troung

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."

leib10

I've heard a lot of praises about the SAW's effectiveness in actual combat but a lot of gripes its difficult maintainability.

__________________
"The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world. So wake up, Mr. Freeman. Wake up and smell the ashes." G-Man

troung

"Units deployed in Iraq are experiencing the same issues with the Generation I M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO) raised from Afghanistan. Condensation inside the body, loose power switches, poor durability and short battery life were all primary issues raised. However, units that received improved M68s (Gen II) through the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI) did not have any issues – the sights were well received and did not experience the same issues as the Gen I CCOs. All the soldiers equipped with the Gen II M68s reported longer battery life. The antireflection device (ARD) provided an unexpected advantage in Iraq – reduction of glare. Soldiers were able to distinguish the red dot better in direct sunlight."

"The US Army executed OIF with three variants of the M16 series of assault weapons: the M16A2, the M16A4, and the M4 Carbine (hereafter referred to as M16 series). The latter two were configured as Modular Weapon Systems in units so equipped. A fourth version, the M4A1, was used by Special Operations Forces but was not encountered by the assessment team."

"The M16 series received widespread praise for its durability and reliability. A few soldiers expressed a desire to be able to fire the weapon after pulling it out of the dirt (“like you can do with the AK” was the perception), but there were no trends of poor reliability. This may be attributed in part to the ease of maintenance reported by the soldiers. While keeping the weapons clean in this environment was a continuous requirement it was not considered to be a difficult one."

"Most soldiers considered The M16 series to be very accurate regardless of the version used or the sighting system employed. One sniper team spotter employed his M16A4 (equipped with a high powered scope) against targets at 600 and 800 meters with first round hits in each case."

"Those units equipped with the Rail Adapter System (RAS) were very happy with its modularity and flexibility of employment. Most units allowed soldiers to place accessories on the Modular Weapon System where they best suited the individual. Some units prescribed weapon configuration in their standard operating procedures. Many soldiers stated that the RAS should be an integral part of the weapon rather than an adapter kit."

"The M4 is by far the preferred individual weapon across the theatre of operations. Units that don’t have it want it. Mechanized infantry units requested the M4 due to the cramped conditions of the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the house-to-house, room-to-room, Urban Operations missions frequently conducted. Combat Support and Combat Service Support soldiers described the difficulty of performing their MOS-specific missions while wielding the longer M16. This was especially true for drivers of all vehicle types. Frequent mounting and dismounting during convoys and engaging targets from within the vehicle (i.e. security halts) underscored the need for the shorter weapon."

"Most units interviewed that were equipped with the M68 had the first generation model. Some units had received the latest model that has incorporated many improvements. These two models will be referred to as Gen I and Gen II, respectively. The consensus across the AOR is that the M68 provides a significant increase in capability over the traditional post-and-aperture mechanical sight. At least one unit elected not to employ the M68 because they received them just prior to deployment and were more comfortable fighting the way they trained—with traditional iron sights. Both models were praised for the speed of target acquisition and accuracy. Those soldiers who were comfortable with keeping both eyes open during engagements felt that technique provided superior situational awareness. Units that had a Small Arms Master Gunner expressed greater confidence in the M68 and showed a better understanding of its capabilities. The Gen I suffered from poor reliability and drew much criticism. The Gen II model was praised for its long battery life. Many soldiers stated they had gone over thirty days without changing batteries, despite an on/off switch that constantly turns on inadvertently. Soldiers were confident in the M68’s ability to return to zero when removed and replaced (both models). The Gen II model was also praised for its zero retention despite the rough handling associated with combat operations. Boresight procedures were not considered to be burdensome, and the resulting alignments generally lasted for the duration of the war. Reconfirming bore alignment was the exception, not the rule."

"When the soldiers were encouraged to think creatively as if they were “king for a day,” they offered other capabilities they’d like to have integrated into a sighting system. Day/Night capability was a common theme. Some suggested IR aiming similar to the AN/AN/PAQ-4. Some suggested image intensification (I2) or thermal night vision sensors (or both) be incorporated and employed at the turn of a switch. They were generally averse to such a device if it would end up being large and bulky. But they concluded if it could be done compactly, it would eliminate the need for multiple devices and the (perceived) loss of accuracy when swapping between them."

"There have been many engagements with the M855 spanning ranges from 10 feet to 250 meters against soft targets (non-armored individuals) during OIF. Observations from the field cover many different responses from “I shot him in the gut and he ran away”, “I had to put multiple rounds in him to stop him”, to “I shot him in the chest and he went down” and “I shot him in the head and he dropped on the spot”. There are many different views on the lethality of this round ranging from the need for a heavier bullet (the need for more stopping power), to “We have no complaints with the M855 ammunition. It is satisfying the operational need.”"

"Generally the field discussions indicated that the weapon system performed well. Soldiers felt that the M203 GL is a lightweight, compact and simple to use system that provides the squad with excellent firepower against point, area and defilade targets. They also liked the fact there is a variety of ammunition for the system and it is easy to clean and maintain. All of the soldiers interviewed were either using the leaf sight or no sight to engage targets. Soldiers that were experienced in using the M203GL had no difficulty engaging targets at ranges of 400 meters and beyond. The team did not talk to any soldiers that were utilizing the quadrant sight to engage targets. (Soldiers are unable to mount quadrant sight to M4/M16A4 when using the CCO)."

