Perform operator maintenance on an M249 machine gun
TASKS: 1. Perform operator maintenance on an M249 machine gun.
2. Perform a function check on an M249 machine gun.
TEST CONDITIONS: During daylight, given an M249 machine gun and scraper tool.
TEST STANDARDS:
1. Within three minutes, correctly disassemble the M249 machine gun into its eight major groups and components.
2. Within four minutes, correctly assemble the M249 machine gun and perform a function check.
SOLDIER’S MANUAL CROSSWALK: This task is based on STP 7 11BCH14 SM TG task number 071 312 4025 and FM 23-14.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR POINT: An M249 machine gun for each candidate, scraper tool for each machine gun, stopwatch, and FB Form 20 32.1 R.
SITE SETUP: Place M249 machine guns on the ground with the bipod extended. Lay out a ground cloth at each weapon with a scraper tool on the ground cloth.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES: Say to the candidates–
“Let me have your attention. At this point, you must perform operator maintenance on an M249 machine gun and perform a function check on an M249 machine gun. The purpose of this is to determine your ability to perform operator maintenance on an M249 machine gun. You will show the scorer that you can disassemble, assemble, and perform a function check on the weapon. The weapon must pass a function check.
“You have three minutes to disassemble the M249 machine gun into eight major groups and components. You may use only the equipment that you will find on the ground cloth beside your weapon. Place the disassembled parts on the ground cloth as you remove them. Do you understand what you must do?”
If anyone has questions, repeat the instructions but do not elaborate on what you have read.
Pause five seconds and then say–
“BEGIN.”
Allow the candidates to proceed for three minutes and then say–
“STOP. You now have four minutes to assemble the M249 machine gun and perform a function check. You may use only the equipment found on the ground cloth beside your weapon. Place the assembled weapon on the ground cloth after you complete the assembly and function check. Do you understand what you must do?”
If anyone has questions, repeat the instructions but do not elaborate on what you have read.
Pause five seconds and then say–
“BEGIN.”
Allow the candidates to proceed for four minutes and then say–
“STOP.”
Perform a function check to ensure proper assembly.