What do you check during the operator level maintenance of a machine gun?

During operator level maintenance of a machine gun, the focus is primarily on ensuring that all major components are checked for wear and proper functioning. This involves a detailed inspection of parts such as the barrel, bolt, trigger mechanism, and feed system to confirm they are in optimal condition for use. By identifying any signs of wear or malfunction during routine checks, operators can prevent failures in the field, ensure the weapon is safe to operate, and maintain overall combat readiness.

While the cleanliness of the battlefield, the availability of spare parts, and the performance of the crew are important considerations in maintaining combat effectiveness, they do not pertain directly to the immediate operational state and maintenance checks of the machine gun itself. These aspects may play a role in overall mission success, but they do not replace the critical need to verify that the weapon's components are functioning correctly and safely.