06-10-2011, 03:14 PM
student28 Wrote:...Like its predecessor the M16, the M4 also has a reputation as an excellent weapon if you can maintain it. Failure to maintain the weapon meticulously can lead to jams, especially in sandy or dusty environments...Some of us are overdue for a read or re-read of Pork Chop Hill by SLA Marshall.
When one contrasts their experiences using the M-1 Garand with the Iraqi Freedom weapons reliability discussions, the improvement in weapon maintainability becomes more evident. There are no weapons, not even knives or clubs, that will continue to function over time and in adverse conditions unless proper maintenance is applied.
The short book reveals several other insights that can help folks better understand how far we have traveled -- or not -- in doctrine, strategy, and tactics.