What type of firepower does a squad automatic weapon (SAW) primarily provide?

A squad automatic weapon (SAW) primarily provides suppressive fire for infantry maneuvers. This capability is essential in a combat environment, as it allows the squad to maintain control of the battlefield by keeping enemy forces suppressed and unable to effectively return fire. The continuous stream of fire provided by the SAW creates a psychological and physical barrier that protects maneuvering infantry units and enables them to advance, maneuver, or reposition without being exposed to enemy fire.

While the other options may describe different functions of various weapons, they do not align with the primary role of a SAW. Long-range sniper support, for example, is more suited to precision rifles designed for one-shot engagements from a distance. Close-quarters combat effectiveness is typically the domain of smaller caliber firearms or personal defense weapons that allow for quick maneuvering and rapid target engagement in confined spaces. Heavy artillery support pertains to larger, indirect fire systems capable of delivering destructive firepower over long distances, but it does not offer the direct, sustained suppressive fire that a SAW provides. Thus, the correct answer highlights the SAW's critical role in enabling infantry maneuvers through effective suppressive fire.