts of linked ammunition, this one being capable of holding 200 rounds.
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A "fully improved" U.S. Army-issue M249, circa July 2010
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Early M249 "Para" equipped with a M145 Machine Gun Optic, October 2005, Koshk Kowl, Afghanistan
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A Ranger with 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment armed with a Mk 46 machine gun provides overwatch security on an objective during a mission in Iraq, November 2006.
