New Marine Corps weapon to replace SAW

[adamjp]

After watching it again, it does appear that the SAW gunner was getting some direction from the guys to his right. I didn't see anyone with glass spotting for him. His bursts were still way too long. That barrel must have been toasted.

In the US system, the Platoon Leader (which we have no evidence of this being a Platoon-sized element in contact) should have no reason to tell a Squad Leader to tell his Team Leader to get in the SAW gunner's business. The Fire Team leader and Squad Leader will be doing that, at least in every Light Infantry or Airborne unit that I was in. I'm suspecting this was a Squad-sized + element, with Afghan Army augmentees, as you can see one of the ANA with an AK shooting in the enemy direction.

I'm basing my Platoon sized unit on quotes like 'Who needs the Mag? The LT." A magazine is then tossed to the gent one to the left of the gunner.

I agree that the section and team leaders are the ones to take charge, but in the absence of them doing so I never saw any problem with getting involved, both as a Junior NCO where it was my job and a Junior Officer (yes I joined the dark side of the force :eek: ) where I expected my NCOs to do that.

I counted at least three ANA soldiers there over the span of the two videos.

I agree with STANC, general fire direction was being given, but they had no precise location to fire at. Too many of the gun rounds went out undirected during undisciplined popup and fire (no movement). One enemy with a scoped rifle (designated marksman equivalent) could have made the gunners day (and tour) much shorter as he was exposed for up to 15 seconds at a time.

There is something to think about.