What should be done if encountering an enemy on a direct assault while operating a machine gun?

Engaging with suppressive fire and maintaining control of the firing arc is essential when encountering an enemy during a direct assault with a machine gun. This action serves several critical purposes.

Firstly, suppressive fire helps to limit the enemy's ability to return fire effectively, providing both immediate tactical advantage and safety for friendly forces. It disrupts the enemy's actions and can create openings for maneuvering friendly troops or vehicles, making it easier to advance or flank the enemy position.

Additionally, maintaining control of the firing arc is crucial to ensure that the machine gunner can effectively engage targets while also being aware of the surrounding battlefield dynamics. This awareness is vital in avoiding friendly fire incidents and in ensuring that the machine gun remains effective against threats from multiple directions.

By focusing on suppressive fire and control, machine gunners contribute to the overall effectiveness of the assault and enhance the security of their unit in a high-stakes combat scenario.