[Untamed]

Now that everyone is ready to have sex with it, lemme step on all the nutsacks in the room.

The M-249 draws more enemy fire than any other weapon out there. Duck... a lot, Paul.

The M-249 will feel like it weighs a ton after the first 2 hours of a patrol. When you complete your first 72 hours of street duty you'll want to trade it in for an M-16 or M-4. In basic, yer gung-ho with it. In combat, it just adds to all the weight you'll be carrying.

I hope they give you a box for the belt, because swinging belts will snag on everything.

Your A-gunner will have your extra ammo... and be on the other side of the street in a firefight when you need him. Everyone else will have all the ammo they need.

Carry 2 extra 30 round magazines, just in case.

The M-249 doesn't clean as easy as the M-16, and yer gonna be in the desert.

Ask the armorer to remove the carrying handle. Trying to go around a doorway and having that f#$@! thing catch on the doorjam will ruin your day. And put an M-60 sling on it. Bigger padding means less pain on the shoulder. You'll have your vest, but better distribution of weight is always good.

Good luck man!