Board Thread:Forum Games/@comment-31503594-20171013121527/@comment-30868172-20171013184525

The M249 LMG entered service in 1984 as the M249 SAW. Initial reactions to the gun were mixed: it fulfilled the light machine gun role well when fired from the ground, but was not as effective when fired from the shoulder or hip.[37]  It was praised for its extreme durability and massive firepower, though a number of areas for improvement were highlighted: the blank firing attachment fitted poorly, the bipod was very weak and broke easily, the sling attachment was awkward, and there were many slots and gaps that accumulated dirt.[38]  Some claimed that the heavy-barrelled version of the M16 rifle was a more effective light machine gun.[39] [40]

The M249 SAW was not used heavily before the 1991 Gulf War, though it has been used in every major U.S. conflict since. American personnel in Somalia in 1993, Bosnia in 1994, Kosovo in 1999, Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq since 2003 have been issued M249s. Surplus weapons were donated to Bolivia, Colombia and Tunisia.[41]

Tactically, SAWs are either carried with a maneuvering unit and fired while handheld, or positioned to remain stationary and provide covering fire for other units.[10]  The usual load of ammunition carried for the weapon is 1,000 rounds in five 200-round belts, although up to 500 extra rounds generally get loaded into 100-round soft pouches.[4]