Which of the following describes the primary role of the M249 in a squad?

The primary role of the M249 in a squad is to provide suppression of enemy forces. This lightweight, belt-fed machine gun is designed to deliver a high volume of fire, allowing infantry squads to pin down enemy troops, disrupt their movements, and create opportunities for maneuver or cover for the rest of the squad. By effectively suppressing enemy positions, the M249 helps protect squad members and can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of the squad during engagements.

While rifle support, logistical support, and reconnaissance are important tasks for infantry units, they do not capture the primary function of the M249. Providing rifle support mainly pertains to direct engagement with enemy combatants using standard rifles, while logistical support refers to the supply and maintenance aspects of military operations, and reconnaissance involves gathering information about the enemy or terrain. The M249's role is specifically focused on delivering suppressive fire to gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield.