M249 AUTOMATIC RIFLE IN AIR DEFENSE
This appendix describes the use of the M249 AR in an air defense role, including the concept and two techniques for applying lead. Also discussed are the rules of engagement and firing positions.
C-1. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE MEASURES
A unit can take passive and active measures to defend itself against enemy air attack. Although volume fire is the key, there is a need to coordinate fires.
b. Active measures for appropriate reactions to an air attack should be prescribed in unit SOPs. Each of the two techniques for applying lead is based on delivering a heavy volume of fire ahead of the target. The idea is to have every soldier in the unit engage the target. To achieve volume fire, soldiers armed with M249s should fire at the cyclic rate.
c. If an aircraft is attacking his position, the soldier sees the aircraft in a head-on or diving view. To engage this aircraft, the soldier would fire slightly above its nose. Adjacent positions would see the aircraft in a crossing view. To engage the aircraft, these units would have to apply a proper lead. The method of applying lead depends on the technique used.
Figure C-1. Football-field technique.
Figure C-2. Reference-point technique.
C-2. USE OF TRACERS
When planning for air defense, the leader should consider the use of tracers so the automatic rifleman can observe the tracer stream and better align his fire on the target. A unit may engage an attacking aircraft without command. If an aircraft is not attacking, the unit may not fire on it unless ordered to do so.
C-3. FIRING POSITION
When firing the M249 in an air defense role, the automatic rifleman should fire from a protected position if possible. When not in a fighting position, he must position the weapon so he has some type of support. In an emergency, another soldier can provide a firing support. In the offensive, the hip-firing position is recommended.