What is the main purpose of machine guns during offensive operations?

The main purpose of machine guns during offensive operations is to provide covering fire. This capability allows infantry units to maneuver more effectively by suppressing or neutralizing enemy forces, thus shielding the advancing troops from direct fire. By delivering a high volume of sustained fire, machine guns can dominate a battlefield area, allowing friendly forces to move forward without undue risk of enemy engagement.

Covering fire is crucial in ensuring that attacking units can advance under protection, facilitating their movement into advantageous positions and enabling them to close with the enemy. The psychological effect of machine gun fire can also instill fear and confusion within enemy ranks, further enhancing the operational effectiveness of the assaulting units.

Other potential functions of machine guns, while important in various tactical contexts, do not fundamentally capture their primary role in offensive operations the way providing covering fire does.