A
squad automatic weapon (
SAW, also known as
section automatic weapon or
light support weapon) is a weapon used to give infantry
squads or
sections a portable source of automatic firepower. Weapons used in this role are often
selective fire rifles, usually fitted with a bipod and heavier barrel to perform as
light machine guns. Squad automatic weapons usually fire the same
cartridge as the
assault rifles or
battle rifles carried by other members of the unit. This reduces
logistical requirements by making it necessary to supply only one type of ammunition to a unit. Squad automatic weapons are light enough to be operated by one person, as opposed to
heavy machine guns such as the
M2 Browning, which fire more powerful cartridges but require a
crew to operate at full effectiveness.