M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)

The National WWII Museum, 2006.055.001

The Browning Automatic Rifle or B.A.R., was America's primary infantry support weapon during both World Wars. Originally developed to give infantry mobile fire support in during World War I, a reduction in the military after the war meant that a new weapon was not developed before World War II. Infantry squads were equipped with a B.A.R. to provide extra firepower.