I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure they’re keeping the SAW around just not in the squad role. The IAR has significantly less capability for sustained suppressive fire. Whenever I’ve talked to Marines they’ve seen it more as a supplement than a complete replacement in their basis of issue.
Well, if we are going to buy a Heavy Barreled, Magazine Fed Piston Gun that can’t change out Hot Barrels nor take a belt, why couldn’t they at least Buy American?
From what I read you are correct. They are keeping the LMG in inventory for use where a crew-served, belt-fed, weapon belongs, in the defense and mounted.
The Automatic Rifle role in the fire team in the assault has had a weapon mismatch since the BAR went away.
January 13th, 2012 at 10:31 am
I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure they’re keeping the SAW around just not in the squad role. The IAR has significantly less capability for sustained suppressive fire. Whenever I’ve talked to Marines they’ve seen it more as a supplement than a complete replacement in their basis of issue.
January 13th, 2012 at 10:34 am
Well, if we are going to buy a Heavy Barreled, Magazine Fed Piston Gun that can’t change out Hot Barrels nor take a belt, why couldn’t they at least Buy American?
January 13th, 2012 at 10:40 am
The HK 416 reminds me of the Colt CMG-1 that competed against the SAW in the original competition and lost due to overheating issues……
January 13th, 2012 at 11:44 am
HK: “Because you suck, and we hate you.”
January 13th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
It’s going to cost lives for sure…
January 13th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Okay people, let’s all say it toghether one more time: “Designed by Belgians, Made in America, lasts a lifetime”
In all seriousness, I honestly believe they’re just trying to sneak in a replacement for the M4.
January 13th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
The M249 may have been replaced by the Marines, but the Army isn’t giving up on the SAW any time soon.
January 13th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Jeff,
From what I read you are correct. They are keeping the LMG in inventory for use where a crew-served, belt-fed, weapon belongs, in the defense and mounted.
The Automatic Rifle role in the fire team in the assault has had a weapon mismatch since the BAR went away.
January 13th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Say what? A SAW isn’t crew served, and I wouldn’t want to trade my fire team’s SAW for an M4 with a giggle switch.