Why is a heavy machine Gun called a light machine gn?
The M249 is quite light. It can be transported and employed by a single soldier, though usually his squad-mates will carry extra ammo. This gun can be employed by a single soldier using a bipod and carrying his own ammo. Compare and contrast that with a Heavy Machine Gun, like the M2. The M2 requires a 70 pound tripod and the gun itself is another 70 pounds. For practical use, this gun requires a crew of three — tripod, ammo and gun. The advantage is that the M2 can engage and destroy lightly armored vehicles. The M249 is really only effective at engaging personnel. (BTW, contrary to what many have answered above, many an infantry squad has humped a M2 into position without vehicles.
