Which of the following is a characteristic of Rapid Rate of Fire?

The characteristic of Rapid Rate of Fire is best associated with the requirement for a barrel change after 2 minutes of continuous operation. This reflects the high rate of fire demanded by such operations, leading to increased heat generation in the machine gun's barrel, which can potentially compromise the weapon's performance and safety.

In a rapid fire scenario, the emphasis is on suppressive fire and the ability to deliver a significant volume of rounds in a short period, necessitating timely barrel changes to maintain effective operation. The heat generated during rapid firing can lead to barrel wear and the risk of cook-offs, making the procedure essential.

Understanding this is crucial for effective machine gun employment, as operators must be prepared for both the intense firing required and the maintenance practices necessary to sustain operational efficiency under stress.