Machine Gun Platoon (Blackhelm Confederate Army)

The machine gun platoon is standard platoon-sized element that are found in every standard infantry company of the Blackhelm Confederate Army. The platoon is designed to provide flexible, effective fire support to a company, allowing the unit to rapidly deploy heavy firepower where needed.

Structure

Each machine gun platoon is comprised of seven personnel, including a Platoon Commander, an Assistant Platoon Commander, a Machine Gun Team Leader, and two Machine Gunners and two Ammunition Bearers.

The Platoon Commander is responsible for the overall command and control of the platoon, while the Assistant Platoon Commander assists the Platoon Commander in these duties and serves as the Platoon Commander's liaison with other elements of the larger unit. The Assistant Platoon Commander may also be responsible for leading the platoon in the absence of the Platoon Commander.

The Machine Gun Team Leader leads the machine gun crew and is responsible for the effective employment of the machine guns in support of infantry operations. This may include selecting and preparing firing positions, coordinating with other elements of the platoon and larger unit, and supervising the operation of the machine guns and the actions of the machine gunners and ammunition bearers.

The two machine gunners operate the machine gun and engage targets as directed by the Machine Gun Team Leader. The two ammunition bearers provide support in reloading and maintaining a steady supply of ammunition for the machine gun.