USCG Tactical Boat Crew (TAC Crew) Practice Exam

The M240B machine gun is designed to be versatile and effective in various combat scenarios, which is reflected in the range of ammunition types it can use. The correct answer indicates that the M240B can fire a variety of ammunition types, specifically ball, armor-piercing, tracer, dummy, and blank rounds.

Ball ammunition is the standard projectile used for general purposes, providing effective fire against personnel and unarmored vehicles. Armor-piercing rounds are specifically designed to penetrate harder targets, such as armored vehicles or reinforced positions, enhancing the weapon's adaptability in combat. Tracer rounds allow operators to visibly track bullet paths, thereby improving aiming and coordination during engagements. Dummy rounds are used for training, allowing crews to practice handling and operations without live ammunition. Blank rounds also serve training purposes and are used in non-live fire exercises.

This variety enables operators to select the appropriate ammunition based on the mission requirements, making the M240B a multifaceted weapon system suitable for different combat situations.