USMC to replace M249 SAW with M27 IAR

[DRG]

That weapon is already in the Dutch and Norwegian OOB's. I'll review the rating but it's not a great replacement for the 249

[Suhiir]

Originally Posted by DRG

That weapon is already in the Dutch and Norwegian OOB's. I'll review the rating but it's not a great replacement for the 249

Sort of depends how one intends to use it.
Every Rifle Platoon has 2 x MMG attached 90% of the time. As an assault weapon it's probably better then the M249, at the very least more portable. As an LMG replacement, yea it lacks.



"But accuracy seems to be the key to the M27's effectiveness, Clark said. The auto rifle is already showing signs that it could to be twice as accurate as the Marine M16A4.

Gunners shooting the M27 have been getting first-round hits on targets beyond 300 meters much more consistently than they have in the past with the M249"

M249 vs M27

[gila]

And the gun is only as good as the the one who wields it.

Suspecting training time to get profcient should be a factor also.

And what is that 1-2 years?

[Suhiir]

Originally Posted by gila

And the gun is only as good as the the one who wields it.

Suspecting training time to get profcient should be a factor also.

And what is that 1-2 years?

2 weeks actually.
Week 1 - Weapon familiarization, how to use the sights, how to get into the firing positions (offhand, kneeling, sitting. prone).
Week 2 - Live fire for 4 days then qualification (200/300/500m). About 95% qualify, those that don't get one more chance then they're gone.

[gila]

Originally Posted by Suhiir

2 weeks actually.
Week 1 - Weapon familiarization, how to use the sights, how to get into the firing positions (offhand, kneeling, sitting. prone).
Week 2 - Live fire for 4 days then qualification (200/300/500m). About 95% qualify, those that don't get one more chance then they're gone.

I think you are a bit too optimistic.

Training deals with the red tape training manuals and the ones that have to read those gibbish and train others ect.

Have the Marines decided to go with this or is there bickering on whether the saw M249 is just as good without spending millions more?.

Knowing the slow implemation of new weapons and cutbacks on budgets I'd say 1 year is reasonable for this game at least maybe, just my opinion however

[Suhiir]

Originally Posted by gila

I think you are a bit too optimistic.

Training deals with the red tape training manuals and the ones that have to read those gibbish and train others ect.

Have the Marines decided to go with this or is there bickering on whether the saw M249 is just as good without spending millions more?.

Knowing the slow implemation of new weapons and cutbacks on budgets I'd say 1 year is reasonable for this game at least maybe, just my opinion however

They've been in use (1 test battalion per division) for a couple years now. In Nov 2011 they began Corps-wide replacement of M249's at squad level with them.

Yes, overall training takes a couple years, mostly learning how what you've been taught in the classroom applies in real life. But basic marksmanship isn't that hard really. Just need good coaches on the firing line watching what the trainees are doing and correcting mistakes and advising them how to improve their performance.
Contrary to the usual "Drill Instructor in your face" routine of USMC Boot Camp the DI's actually make themselves scarce during rifle range training and the marksmanship coaches are "friendly" and "soft spoken".
Getting your "Toilet Seat" (minimum required marksmanship qualification badge) is pretty easy. The "Iron Cross" (sharpshooter badge) takes some skill/talent, but about 30-40% manage it. The crossed rifles (or pistols for handguns) for expert qualification takes (obviously) some innate talent, but still about 20% manage. Beyond that you get into snipers and competition shooting.

And just to beat my own drum, I was mid to high expert every year but one (had a hell of a cold) I was in, and tied the range record one (extremely good) year. I was a marksmanship coach, and range SNCO so I "think" I may have a pretty good idea how this stuff works on the practical application vs theoretical side.