Marissa
Tue April 1, 2003 6:19pm
Rating: 10
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Marines of 2nd Battalion,
Marines of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, captured discovered a cache of over 200 weapons and stockpiles of ammunition, and over 3,000 chemical suits with masks and Iraqi uniforms at a hospital compound in An Nasiriyah, Iraq
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Marissa
Tue April 1, 2003 6:20pm
Rating: 6
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Marines of 2nd Battalion,
Marines of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, discovered a cache of over 200 weapons and stockpiles of ammunition, and over 3,000 chemical suits with masks and Iraqi uniforms at a hospital compound in An Nasiriyah, Iraq
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Marissa
Tue April 1, 2003 6:22pm
Rating: 10
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Weapons found when U.S. T
Weapons found when U.S. Task Force Tarawa Marines seized and secured a hospital and the surrounding compound in An Nasiriyah, Iraq, March 25, 2003
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David
Wed April 2, 2003 10:20am
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A Sailor is transferred t
A Sailor is transferred to the command combat stores ship USNS San Jose (T-AFS 7) from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) by MH-60 Knighthawk from the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Six (HS-6). San Jose was resupplying Nimitz. One of six combat stores ships operated by the Navy's Military Sealift Command, San Jose provides underway replenishment of all types of supplies, ranging from repair parts to fresh food, clothing and mail via tensioned cargo rigs and helicopters. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is the Navy command supplying logistics support to U.S. forces around the world, along with the Army's Military Traffic Management Command and the Air Force's Air Mobility Command. The three commands are components of the DoD's U.S. Transportation Command. Nimitz and her battle group are scheduled to join other multinational coalition forces supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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David
Thu April 17, 2003 1:36pm
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Iraqi Republican Guard fo
Thursday, April 3, 2003, Iraqi Republican Guard forces gather Thursday on the outskirts of Baghdad. The elite units, composed of the best trained and best equipped men in the Iraqi army, are arrayed around the Iraqi capital, within sight of forward units of the coalition forces.
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David
Thu April 17, 2003 1:48pm
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U.S. Army soldiers search
Friday, April 4, 2003, U.S. Army soldiers search buildings at an Iraqi military compound south of Baghdad on Friday. Troops from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment searched the compound, destroying abandoned Iraqi military vehicles and helicopter parts.
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David
Thu April 17, 2003 4:25pm
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A U.S. Army M-1 Abrams ta
Monday, April 7, 2003, A U.S. Army M-1 Abrams tank crew takes a break in front of a presidential palace near Baghdad's international airport Monday. U.S. forces raided three of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's palaces in and near the capital, including his main compound in the center of the city.
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David
Mon December 15, 2003 5:37am
Rating: 9
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Diagram of the spider hol
Diagram of the spider hole were former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was found hiding December 13th 2003
1. Inside the hut, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez called the area where Saddam was found a "spider-hole." It was between 6 to 8 feet deep and covered by fabric and dirt.
2. A small fridge contained a few Bounty candy bars, some hot dogs and a can of 7-UP. There was old bread on a counter, leftover rice in a pot and dirty dishes in the sink. On a shelf above the gas stove, there was soap, a canister of coffee, mouthwash, a mirror and two Mars candy bars.
3. Dirty laundry, including gray trousers and a towel, hung from a clothesline above a bed covered with a floral blanket. A poster depicting Noah's Ark was tacked to the wall near a second bed which appeared unused.
A box on the floor contained a long, black Arab robe; two new, white men's T-shirts and two pairs of white cotton boxer shorts. Black moccasins and a pair of slippers with gold-colored buckles were shoved against the wall. There were old textbooks on the floor.
4. Troops had found a white cloth concealing the underground room Saddam was in. Beneath the cloth was a piece of styrofoam with two wire handles that was painted to look like concrete.
5. Next to a date tree beside the hole was a tin exhaust pipe that served as the hole's ventilation duct. Drying salamis and figs were hung on the pipe to help disguise it.
6. U.S. soldiers searching for Saddam at the farm found a small walled compound with a metal lean-to and a mud hut.
7. Saddam was found in a narrow crawl space branching off the tunnel. He was carrying a pistol.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M25 Sniper Rifle
Function: Special Operations semi-automatic sniper rifle
Background: Originally developed by the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, the M25 was built as a joint services system, meeting the needs of both Army SF and Navy SEAL sniper teams for a semi-automatic sniper rifle built on the same lines as the match grade M14 and M21 semi-automatic rifles. The M25 is not a replacement for existing bolt-action rifles, such as the Army's M24 and the Marine Corps' M40A3, but rather the M25 is intended to serve as a sniper support weapon for the sniper team observer. The M25 will provide the sniper observer with a more effective support weapon than the M16/M203, capable of delivering very accurate fire out to 500 meters. In addition, the M25 will fill a mission specific role as an urban area sniper rifle, where ranges are limited and high rate of fire is the primary concern. Chambered for 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester) the M25 is capable of firing any 7.62mm ammunition, though it was designed to fire the same ammunition (M118 and M852 Match and Special Ball ammunition) that the M40A3 and the M24 currently fire.
