Combat medics use the M249 light machine gun during a field observational assessment

Wearing night vision gear, Sgt. Michael Fassnacht, a 68W Combat Medic assigned to the 274th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, 261st Medical Battalion, 44th Medical Brigade, fires a M249 light machine gun from a prone firing position at Fort Liberty, NC on Mar. 8, 2024. The U.S. Army Medical Test Evaluation Activity (USAMTEAC) conducted a holistic assessment of the employment and use of the M249 LMG in other medical formations. The purpose of the assessment was to collect data on the M249’s impact on medical soldiers as they complete daily mission requirements. This included if soldiers were impeded by physical, logistical, or any other factors, while equipped with the squad automatic weapon.