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 eleven personnel, including a Platoon Commander, Platoon NCO, three Machine Gun Team Leaders, three Machine Gunners and three Ammunition Bearers.
The Platoon Commander is an Optio responsible for the overall command and control of the platoon. In addition to providing direct oversight to the teams, the commander's responsible for coordinating fire support with the company’s overall tactical objectives.
The NCO in the machine gun platoon serves as a key leader responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, discipline, and training of the gun teams, ensuring they are combat-ready and operating efficiently. They act as a bridge between the Optio and the gun teams, supervising team performance and addressing logistical or tactical issues in the field.
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 machine gunners/Gladius Machinalis operate the machine gun and engage targets as directed by the Machine Gun Team Leader. The ammunition bearers/Portitors provide support in reloading and maintaining a steady supply of ammunition for the machine gun.
Deployment and Use
Offensive Operations
The Machine Gun Platoon is typically deployed as a single unit to provide fire support during offensive maneuvers. Each of the machine gun teams is equipped to deliver sustained, accurate suppressive fire, allowing infantry units to maneuver and engage enemy positions effectively.
- Fire Support Coordination: The platoon commander coordinates with company leadership to determine optimal firing positions for the machine gun teams. The objective is to target enemy strongpoints, cover open terrain, and provide a base of fire for advancing rifle platoons.
- Sector Engagement: The teams may be directed to engage different sectors or targets, providing flexible and responsive fire support tailored to the tactical situation. This allows the platoon to adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions while maintaining concentrated firepower.
Defensive Operations
In defensive operations, the Machine Gun Platoon is strategically positioned to reinforce the company’s defensive perimeter. The machine gun teams establish interlocking fields of fire, enhancing the company’s ability to repel enemy assaults and secure critical terrain.
- Defensive Positioning: The commander oversees the placement of machine gun teams to ensure optimal coverage of key avenues of approach and choke points. This setup maximizes the effectiveness of suppressive fire and contributes to the overall defensive strategy.
- Sector Defense: Each team can be assigned to cover specific sectors within the company’s area of responsibility. Despite the dispersion, the platoon operates under the unified command of the platoon commander, ensuring coordinated and effective fire support across the defensive line.
Equipment
- Platoon Commander: AR-3, RAP-440
- Platoon NCO: AR-3, RAP-440
- Machine Gun Team Leaders: AR-3
- Machine Gunners: SS-77,Treadwell SP-X
- Ammunition Bearers: AR-3