Description: Physically, the M25 is very similar in appearance to the M14/M21 semi-automatic rifle. The M25 uses National Match grade components, to include barrel, receiver, trigger assembly and spring guide, and a custom built gas cylinder. The barrel is glass bedded to a synthetic McMillan stock and the Advanced Scope Mounting System is manufactured by Brookfield Precision Tool. The M25 has been equipped with a number of scopes, to include the Bausch & Lomb10x Tactical scope, the Leupold Ultra MK4 series (M1 and M3)as well as the Leupold VariX-III LR M3.
General Characteristics, M25 Sniper Rifle
Manufacturer:
Springfield Armory
Length:
44.3 inches (112.5cm)
Barrel Length:
22 inches (56.4 cm)
Weight:
10.8 lbs (4.9kg)
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
800 meters (3250 feet)
Optics:
10x42mm Leupold Ultra M3A telescope sight (Mil-Dot), plus detachable emergency iron sights.
Magazine Capacity:
20 or 5 round detachable box magazine
Mechanism:
National Match M-14 rotating bolt, gas operated, semi-automatic.
Unit Replacement Cost:
$3,500
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M40A1 Sniper Rifle
Function: Primary USMC sniper rifle
History: Introduced in 1966 the M40 sniper rifle is the precursor to all modern American military sniper weapons. Before the M40 was introduced, sniping functions were performed by battle rifles that had been adapted (match grade components and barrel, quality optics) for the purpose. The original M40 rifles were military grade Remington Model 700 bolt action rifles chambered to fire the NATO 7.65mm (.308 Winchester) cartridge and built to Marine Corps specifications and delivered in 1966.
By the mid 1970's the weaknesses of the original M40 had become evident and the Marine Corps initiated a program to refurbish and improve the M40. Designated the M40A1, the improved rifle incorporated a fiberglass stock, which not only made the rifle lighter and more durable but also made the rifle far less susceptible to atmospheric influences such as temperature and humidity. In addition, the rifle's original scope was replaced by one custom built for USMC sniping applications. This refurbishing was performed completely "in house" by Corps armorers at the Quantico Armory.
The M40A1 underwent another upgrade in the late 1990's, and was re-designated the M40A3. The M40A3 is still based on the Remington 700 action, though many of its components are after market (non-Remington), and custom built. The M40A3 retains the same optical sight as was built for and used on the A1, and the new fiberglass stock is adjustable for length of pull and is equipped with an adjustable cheek pad. In addition, the M40A3 is the first USMC sniper rifle to incorporate an attached bi-pod. As A1's rotate through the Quantico Armory they will be upgraded to the A3 standard.
Description: The original M40 was a direct adaptation of the Remington 700/40XB match-grade target rifle fitted with a Redfield 3-9x accu-range variable power scope, and chambered to fire the NATO 7.62mm cartridge (.308 Winchester.)
The M40A1 saw the introduction of the McMillan fiberglass stock and replaced the Redfield scope and mounting ring set with a 10x scope custom built for the Marine Corps by Unertl. The M40A3 replaces the original McMillan fiberglass stock with the newer McMillan A4 model, which incorporates adjustable length of pull and cheek pad. The original trigger and Unertl base assembly has been replaced by ones custom built by D. D. Ross, while the Unertl scope mounting rings have been replaced by ones manufactured by G &G Machine. The A3 also incorporates a Harris bipod and accessory rail, which is also manufactured by G &G Machine.
Though the M40 series rifles are capable of firing any NATO 7.62mm (.308 Winchester) round, the Marine Corps has developed the M118LR cartridge for sniping applications.
