http://www.bob-oracle.com/SWATreport.htm
Some quotable quotes...
"The Iraqi desert was very challenging and harsh, but the current weapons, ammunition and accessories the soldiers took to battle functioned, withstood the elements and were lethal. The weapons that stood-out were the M2 HMG, M240B MMG and the M4 MWS. The M2 HMG and M240B MMG were praised mostly for their ruggedness and reliability. The weapon’s reliability was most important to the soldiers. The M4 MWS’ modularity, size and weight was well received by soldiers issued this weapon system. It enabled soldiers to conduct clearing operations in urban terrain and easily transition from day to night operations. Although the M4 MWS was reliable, the team observed light primer indentation occurrences in the M16 series rifles: M4s and M16s. As soldiers locked, loaded and cleared weapons prior to and after operations or as directed, the primer was indented. Upon return to CONUS discussions with weapons engineers revealed that each time a cartridge is chambered in an M16 Series Rifle or M4 Series Carbine, a slight indentation is made on the primer. This is caused by contact of the free-floating firing pin against the cartridge primer as the bolt closes. This is a function associated with normal operation of the weapon. The Army conducted tests to investigate the effects of multiple detents on 5.56mm ammunition. No slam fire, or accidental discharges occurred."
"The M4 Modular Weapon System (MWS) is issued primarily to light infantry, Special Forces, and tank crewmen. It was evident that clearing operations in Iraq were not limited to infantrymen, light or mechanized. The majority of the force deployed in Iraq was mechanized units and issued the M16A4 MWS which proved cumbersome in the confines of tracked vehicles and during clearing operations in Baghdad. Other soldiers (non-Infantry) were also conducting these types of operations and are typically equipped for personal defense with an M9 pistol. These operations were typically conducted at night, but the majority of the soldiers did not have laser aiming devices, Close Combat Optics (CCOs), or tactical flashlights and did not have the interfaces to attach accessories to the Mil Std. M1913 rail system. Many soldiers used field expedient methods to attach items."
"Though were minimal maintainability and reliability issues raised, a number of universal issues were voiced related to the M249 SAW maintainability, the M203 durability, lubrication types, and magazines. SAW gunners were unanimously dissatisfied with the complexity of the M249 SAW. Its numerous small parts encumbered field stripping and were easily lost. Some SAW gunners resorted to extremely unorthodox methods to retain weapon availability. The M249 SAW was the most problematic weapon in the theater"
"The M203 GL was most affected by the desert environment. Sand and dirt migrated into the trigger housing and clogged or jammed the safety. This issue is compounded by excessive lubrication. Fine powdery sand easily entered this area and could not be prevented without placing the weapon in a hermetically sealed bag. Additionally, the hand guards tended to slip-off. It is believed that the extreme heat caused the glue to melt and the bonding properties to break-down."
"Soldiers would like the M2 to have the capability to fire from the closed bolt position. They feel that this would increase the system’s reliability because it would not allow dirt, dust and foreign debris to get inside the weapon’s receiver. Soldiers would also like to have a positive safety selector for the trigger mechanism. They feel that this would prevent accidental discharges when they are traveling over rough terrain while manning the weapon system. Additionally, soldiers would like the M2 to have better flash reduction. This would especially be helpful while conducting missions during limited visibility. "
"All Machinegun Crews (Gunners and Assistant Gunners) expressed that they were over burdened by the system components. The machinegun is cumbersome to Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) while conducting clearing operations. The typical gun crew was a two-man crew and carried the M240 MMG, tripod with T&E, spare barrel and ammunition basic load. Soldiers desire a variant with a shorter barrel and collapsible or folding stock for better portability. Several leaders expressed a desire for a mix of short and standard barrels to configure the gun in accordance with Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain – Time Available (METT-T). They were willing to trade weight and length for range and accuracy to no less than 800 meters, but without any loss of reliability. This corresponds to the doctrinal employment of the machineguns in grazing fire (600m)."
"The M249 SAW was well liked for its rate of fire. In both the automatic rifle and light machinegun roles, the M249 SAW was effective against personnel targets from 20 meters out to 600 meters. It was considerably less effective against vehicle targets. The 100-round soft pack was universally praised. Its size and durability made it the choice over the 200-round plastic box whenever practical. Those units with Rail Adapter Systems and upgraded feed tray covers were very happy with the ability to mount various accessories to the weapon. However, some integration issues still remain with specific items. The M5 collapsible buttstock received high marks. Most soldiers appreciated the significant reduction in length when collapsed. Some expressed a desire for a vertical surface when collapsed, similar to the M4 buttstock; others didn’t feel it to be necessary."
"Discussion: Several SAW Gunners expressed a desire for a lighter and shorter variant of the M249, which incorporated a vertical collapsing/adjustable buttstock, a shorter barrel and a pistol grip. This variant would be better suited for conducting clearing operations in a MOUT environment. Several leaders desired a mix of short and standard barrels to configure the gun in accordance with the METT-T. They were willing to trade the weight and length for the range and accuracy, but without losing reliability/durability in the process."
