What is the primary purpose of the M2 machine gun?

The primary purpose of the M2 machine gun is to provide suppressive fire. This heavy machine gun, which fires .50 caliber rounds, is designed to deliver accurate and powerful fire over long distances, allowing it to suppress enemy positions and limit their ability to maneuver or return fire effectively. The volume of fire that the M2 can generate is crucial for supporting infantry operations and providing coverage for troops advancing or regrouping in the battlefield.

While the M2 can also play a role in anti-armor support due to its ability to penetrate light armored vehicles with its .50 caliber ammunition, its main function is not exclusively anti-armor but rather as a suppressive weapon to dominate the battlefield through firepower. Additionally, it is not primarily utilized for close-quarter combat or as a sniper support weapon, as its design and operational context are better suited for engaging targets at longer ranges with sustained fire rather than precision marksmanship typical of sniper roles.