Small Arms & Machine Guns -

Standard issue for officers and specialized units (e.g., SIG Sauer M17).

Common standards include 5.56×45mm (NATO) and 7.62×39mm (Soviet). Small Arms & Machine Guns

Heavier rifles firing full-power rounds for longer range (e.g., SCAR-H). 3. Machine Guns Standard issue for officers and specialized units (e

Select-fire weapons using intermediate cartridges (e.g., M4 Carbine, AK-74). operated by one soldier (e.g.

Versatile systems used on bipods or vehicle mounts (e.g., M240B, PKM).

Man-portable, usually belt-fed, operated by one soldier (e.g., M249 SAW).

The U.S. Army's move toward 6.8mm for better penetration. 📋 Comparison of Common Platforms Example Model Typical Caliber Effective Range Assault Rifle 5.56mm NATO LMG 5.56mm NATO GPMG MG3 / M240 7.62mm NATO HMG