What does "mutual support" in an array of machine guns refer to?

"Mutual support" in the context of an array of machine guns refers to the concept of covering each other's fields of fire. This tactical principle is crucial because it ensures that multiple machine guns can create overlapping fields of fire, which enhances situational awareness and provides a more formidable defense. By positioning machine guns in a way that their fields of fire intersect, crews can effectively suppress enemy movement and minimize vulnerabilities, providing higher lethality and reducing the chances of an enemy successfully advancing or maneuvering.

When machine gun teams understand and implement mutual support, they coordinate their fire to ensure that even if one position comes under attack, the other gun positions can continue to engage the threat effectively. This interconnectedness not only provides a more robust defense but also boosts the overall effectiveness of the unit during combat operations. Each team's ability to support one another through complementary firing positions leads to a more powerful and cohesive combat strategy.