What should a gunner prioritize when setting up a machine gun?

Prioritizing strategic positioning for maximum effectiveness is crucial when setting up a machine gun due to several factors that influence the success of the weapon's deployment. The placement of the machine gun determines the fields of fire, visibility, and ability to cover advancing troops or areas of interest effectively. A well-chosen position provides the gunner with a vantage point that minimizes their exposure while maximizing coverage of potential enemy advances or threats.

Furthermore, strategic positioning considers the terrain, which can offer natural concealment and support for the machine gun's operation. It also affects the ability to establish overlapping fields of fire with other units, contributing to a more robust defensive strategy. By ensuring the gunner is positioned in a tactical location, the effectiveness of the machine gun is significantly enhanced, allowing it to deliver accurate and sustained fire where it is most needed and ensuring the safety of both the gunner and the supporting forces.