What must be calculated before deploying a machine gun to ensure effective operation?

To ensure the effective operation of a machine gun, it is essential to calculate elevation and wind speed effects. These factors directly influence the trajectory of the rounds being fired. The elevation affects how the bullet travels through the atmosphere, impacting its drop and overall accuracy at varying distances. Additionally, wind speed can cause the bullet to drift off target, which can significantly affect firing precision and lethality. Understanding these elements enables gunners to adjust their aim effectively, ensuring rounds hit the intended target under a variety of environmental conditions.

The other considerations mentioned may be relevant in different contexts, such as operational planning or tactical assessments, but they do not directly relate to the immediate ballistic performance and accuracy of the machine gun during its deployment. Calculating elevation and wind speed is a fundamental aspect of marksmanship and contributes to successful mission outcomes in combat situations.