Civil engineer guide to fighting positions, shelters, obstacles

AFH 10-222 Volume 14 1 August 2008 43
2.5.3. Machine Gun Fighting Position. The machine gun fighting position is
basically a two-person fighting position with some differences. It is outlined
as a T-shaped fighting position with two firing platforms to cover primary
and secondary sectors of fire (Figure 2.16). Due to the gun’s vibrations,
sandbags may be needed to line the floor of the platform and stabilize the
tripod legs to prevent them from moving. Also, the walls of the platform may
need to be reveted. Excavate to armpit depth and use the soil to build frontal,
flank, and rear parapets. Dig two grenade sumps and build overhead cover
similar to that of a two-person fighting position. For this type of position, the
ammunition bearer can dig a one-person fighting position to the flank of the
gun position, essentially modifying the position into a three-person fighting
position. The ammunition bearer should be able to see and fire to the front
and oblique and also to cover the front of the machine gun. The ammunition
bearer's position is connected to the machine gun position by a crawl trench
that allows the ammunition bearer to bring ammunition to the gun or replace
the gunner or assistant gunner (see Figure 2.17 and Figure 2.18). A threeperson
machine gun fighting position has several advantages; (1) there is a
leader in each position, enabling more effective command and control, (2)
this type of position allows for 360-degree observation and fields of fire, and
(3) with three occupants, one person can provide security; one can do priority
work; and one can rest, eat, or perform needed maintenance. Also, this type
of position is more difficult to suppress since it is occupied by three fighters.
Figure 2.16. Basic Machine Gun Fighting Position.