"Soldiers complained about the durability of the barrel assembly. There were numerous times throughout the interviews where soldiers stated the handgrips were falling off the weapon (heat caused glue to fail). Soldiers also experienced problems with the barrel latch activating too easily and causing the barrel not to seat properly causing rounds to fall out of the tube. Finally, soldiers felt that there is too much slack between the M203GL and the M4/M16 weapon system."

"Soldiers would like to have a better Ammunition Carrying Vest that interfaces better with the Interceptor Body Armor (IBA). They complain that the current M203 vest is too bulky/heavy. They also complained about not having easy access to their grenades; metal snaps on vest tend to stick/break. Soldiers would like an ammunition carrying system that allows them easy access and is not overly cumbersome. Also, soldiers would like an ambidextrous sling that does not interfere with the operation of the weapon system. The current sling/sling attachment points tend to get in the way of the grenadier when he is operating the weapon."

"The assessment team was fortunate enough to be able to interview a military police unit to gain insight on their experience with the M9 pistol. No engagements were reported with the M9, but many MPs as well as other soldiers had definite opinions of the performance they expect from a pistol."

"The M9’s magazine capacity was considered to be a strong point. Soldiers liked the ease of maintenance and overall durability of the weapon. The fixed sights were described as a positive feature in that any soldier who picks up an M9 can be confident that the sights are zeroed for that weapon. However, ammunition magazine feed problems were identified as a major deficiency. Unless resolved this defect has effectively deadline an entire weapon system in the AOR leaving many soldiers unarmed."

"Most soldiers described the desired effect from a pistol as stopping a person at close range from continuing to advance. Exsanguinations (bleed out) were not considered to be an acceptable method of defeating a close-in target. Physically knocking the target down was the expected result."

"Generally the field discussions indicated that both the M24 Sniper Weapon System (SWS) and the XM107 Long Range Sniper Rifle (LRSR) performed well. Snipers felt that the M24 SWS is an accurate, reliable and durable system. The M3A scope is a perfect match for the weapon system. Snipers are also pleased with the performance of the M118SB 7.62mm ammunition. They successfully engaged and neutralized personnel targets between 100-900 meters using this ammunition. Snipers were extremely pleased with the performance of the .50 caliber XM107 LRSR. They were impressed with the accurate long-range firepower that it provided during the conflict. The team had reports of snipers successfully engaging and destroying targets out to 2000 meters."

"Snipers would like the M24 to have a shorter bolt action. The current bolt action makes it difficult for the shooter to engage targets quickly (MOUT). Snipers would also like to see the position of the safety moved from the side position to the center. Snipers feel that this provides them better access to the safety. As for the trigger mechanism, snipers would like to have a rounded, straight pull back, more adjustable trigger (competition trigger). This would allow the shooter to adjust the trigger squeeze to his personal liking."

"Snipers would like to have a bipod that swivels and pivots. This would provide them the capability to engage stationary/moving targets without having to readjust/pick-up the weapon system"

Terran empire

this last part sounds like the FN minimi SPW
http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg17-e.htm

__________________
"Finger never touches Trigger unless some one is going too need a grave digger" (Me)[

Beaugeste93

That sounds like an unrealistic expectation to me, particularly with 9mm ball ammo. Practice double taps to the head, guys.

__________________
Rule 303

sniperdude411

I wish I could do that.

Shek

That's correct. A large number of units have these now and had some of the components just prior to OIF. The short barrel, collapsible buttstock, forward rails (you can now mount an undergun light), 3.5x optic, PEQ-2A, and 100rd "nutsuck" made the M249 a very good weapon for MOUT and much friendlier to jump.

Anon

"That sounds like an unrealistic expectation to me, particularly with 9mm ball ammo. Practice double taps to the head, guys."

Agreed. Or at least a double tap center mass followed by a single to the forehead(if neccesary).

Pistols are pretty innefective weapons, but still much better than a sharp stick.

troung

Whats noteworthy is how some there guys want smaller barrels and stocks on their machine guns (MAG/Minimi).

I do like that at least some over there think the 5.56mm can actually kill someone...

BenRoethig

No problems with ma duce. Imagine that. Three quarters of a century and we still haven't found a way to design a HMG better than John Browning.

troung

Check the link these guys found a lot...

sniperdude411

The only porblem I have (sort of) with Ma Deuce is its rate of fire. If they could make it fire more like 600 rpm, that would be better.

Praxus

That'd be a waste of ammo.

Terran empire

Up the rate of fire loose accuracy the M2 is a classic but it has some problems when working with the new gear.

sniperdude411

Have you seen the m307/312 yet? It's really awesome. The army is testing those with infrared sighting computers so you can deploy one of those and it'll shoot any warm-blooded animal within 2500 yards.
The two guns fire the round while the bolt is still pushing the round forward, so the explosion has to overcome the bolt's inertia, thus creating much less felt recoil.
http://www.world.guns.ru/machine/mg39-e.htm