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, two Machine Gun Team Leaders, two Machine Gunners and two Ammunition Bearers.
The Platoon Commander/Praefectus is responsible for the overall command and control of the platoon.
The Machine Gun Team Leader/Dux Tela Belli 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 team leader also has tasks similar to those of the Assistant Machine Gunner in other militaries, such as swapping barrels and directing fire.
The two machine gunners/Gladius Machinalis operate the machine gun and engage targets as directed by the Machine Gun Team Leader. The two ammunition bearers/Portitors provide support in reloading and maintaining a steady supply of ammunition for the machine gun.