During offensive operations, what is the primary action assigned to the machinegun squad?

In the context of offensive operations, the primary action assigned to the machine gun squad is to suppress enemy forces. Suppression plays a crucial role in allowing maneuver elements to advance towards their objectives with reduced risk from enemy fire.

When a machine gun squad is tasked with suppression, their primary focus is to deliver a high volume of fire on enemy positions. This creates a psychological and physical impact on the enemy, forcing them to take cover and reducing their ability to effectively return fire. By effectively neutralizing the enemy's vantage points and fire lanes, the machine gun squad provides critical support to the attacking infantry, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the offensive maneuver.

Other actions such as engaging, advancing, or reinforcing are important in different contexts but primarily serve as supporting functions to the suppression mission of the machine gun squad during an offensive operation. Suppression enables the squad to set a favorable condition for advancing units to close with and destroy the enemy, making it a central task in these operations.