Which of the following describes the four fundamentals of machine gun gunnery?

The four fundamentals of machine gun gunnery are accurately described by the selection that highlights the importance of an accurate initial burst, proper manipulation of the traversing and elevation (T+E) mechanisms, speed, and effective employment of the weapon.

An accurate initial burst is critical as it increases the likelihood of hitting the target quickly and effectively, allowing for immediate effect on the enemy while reducing the expenditure of ammunition. Proper manipulation of the T+E mechanisms ensures that the machine gun can be adjusted quickly to engage moving or shifting targets accurately after the initial burst. Speed pertains to how rapidly a crew can fire and adjust their weapon to maintain suppression of enemy forces, as fast engagement is often crucial in combat scenarios. Effective employment refers to the strategic understanding of where and how to position and utilize the machine gun to achieve maximum tactical advantage.

Other options focus on different aspects of machine gun operation or tactical execution, but they do not encapsulate the comprehensive fundamentals needed for proficient machine gun gunnery as effectively as this choice does.