What is the primary role of a machine gunner in combat?

The primary role of a machine gunner in combat is to provide suppressive fire for the unit. This involves delivering a high volume of fire to suppress enemy movement, disrupt their operations, and protect friendly forces from incoming threats. Suppressive fire allows teammates to maneuver, advance, or retreat without being easily targeted by the enemy.

In the context of a unit's battle strategy, the ability to deliver effective suppressive fire can significantly impact the outcome of engagements, enabling soldiers to operate more freely and effectively on the battlefield. This role is critical for achieving tactical advantages and is fundamental to the function of machine gunners within a combat team.