Which principle of machine gun employment emphasizes interlocking fields of fire?

The principle of machine gun employment that emphasizes interlocking fields of fire is best represented by the concept of "Pairs." This principle focuses on positioning machine guns in a way that their fields of fire overlap, maximizing coverage and ensuring that if one gun is unable to engage a target, the other can provide support. The interlocking fire ensures a continuous area of fire, reducing the chances of an enemy advancing through gaps.

In this context, pairs of machine guns can be placed to cover each other's blind spots and enhance overall lethality against an attacking force. By coordinating their fire in overlapping patterns, they create a more formidable defensive position, which is crucial in both offensive and defensive operations.

The other concepts, while relevant to machine gun employment and tactics, do not specifically encapsulate the notion of interlocking fields of fire in the same way. For instance, coordination of fires refers more broadly to synchronizing various weapon systems rather than just machine gun placements. Mutual support involves ensuring that weapon systems can aid each other, but again, it doesn't denote the specific arrangement that creates interlocking fields. Enfilade refers to a specific type of fire along the length of a target, which can certainly complement interlocking fire tactics but does not define the principle itself.