New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[Michael]

Copied From MCWP 3-15.1, 1996, Machine Guns and Machine Gun Gunnery –

1002. Types of Machine Guns
Machine guns are classified as light, medium, or
heavy. Classifications are determined by a combination
of weapon caliber, weapon system weight,
crew size, and the primary type of intended target.

a. Light Machine Guns/Automatic Rifles. The
light machine gun (LMG) classification generally includes
.22 to .250 caliber (5.45mm to 6mm) automatic
weapons. An LMG typically weighs between
15 and 30 pounds, complete. An LMG is normally
manned by a crew of one or two individuals depending
on the accessories being used. Neither a tripod
nor a spare barrel is normally used with an LMG
when it is manned by a single individual. Bullet
weights for LMGs normally range from 45 to 72
grains. They are optimally employed against exposed
and lightly protected personnel at ranges less
than 1,000 meters. In this category, the Marine
Corps employs the squad automatic weapon, M249,
5.56mm.

b. Medium Machine Guns. This medium machine
gun (MMG) classification generally includes
.264 to .33 caliber (6.5mm to 8mm) automatic
weapons. Typical MMG weights are 25 pounds or
more when loaded with 50 rounds of ammunition.
Remaining ammunition, ground tripod, spare barrel,
and other accessories can add another 25 pounds or
more to the overall weight of MMG systems. The
MMG is generally employed by a crew of three. A
MMG generally uses bullets that weigh between 140
and 220 grains. Optimally, they are employed
against personnel and light materials ( e.g., motor
vehicles) at ranges of 1500 meters or less. In this
category, the Marine Corps employs several variants
of the 7.62mm, M240G machine gun.

c. Heavy Machine Guns. The heavy machine
gun (HMG) classification generally includes .50
caliber or larger (12.7mm to 15mm) automatic
weapons. The system weight of a heavy machine
gun is substantial. In a ready to fire configuration
using a ground tripod, an HMG without ammunition
can weigh more than 125 pounds. An HMG is normally
manned by a crew of four or more personnel
(although a crew of three may be sufficient if motor
vehicles or draft animals are employed for transportation
over distance). The common bullet weight
of an HMG is 700 grains or larger. HMGs are primarily
employed against field fortifications, vehicles,
and aircraft. They are generally effective
against these types of targets at ranges of 1,000 meters
or greater. The machine guns from this category
currently employed by the Marine Corps are the
caliber .50, Browning, M2HB, machine gun and the
40mm, MK-19 MOD 3 machine gun.

I have been told a rewrite is being done with the M27 IAR classified in category a. above. and I hope this is acceptable for all parties.