Which characteristic is key for suppressive fire from a machine gun?

Suppressive fire from a machine gun primarily relies on a rapid volume of fire. This characteristic is essential because the main goal of suppressive fire is to dominate the battlefield and restrict the enemy's actions, rather than to achieve pinpoint accuracy on individual targets. By delivering a high volume of rounds in a concentrated area, the operator creates an environment that inhibits enemy movement and forces them to take cover, thus significantly reducing their combat effectiveness.

While precision targeting, extended range, and lightweight design are all important attributes of a machine gun in various contexts, they do not embody the fundamental requirement for effective suppressive fire. The effectiveness of suppressive fire is measured by the ability to create a formidable psychological impact on the enemy through sheer volume, which keeps them from maneuvering or engaging friendly forces effectively.