Soldier's Handbook Cover Errors

--Bill Mauldin Now

Evil man make me kill you
Evil man make you kill me
--Machine Gun, Jimi Hendrix
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Here is the deconstruction of the cover of The Soldier's Handbook, HQ DA, Tradoc Pamphlet 600-4, which depicts a Light Machine Gun Team using their machine gun in what appears to be a medium MG application.

This means that a tripod and traversing & elevating mechanism appear to be attached to the gun. It is hard to tell from the photo, but the T & E appears to be present. If so:

[1] Why is the gunner looking so intently at his sights, since the gun is locked in?

[2] Why isn't the gunner's left hand in position to adjust the T & E?

[3] Why is the bipod folded down when it is not being used?

[4] No eye or ear protection

[5] Why is the gun on a tripod, as this is not a prepared firing position?

They are set up as a hasty position and their gun is too high. Their profile adds to their being placed where bullets can hit them more easily. If you are shooting at them, then surely they are shooting at you. Tripods are usually dug-in to present a lower profile and less of a target signature.

[6] The soldier's faces are camouflaged but not their hands. How can you have camouflage on your face without covering your hands? The gunner has a light reflective wristwatch on his left wrist.

[7] Where is the assistant gunner's assigned weapon? It should be within easy reach, since he is the gunner's last defense.

[8] Why is the belt of ammunition apparently resting upon the ground? This is poor service to the gun as the ammo should not be contaminated by trash or dirt.

Ranger finds the error-ridden cover photo sets the tone for the rest of the handbook. Who writes these pamphlets? NEXT: Weapon mistakes

Soldier's Handbook Errors

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Since our last contest went over like a lead zeppelin, Ranger offers another chance. In line with his fascination of minutiae:

Find the errors on this cover
of the 1 September 2006
Soldier's Handbook?

O.K., it's not exactly the cover of the Rolling Stone, but it's close enough for government work. Answers to follow.