What type of feed system does the M249 utilize?

The M249 is a light machine gun designed for automatic fire and is capable of sustained fire throughout extended engagements. One of its primary features is its feeding system, which utilizes a linked disintegrating belt. This means that the ammunition is housed in a flexible belt, allowing for quick and easy reloading while enabling the weapon to sustain fire without frequent interruptions.

The linked design of the feed system allows the spent cartridges to be removed from the chamber and ejected, while the belt continues to feed fresh ammunition into the feed tray. This system is advantageous in combat situations as it provides a larger ammunition capacity, typically allowing for belts of varying lengths, which reduces the need for constant magazine changes.

In contrast, the other options provide alternative feeding mechanisms that do not pertain to the M249. A box magazine typically offers a limited number of rounds and is not suitable for the sustained fire capabilities of the M249. Belt-fed options using M2 links are more representative of heavy machine guns such as the M2 Browning, and the option regarding grenade belts does not apply to the M249, as it is specifically designed for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. Thus, the correct answer accurately describes the M249's operational characteristics and feeding