&pageText=The first performance measure in maintaining the M249 machine gun is to clear the weapon. This applies in all situations, not just after firing. The gunner must always assume the machine gun is loaded. To clear the M249, the gunner must perform the following procedures:&
&label1=Safety to FIRE position&
&label2=Lock bolt to rear&
&label3=Safety to SAFE position&
&label4=Lock cocking handle forward&
&label5=Raise cover and conduct safety check&
&label6=Close cover and move safety to FIRE position&
&label7=Cocking handle to rear, press trigger and ease bolt forward&
&popText1=Move safety to fire position.&
&popText2=Pull cocking handle to rear and lock
bolt to rear.&
&popText3=Hold cocking handle to rear and move safety to SAFE position.&
&popText4=Push cocking handle forward to its
locked position.&
&popText5=Raise cover and feed mechanism assembly and conduct a five-point safety check.&
&popText6=Close cover and feed mechanism assembly and move safety to FIRE position.&
&popText7=Pull cocking handle to rear, press trigger, and ease bolt forward.&