Page 37 - Bugle Spring 2024

6 RIFLES
MACHINE GUN CADRE
The Machine Gun may have been invented more than a century ago by Sir Hiram Maxim, but its usage has certainly been perfected by WO2 Kent and (self-described) ‘Sprog’ Sgt Deano (from The Rifles and Royal Anglian respectively).
On our two-week Guns Cadre in September, they shared their extensive knowledge and experience on how to use the GPMG in the
SF role. We spent the first week doing drills
– occupying a gun line; recording targets; well-needed stoppage drills and the seemingly perplexing C2 sight. The GPMG in the sustained fire role has the capability to use the C2 sight. This allows the recording of the bearing and elevation of targets in daylight which are then used when visibility is obscured or at night. The sight also allows for Map Predicted Fire which pushes the gun’s effective range out to 2500 meters.
During the second week we got to the range and did the ACMT for the GPMG SF. This involved occupying a gun line, marking and recording targets, and then bugging out of position having marked out the tripod’s precise position. The difficulty came in reoccupying the gun line, as a screen has now been placed obscuring the target. Assuming you have reoccupied accurately you should hit your mark based on your recorded bearing and elevation.
After the ACMT we did a tactical occupation of a gun line where we patrolled in position
as a gun section. Beforehand we prepared the tripod in our pairs and snuck up occupying the positions as quickly as possible and began laying onto targets. This is where the stoppage drills came in – firing approximately 6,000 rounds a day meant frequent barrel changes and using copious amounts of oil to
lubricate the working parts. We
Riflemen training in the GPMG SF Role
also had the dreaded ‘one up’ when a round becomes lodged in the chamber, which was ultimately resolved (after the soak period) by wrenching out the casing with a pair of pliers.
We all came away from the guns cadre with a far better understanding of the incredible asset that is a machine gun section.
Rfn Baines, D COY
firing approximately 6,000 rounds a day meant frequent barrel changes and using copious amounts of oil to lubricate the working parts
Tabbing with gun kit
Rfn Baines prepares for the gun run
RIFLES The Bugle 37