Some quotable quotes...
"The Iraqi desert was very challenging and harsh, but the current weapons, ammunition and accessories the soldiers took to battle functioned, withstood the elements and were lethal. The weapons that stood-out were the M2 HMG, M240B MMG and the M4 MWS. The M2 HMG and M240B MMG were praised mostly for their ruggedness and reliability. The weapon’s reliability was most important to the soldiers. The M4 MWS’ modularity, size and weight was well received by soldiers issued this weapon system. It enabled soldiers to conduct clearing operations in urban terrain and easily transition from day to night operations. Although the M4 MWS was reliable, the team observed light primer indentation occurrences in the M16 series rifles: M4s and M16s. As soldiers locked, loaded and cleared weapons prior to and after operations or as directed, the primer was indented. Upon return to CONUS discussions with weapons engineers revealed that each time a cartridge is chambered in an M16 Series Rifle or M4 Series Carbine, a slight indentation is made on the primer. This is caused by contact of the free-floating firing pin against the cartridge primer as the bolt closes. This is a function associated with normal operation of the weapon. The Army conducted tests to investigate the effects of multiple detents on 5.56mm ammunition. No slam fire, or accidental discharges occurred."
"The M4 Modular Weapon System (MWS) is issued primarily to light infantry, Special Forces, and tank crewmen. It was evident that clearing operations in Iraq were not limited to infantrymen, light or mechanized. The majority of the force deployed in Iraq was mechanized units and issued the M16A4 MWS which proved cumbersome in the confines of tracked vehicles and during clearing operations in Baghdad. Other soldiers (non-Infantry) were also conducting these types of operations and are typically equipped for personal defense with an M9 pistol. These operations were typically conducted at night, but the majority of the soldiers did not have laser aiming devices, Close Combat Optics (CCOs), or tactical flashlights and did not have the interfaces to attach accessories to the Mil Std. M1913 rail system. Many soldiers used field expedient methods to attach items."
"Though were minimal maintainability and reliability issues raised, a number of universal issues were voiced related to the M249 SAW maintainability, the M203 durability, lubrication types, and magazines. SAW gunners were unanimously dissatisfied with the complexity of the M249 SAW. Its numerous small parts encumbered field stripping and were easily lost. Some SAW gunners resorted to extremely unorthodox methods to retain weapon availability. The M249 SAW was the most problematic weapon in the theater"
"The M203 GL was most affected by the desert environment. Sand and dirt migrated into the trigger housing and clogged or jammed the safety. This issue is compounded by excessive lubrication. Fine powdery sand easily entered this area and could not be prevented without placing the weapon in a hermetically sealed bag. Additionally, the hand guards tended to slip-off. It is believed that the extreme heat caused the glue to melt and the bonding properties to break-down."
"Soldiers would like the M2 to have the capability to fire from the closed bolt position. They feel that this would increase the system’s reliability because it would not allow dirt, dust and foreign debris to get inside the weapon’s receiver. Soldiers would also like to have a positive safety selector for the trigger mechanism. They feel that this would prevent accidental discharges when they are traveling over rough terrain while manning the weapon system. Additionally, soldiers would like the M2 to have better flash reduction. This would especially be helpful while conducting missions during limited visibility. "
"All Machinegun Crews (Gunners and Assistant Gunners) expressed that they were over burdened by the system components. The machinegun is cumbersome to Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) while conducting clearing operations. The typical gun crew was a two-man crew and carried the M240 MMG, tripod with T&E, spare barrel and ammunition basic load. Soldiers desire a variant with a shorter barrel and collapsible or folding stock for better portability. Several leaders expressed a desire for a mix of short and standard barrels to configure the gun in accordance with Mission, Enemy, Troops, Terrain – Time Available (METT-T). They were willing to trade weight and length for range and accuracy to no less than 800 meters, but without any loss of reliability. This corresponds to the doctrinal employment of the machineguns in grazing fire (600m)."
"The M249 SAW was well liked for its rate of fire. In both the automatic rifle and light machinegun roles, the M249 SAW was effective against personnel targets from 20 meters out to 600 meters. It was considerably less effective against vehicle targets. The 100-round soft pack was universally praised. Its size and durability made it the choice over the 200-round plastic box whenever practical. Those units with Rail Adapter Systems and upgraded feed tray covers were very happy with the ability to mount various accessories to the weapon. However, some integration issues still remain with specific items. The M5 collapsible buttstock received high marks. Most soldiers appreciated the significant reduction in length when collapsed. Some expressed a desire for a vertical surface when collapsed, similar to the M4 buttstock; others didn’t feel it to be necessary."
"Discussion: Several SAW Gunners expressed a desire for a lighter and shorter variant of the M249, which incorporated a vertical collapsing/adjustable buttstock, a shorter barrel and a pistol grip. This variant would be better suited for conducting clearing operations in a MOUT environment. Several leaders desired a mix of short and standard barrels to configure the gun in accordance with the METT-T. They were willing to trade the weight and length for the range and accuracy, but without losing reliability/durability in the process."
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