dated 16 May 2017

This publication applies to the active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR).

Each Soldier is responsible for placing accurate and effective fires on threat targets with their individual weapon. To do this each Soldier must understand the functional elements of the shot process, the principles of operation of the weapon, the characteristics and description of ballistics and ammunition, and the various engagement techniques essential to building the Soldier’s proficiency with their weapon system. The combination of knowledge and practice, builds and sustains the skills to achieve accurate and precise shots consistently during combat operations.

Introduction

TC 3-22.249 is comprised of nine chapters and six appendices and is specifically tailored to the individual Soldier’s use of the M249 light machine gun. TC 3-22.249 provides specific information about the weapon, aiming devices, and attachments, followed by sequential chapters on the tactical employment of the weapon system.

Chapters 1 through 4 describe the weapon, aiming devices, mountable equipment, and accessories associated with the machine gun. General information is provided in the chapters of the manual with more advanced information placed in appendix A, Ammunition, and appendix B, Ballistics.

Chapters 5 through 9 provide employment, stability, aiming, control, and movement information. This portion focuses on the Soldier skills needed to produce well-aimed bursts. Advanced engagement concepts are provided in appendix C of this publication. Appendix D of this publication provides common tactical drills used in training and combat to directly support tactical engagements. Finally, appendix E of this publication provides a common location for reference in this and future weapons publications.

TC 3-22.249 applies to all Soldiers regardless of experience or position. TC 3-22.249 is designed specifically for the Soldier’s use on the range during training and as a reference while deployed.

  This book is a "BIG" (8 1/2 inches high by 11 inches wide) size - the size of a regular sheet of paper.  The binding is with coil, allowing easy flipping of pages without jamming.

We also have this book in the popular "mini" size (half the size of a regular sheet of paper) on this web site.

The color covers are laminated for weather protection with black and white inside printing.