How to they choose the machine-gunners in the army?

Question

In the army, most troops carry M16s and M4s, and at least a few in small squads carry Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW). I've always wondered, how does the army/marines choose the people to carry/use it?

Answer 1

Guns are issued to those who are qualified to handle these effectively.

Answer 2

When I joined the British Army and during basic training I immediately took to guns and could handle everything I was trained to use with immediate ease.

For some reason I always ended up with the Bren Gun and lugged it everywhere with minimum discomfort. Needles to say I became very adept at using it and a superb marksman well before basic training was over! My Father having taught me to shoot as a younger man.

Later volunteering for the Airborne I found myself once again during training virtually married to Bren Guns and similar arms of that caliber & on active service up to the time I was commissioned inevitably armed with them.

In my case as in others it was military instructors who realize the potential of recruits and channel it accordingly. I totally unaware of it until after being armed permanently with a Bren or similar whenever detailed for patrols etc.

Answer 3

I'm gonna agree with the captin here. Its usually the smallest guy that gets to carry the SAW.

Cpl. USMC 01-05
National Guard 06-Present

Answer 4

Many times they look for someone who is simply strong enough to carry it for long distances.

Answer 5

YOU ARE TRAINED TO USE ALL WEAPONS AT HAND.YOUR PROFICIENCY WITH THE WEAPON WILL DETERMINE WHAT YOU ARE ISSUED TO USE.GRENADIERS ARE ISSUED M203 GRANADE LANCHERS ON THEIR M-16S. EXPERT RATED MAYBE ISSUED A M-21 SNIPER RIFLE.

Answer 6

I think they look for the smallest guy with the shortest legs.

Answer 7

muscles and markmans ship