The M249 fires NATO 5.56mm rounds. It weighs 6.8 kg and has two choices for cyclic rate of fire: 750 and 1000 rounds per minute.
In the United States Marine Corps, the SAW is usually carried at the fire team level; that is, one member of a three- to five-man team carries this weapon. The SAW is also standard issue for a four- to five-man amphibious reconnaissance team.
See also: Squad assault weapon, assault rifle, weapon