What role does a machine gunner play on the battlefield?

The role of a machine gunner on the battlefield is primarily to provide suppressive fire for infantry maneuvers. This involves laying down a continuous stream of gunfire to disrupt the enemy's ability to fight back effectively, allowing friendly troops to maneuver safely. By suppressing the enemy, the machine gunner creates a tactical advantage that enables infantry units to advance, retreat, or reposition without facing significant opposition. This fire support is crucial during assaults, flanking maneuvers, and defensive operations, ensuring that the enemy's attention is diverted and their response is delayed.

In contrast, advancing into enemy territory is typically performed by infantry units rather than the machine gunner, who focuses on supporting movements rather than leading them. Medical support is not within the machine gunner's role, as this function is handled by medics trained for that purpose. Finally, operating reconnaissance drones is a separate responsibility that involves different skill sets and equipment, not typically associated with the duties of a machine gunner. This distinction reinforces the specific and vital role that machine gunners play in tactical operations on the battlefield.