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VOLUME 75, EDITION 3
The
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NYFD Ladder company tribute patrols Afghan sky | 3A
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Marines put it in gear | 5A THURSDAY JANUARY 17, 2013
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Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott W. Whiting
A student with Infantry Training Battalion – East fires the M27 Infantry Automatic Weapon downrange while in the standing position aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Jan. 9. Students had the opportunity to experience the feel of the IAR, which will take the place of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon within many infantry squads and fire teams in the near future.
Infantry students get hands-on with Corps’ new automatic weapon LANCE CPL. SCOTT W. WHITING Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
The United States Marine Corps explored many options to replace the currently employed M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and found an upgrade with the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. The IAR was extensively tested by the Marine Corps since 2010. They examined the pros and cons of the rifle, and after confirming the benefits of issuing it, some battalions were recently outfitted with the weapon in Afghanistan. Infantry Training Battalion East also implemented training with the weapon in the last few months. One company’s basic riflemen, who will use the weapon most with their job responsibilities, familiarized themselves with the IAR Jan. 9 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “We went to the IAR because it is more precise when aiming, and it also has the ability to fire at
a semi-automatic rate,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Bare, infantry course chief for ITB – East. “The SAW was fully automatic at all times, which can limit its uses. The simple change of it going from a light machine gun to an automatic rifle offers more mobility and maneuverability within a rifle squad.” Switching from an approximately 17-pound light machine gun to an approximately 8-pound rifle will make moving with the weapon easier, since it weighs close to the same as a standard M16A4 rifle. The option to fire the IAR as a semi-automatic will give riflemen the ability to engage farther targets with more accuracy than firing on fully automatic does. The IAR uses a 30-round magazine, reloads and fires the same way an M16 does, but a big difference is the safety switch on both sides of the IAR. The M16 has a safety switch only on the left side of the rifle, beneficial only to right-handed shooters. The IAR also does not have a three-round burst option. Instead, Marines
Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott W. Whiting
A student with Infantry Training Battalion – East gets into the kneeling position and prepares to engage targets downrange while firing the M27 Infantry Automatic Weapon aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Jan. 9. can switch between the semi-automatic and fully automatic rates of fire. Even though the IAR is similar to the M16 on the outside, the inner-workings vary drastically. “There’s a lot of internal difference between the two,” said Bare. “As much as (the IAR) looks like
an M16, the rifle itself has many changes to it. Once you actually break it down to the different parts and operating systems, you notice some distinct differences. The M16 itself uses gas tubes, and the IAR uses a short piston. The bolts and buffers are different as well. The (IAR) is truly meant
Marines return to amphibious roots
for an individual to employ precise fire at a high volume when necessary.” Bare said the goal is to eventually replace SAWs within squads and fire teams with the IAR, but the SAW is still a useful weapon in certain situations and still has a purpose overseas.
News Briefs
LANCE CPL. DEVIN NICHOLS 2nd Marine Logistics Group
Swimming has been part of the Marine Corps since its birth in 1775. Marines stormed their first beach during the Revolutionary War. They turned the tide in Korea when they landed at Inchon in 1950, and their skill in water remains key today. The Marines stood on top of the dive tower, looking down into the deep blue pool, hearts beating through their chests as the countdown began. The Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group jumped into their annual swim qualification Jan. 7 through 9. “Everything we do revolves around water,” said Lance Cpl. Jacob H. Schiros, one of the regiment’s swim qualification coordinators. “Whether it’s being on base, ship or taking the beach somewhere, Marines must know how to swim.” The Marines embraced their 237-year legacy and dove into the Corps’ recently updated swim qualification program. The new training is an awakening for Marines who haven’t qualified since recruit training. It replaced the six previous levels of qualification with three new categories: basic, intermediate and advanced with the option of becoming an instructor. To receive their basic qualification the Marines first completed a 25-meter assessment
Bulldogs prove their worth 1B
Photo by Lance Cpl. Devin Nichols
Sgt. Jonathan L. Leger, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, gasps for air while creating a floatation device during the regiment’s swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. swim to see if they are comfortable in the water. They also practiced removing their gear in the shallow end. Service members completed another 25-meter swim with their boots, blouses, trousers, helmets, flak jackets and rifles, and
they jumped off the high tower simulating abandoning a ship. Anything more than five meters is enough to test someone with a fear of heights, said SEE ROOTS 6A
Backpack Repack fills up on fun 1C