In a squad setting, how often should machine gunners practice their skills?

Regular practice is essential for machine gunners to maintain proficiency and ensure effective performance in various operational environments. The nature of operating a machine gun requires not only skill in firing but also an understanding of tactics, drills, and the ability to work cohesively with other squad members.

Regular training sessions allow machine gunners to refine their techniques, become familiar with weapon handling, improve their response times, and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. It fosters teamwork and communication, which are critical for coordinating efforts with infantry units and other support elements effectively. Such practice can also enhance decision-making skills under stress, which is vital during real-world engagements.

While initial training lays the foundation for machine gunners' skills, ongoing practice is necessary to adapt to new tactics, integrate lessons learned from experiences, and maintain a high state of readiness. Relying solely on initial training or only practicing before deployment can lead to skill degradation over time, which could compromise effectiveness during critical missions.