Which principle emphasizes the need for machine guns to fire in a coordinated manner?

The principle that emphasizes the need for machine guns to fire in a coordinated manner is Coordination of Fires. This principle underscores the importance of synchronizing the firing of multiple machine guns to achieve maximum effectiveness on the battlefield. When machine guns are coordinated, they can cover each other's sectors, create overlapping fields of fire, and inflict greater suppressive effects on the enemy.

Coordination ensures that all available firepower is utilized efficiently, enabling units to respond to threats more dynamically and maintain control over the engagement area. This approach minimizes the risk of friendly fire and enhances the overall effectiveness of the unit's fire support.

While the other principles, such as Mutual Support and Interlocking Fire, also play significant roles in effective machine gun employment, they focus on different aspects of fire support. Mutual Support emphasizes how units work together to provide covering fire and reinforce each other, while Interlocking Fire relates to the specific arrangement and aim of the guns to create a comprehensive coverage area. In contrast, Coordination of Fires specifically highlights the need for synchronicity in firing, focusing on the timing and cooperative action of multiple weapons.