The machine gun squad consists of a machine gun squad leader and two four-man machine gun teams. They work together under the supervision of the crew/squad leader.

MACHINE GUN SQUAD LEADER.- The machine gun squad leader, generally a first class petty officer (E-6), has the same basic duties as the rifle squad leader. In addition, he selects and assigns exact positions and targets for his machine guns within the area designated by his platoon commander. The machine gun squad leader is armed with the service rifle and also carries binoculars and a compass.

MACHINE GUN TEAM.- The machine gun team consists of a team leader, a gunner, and two ammunition carriers. This team operates and services the machine gun.

Machine Gun Team Leader.- The machine gun team leader, generally a second class petty officer (E-5), is responsible to the squad leader for the effective employment (fire power) of the machine gun for his team. He carries and places the machine gun tripod for action. He also carries one bandolier (belt with pockets to carry machine gun ammunition). During combat, the machine gun team leader is responsible for changing the machine gun barrel, so he carries a kit that contains an extra gun barrel and a combination wrench. He is armed with a service pistol.

Gunner.- The gunner does the actual firing of the machine gun in combat as directed by the team leader. He carries the machine gun, one bandolier of machine gun ammunition, and is armed with a service pistol. Also, he must be able to maintain his machine gun. Generally, the gunner is a third class petty officer (E-4).

Ammunition Carrier Number 1.- The ammuni-tion carrier number 1, generally a constructionman (E-3), acts as the supply man for the team. He carries one box of machine gun ammunition (200 rounds) and the spare barrel case with the traversing and elevating (T&E) mechanism. Ammunition carrier number 1 is armed with the service rifle. When not actually engaged in carrying machine gun ammunition, he protects the flank of the machine gun team.

Ammunition Carrier Number 2.- Ammunition carrier number 2, generally a construction apprentice (E-2), carries two boxes of machine gun ammunition (400 rounds). He is armed with the service rifle and also protects the machine gun team.

Antitank (AT4) Squad

The antitank squad consists of two three-man teams whose principle mission is defense against armored vehicles (tanks).

ANTITANK SQUAD LEADER.- The antitank squad leader, generally a first class petty officer (E-6), has the same basic duties as any other squad leader. In addition, he selects and assigns the exact positions and targets for his antitank weapons within the areas defined by his platoon commander. He is armed with the service rifle, and he carries binoculars and a compass.

ANTITANK TEAM.- The antitank team consists of three men carrying five AT4s each. These men are also armed with service rifles.

THE 60-MM MORTAR PLATOON

The NMCBs 60-mm mortar platoons can provide fire support during an assault or during defense. It is extremely effective in defending an established campsite against attacking ground forces and is often used to provide illumination during night operations. Since the mortar is a relatively heavy weapon, it is not often carried about during normal work operations. Permanent positions are generally set up in the base camp area near the battalion administrative area. As the major portion of the headquarters company personnel remain in camp during normal working hours, they are always available to man the mortars. This is the reason that the mortar platoon is normally assigned to headquarters company.

The standard mortar platoon consists of a platoon headquarters and four mortar squads of two crews each. At present, however, the NMCBs are only authorized four 60-mm mortars in the weapons allowance. Therefore, the mortar platoons of an NMCB at the present time have two squads of two crews each.