What distinguishes a light machine gun from a medium machine gun?

A light machine gun is characterized primarily by its design for portability, which makes it suitable for individual or small unit operations. This aspect allows soldiers to carry and maneuver the weapon easily, providing flexibility in various combat situations. Light machine guns typically weigh less than medium machine guns and can often be operated by a single soldier without the need for extensive support or a dedicated crew. This design feature enables rapid deployment and movement across the battlefield, which is crucial for infantry tactics that require quick responses to changing circumstances.

In contrast to this, a medium machine gun generally emphasizes sustained firepower and greater fire rates, which often lead to increased weight and a requirement for more operators to manage its operations effectively. The other choices do not accurately reflect the defining characteristics of light machine guns compared to medium machine guns. For instance, light machine guns are not inherently designed for long-range engagements or larger ammunition capacities, nor do they require dedicated crews; those features are usually associated with medium machine guns.