Tag: usmc

The Gripping Hand: A Pragmatic Perspective on Improving Infantry Lethality Through Marksmanship

In examining the future of infantry capability, we must not only be aware of potential technological solutions, but of the need to re-think and re-work what it means to train and prepare troops for future battlefields. At the core of this is the simple matter of man and [Read More…]

.338 FIREPOWER: Hands on with GD’s Lightweight Medium Machine Gun at [AUSA 2017]

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) brought their .338 Norma Magnum caliber Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) to the 2017 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting, giving TFB the chance at a closer look at this [Read More…]

US Army Authorizes Magpul PMag Gen M3 for Requisition by Unit Officers

The US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) has just authorized the purchase of Magpul PMag Gen M3 polymer magazines through requisition by unit commanders, marking a major step in the use of PMag magazines in Army service. Although a previous [Read More…]

1-8x Variable Power Optics for USMC? Squad Common Optic Solicitation Released

The United States Marine Corps is looking for new advanced optics for rifles and IARs that are capable of switching between a low magnification mode and a high (6-8x) magnification mode, according to a recent request for information (RFI) released through FedBizOpps at [Read More…]

After Army Boondoggles, Could the Marines Take the Lead on Small Arms Development?

With the termination of the Interim Combat Service Rifle, the CSASS program on hold, and the XM25 CDTE dead and buried, many are wondering: When will the Army get its act together on small arms? Given the long history of Army program failures, though, maybe a better [Read More…]

ARMY Tests Show PMag Superior, Led to USAF Adoption, Says Air Force Spokesperson

The US Air Force’s recent decision to adopt the Magpul PMag Gen M3 was based on Army testing conducted in 2015, according to a spokesperson for the Air Force. In a communication with Military.com writer Matthew Cox, Vicki Stein of the Air Force Installation and [Read More…]

1/6 Uber Squad Hits Local Range at Camp Lejeune with Updated M27s,Comms, HK M320s, and Suppressors

The 1/6 “Hard” Über Squad that Marine Infantry Gunner (WO5) Wade put into motion some months ago has taken on Golf Six, a live fire range in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 1/6 is trialing several new pieces of kit, most importantly M27 IARs as a standard [Read More…]

New Suppressors for Devil Dogs? USMC Releases RFI for Commercial Suppressors for M4, M27

Suppressor manufacturers, start your engines. The United States Marine Corps Systems Command (MARSYSCOM) has issued a new request for information (RFI) to the industry regarding future suppressors for the M4 and M4A1 Carbine and M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR). The [Read More…]

US Army’s New Magazine A FAILURE? USMC Test of Enhanced Performance Magazine Shows It Performed Worse Than Predecessor, PMAG

The US Army’s newest magazine for the M16 and M4, the Enhanced Performance Magazine (EPM), failed a recent USMC test of rifle magazines, according to a recent Marine Corps SYSCOM document released by National Review. The report shows the EPM coming in last in the [Read More…]

6th Marines to Test M27s in Tricked-Out “Über Squad”, but Are They Already Behind the Curve?

According to a Military.com article, an element of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines will be deploying a 13-man squad of Infantry fully equipped with M27 IARs, suppressors, drum magazines, and other pieces of experimental gear. Called the “Über Squad”, it will be [Read More…]

PROBLEMS with M27 IAR with M855A1, USMC Generals Walsh and Shrader Testify to Congress

In recent testimony to Congress, USMC leadership Lieutenant General Robert Walsh and Brigadier General Joseph Shrader officially acknowledged that the USMC’s M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, made by Heckler & Koch, encounters durability issues when used with the [Read More…]

Will the US Army Adopt the Magpul PMag? US Army Explores Procurement of “Polymer Magazines” [NDIA 2017]

Will the US Army adopt the Magpul Gen M3 PMag? Until recently, it seemed the answer was “no”. The Army had produced several magazine iterations replacing the legacy “black follower” design, culminating with the latest Enhance Performance Magazine [Read More…]

Gunner Wade Talks Suppressors


In a rare break with rigid tradition and military bearing, a recent video series has been released in which Chief Warrant Officer 5 Wade discusses suppressor usage within the Marine infantry, in order to dispel some myths that troops might have when it comes to the practical application [Read More…]

USMC Rifles, IARs, to Get More Integrated: Australian Company Kord Defense Wins Development Contract for Rifle Accessory Control Unit

Australian technology company Kord Defense has been awarded an 18-month, $2.25 million United States Marine Corps developmental contract for development and production of a Rifle Accessory Control Unit (RACU), which would attach to existing M4 Carbines and M27 IARs and [Read More…]

BREAKING: USMC Releases RFI for New Infantry Rifles, Uppers, Optics, Suppressors, Targets

In a surprising turn of events given the recent public motions towards an all-M27 fleet, the United States Marine Corps has just released a new request for information (RFI), soliciting proposals from the industry for a whole new suite of infantry equipment, including [Read More…]

THE SILENCING COMETH: USMC Unit Deploys to Norway with Suppressors, Doesn’t Want to Go Back

Gentlemen, it has begun: The Silencing is upon us. Following a series of trials testing the feasibility of an infantry battalion equipped entirely with suppressors, the United States Marine Corps has moved quickly to field the first all-suppressed unit to the Værnes [Read More…]

BREAKING: M17 Modular Handgun System ACCEPTED for Service by Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force

The US Army’s M17 Modular Handgun System, derived from the SIG P320 handgun, has crossed one of the final hurdles on the track to full replacement of previous service handguns (including chiefly the Beretta M9). The United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force [Read More…]