Which weapon is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed light machine gun that fires 5.56mm rounds and has a max range of 3,600m?

• A. M16
• B. M240G
• C. M249
• D. M2

Answer: (C)

The key idea is identifying a light machine gun by its operating method, feed system, cartridge, and maximum range. The description points to a weapon designed for sustained, belt-fed fire in 5.56mm, with air cooling and a gas-driven action. The M249 SAW fits perfectly: it’s a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed light machine gun chambered in 5.56mm, capable of delivering sustained fire with a maximum range around 3,600 meters. The other options don’t meet all of these criteria: the M16 is a 5.56mm rifle fed by magazines, not belts; the M240G is 7.62mm and belt-fed as a heavier system; the M2 is a .50 caliber heavy machine gun.