TC 3-22.249 — Light Machine Gun M249 Series
TC 3-22.249 governs individual Soldier use of the M249 light machine gun, including its operation, aiming, attachments, and tactical employment.
- Publication number: TC 3-22.249
- Title: LIGHT MACHINE GUN M249 SERIES
- Date: 05/16/2017
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 3-22.249 on armypubs.army.mil
TC 3-22.249 describes the M249, aiming devices, mountable equipment, accessories, employment, stability, aiming, control, and movement. It requires Soldiers to apply safe weapons handling, understand the shot process, and produce well-aimed bursts.
Applies to: TC 3-22.249 applies to all Soldiers regardless of experience or position.
Topics covered
- M249 light machine gun operation
- Safe weapons handling
- Aiming devices and thermal sights
- Shot process
- Firing positions and stability
- Rate of fire
- Movement techniques
Questions and answers
What kind of weapon is the M249?
The M249 is a gas-operated, belt or magazine-fed, air-cooled, fully automatic weapon that fires from the open-bolt position. (paragraph 2-1)
What safety rules apply to the M249 during training and combat?
The rules of firearms safety are standardized for any weapon a Soldier may employ. Soldiers must adhere to these precepts during training and combat operations, regardless of the type of ammunition employed, except as noted above. (paragraph 1-5)
What must Soldiers know before using weapon-mounted lights?
The purpose of the weapon-mounted lights is to provide illumination and assist in target acquisition and identification during limited visibility operations. (paragraph 4-15)
What are the phases of the shot process?
The shot process has three distinct phases: Pre-shot. Shot. Post-shot. (paragraph 5-3)
How fast is sustained fire for the M249?
Sustained fire is approximately 50 rounds per minute in 6 to 9-round bursts with 4 to 5 seconds between bursts including a barrel change after 10 minutes of sustained firing. (paragraph 8-18)