Improved Infantry Squad Capabilities Article

[LRRPF52]

Most of that article talked about challenges and potential solutions to 2 of the squad's important weapon systems:

The DMR

The LMG

Weight & compactness were the dominant issues mentioned. They incorrectly listed the SAW at 17lbs, which was the weight of the M249E1 Minimi when it was first fielded with the skeletal stock, no heat shield, & conical flash suppressor before the "upgraded" M249E2 came along, tipping the scales at 23 lbs.

M249E1


M249E2


Then came the Paratrooper Model, which I used more than the E2



Then the PEO model:



With the RAS for end, optics, & PEQ-2, they were weighing close to what a 240 weighs, especially with the Elcan.

This crap has to stop. I realize they have ATIPAL's now rather than PEQ-2's, but the pig is still the pig, which is a term the M60 held and owned, at a lighter weight of 23 lbs!

This is the true weak link of the Infantry Squad, no matter how you look at it. The DMR is easily addressed in the interm with a SOPMOD Block II M4 with a drop-in Geissele trigger, and Mk262 ammunition, plus training for the shooters.

The SAW needs to be replaced entirely, with another belt-fed LMG that weighs no more than 12lbs empty, preferably 11lbs or under.