Where should the M240B machine guns be positioned during defense?

Positioning the M240B machine guns on the flanks with interlocking fields of fire is a fundamental tactic in defensive operations. This setup maximizes the weapon's effectiveness by allowing the machine guns to cover each other's blind spots while creating overlapping fields of fire that enhance the unit's overall defensive capability. When placed on the flanks, the M240B can effectively engage enemy forces approaching from the sides, which are often vulnerable areas during a defense.

Interlocking fields of fire ensure that if one machine gun is unable to engage an enemy due to terrain or other factors, the other can compensate, thus maintaining a strong defensive posture. Additionally, this arrangement allows for greater flexibility and adaptability during an engagement, enabling a coordinated response to threats from multiple directions.

By concentrating firepower on the flanks instead of scattering it throughout the unit or placing it in a centralized location, the defense becomes more robust and cohesive. This strategic alignment not only protects the primary areas of concern but also reinforces the unit's ability to repel attacks effectively.