General Characteristics, M40A1 Sniper Rifle
Manufacturer:
Specially trained armorers at Quantico, Virginia
Length:
44 inches (111.76 centimeters)
Barrel Length:
24 inches (61 centimeters)
Weight:
14.5 pounds (6.58 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
1000 meters (3250 feet)
Muzzle Velocity:
2550 feet (777 meters) per second
Chamber Pressure:
50,000 psi
Magazine Capacity:
Five rounds
Unit Replacement Cost:
$2,105
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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MK19 40mm Machine Gun, MO
Description: The MK19 40mm machine gun, MOD 3 is an air-cooled, disintegrating metallic link-belt fed, blowback operated, fully automatic weapon and is crew transportable over short distances with limited amounts of ammunition. It can fire a variety of 40mm grenades. The M430 HEDP 40mm grenade will pierce armor up to 2 inches thick, and will produce fragments to kill personnel within 5 meters and wound personnel within 15 meters of the point of impact. Associated components are: MK64 Cradle Mount, MOD 5; M3 Tripod Mount; and the AN/TVS-5 Night Vision Sight. The MK19 also mounts in the up-gunned weapons station of the LVTP7A1 model of the AAV and vehicle ring mounts.
Background: The MK19 was originally developed to provide the U.S. Navy with an effective riverine patrol weapon in Vietnam. A Product Improvement Program was initiated in the late 1970s resulting in the MK19 Mod 3.
General Characteristics, MK19 40mm Machine Gun, MOD 3
Manufacturer:
Saco Defense Industries
Length:
43.1 inches (109.47 centimeters)
Weight:
Gun: 72.5 pounds (32.92 kilograms)
Cradle (MK64 Mod 5): 21.0 pounds (9.53 kilograms)
Tripod: 44.0 pounds (19.98 kilograms)
Total: 137.5 pounds (62.43 kilograms)
Muzzle Velocity:
790 feet (240.69 meters) per second
Bore Diameter:
40 mm
Maximum Range:
2200 meters
Maximum Effective Range:
1600 meters
Rates of Fire:
Cyclic: 325-375 rounds per minute Rapid: 60 rounds per minute Sustained: 40 rounds per minute
Unit Replacement Cost:
$13,758
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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Objective Individual Comb
The Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) provides an enhanced capability for the 21st century infantryman, with the potential to selectively replace the M16 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, and M4 carbine. When fielded, the OICW dual munition system will provide superior firepower to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Command, Navy, and Coast Guard.
Program guidelines were derived from the Small Arms Master Plan (SAMP) and Joint Service Small Arms Master Plan (JSSAMP). OICW was managed by JSSAP during the Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) phase. For the PDRR/EMD phase, OICW management will transition to PM Small Arms with support provided by ARDEC.
Effective range to 1,000 meters
Full defilade target capability
Moving target tracking capability
KE semi two-round burst; HE semi automatic
Recoil level 1/3 that of the M14
Ruggedized composite weapon housing
Separable HE/KE weapons
Precise target range, automatically communicated to 20mm HE bursting ammo
Five times more lethal than the M16/M203, at > twice the range
Rate of fire with KE ammo >850 rounds/min, with HE >10 rounds/minute
Easily field strippable in under two minutes
Day/night fire control; weapon interface, iron sight backup
HE ammo functional modes: airburst, MOUT short arm, point detonation, point detonation delay, and self-destruct
Laser ranging accuracy ?1/2m out to 500m, ?1m out to 1000m
Weapon Operation
The fire control system (FCS), using a laser range finder, pinpoints the precise target range at which the HE round will burst and relays this information to the 20mm ammunition fuzing system. Fragments from the bursting munition will defeat PASGT body armor and incapacitate the target. The sighting system provides full 24-hour capability by employing uncooled IR sensor technology for night vision.
World-Class Team
For the ATD program, ATK served as system integrator, fuze developer and 20mm HE developer. ATK formed a strong international team, including Heckler & Koch (weapon), Contraves-Brashear Systems (fire control), Octec (video tracker), and Dynamit Nobel (KE and propellant support). For the PDRR/EMD program, the ATK team remains intact and will evolve a combat ready system.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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Shoulder-Launched Multipu
Function: Portable anti-armor rocket launcher.
Mission: To destroy bunkers and other fortifications during assault operations (as well as other designated targets with the dual mode rocket), and destroy main battle tanks with the HEAA rocket.
Description: The SMAW is an 83mm man-portable weapon system consisting of the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK 3 Mod 0 encased HEDP rocket, the MK 6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket, and the MK217 Mod 0 spotting rifle cartridge. The launcher consists of a fiberglass launch tube, a 9mm spotting rifle, an electro-mechanical firing mechanism, open battle sights, and a mount for the MK42 Mod 0 optical and AN/PVS-4 night sights. The High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket is effective against bunkers, masonry and concrete walls, and light armor. The High Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) rocket is effective against current tanks without additional armor. The 9mm spotting rounds are ballistically matched to the rockets and increase the gunner's first round hit probability. Training is accomplished with the MK7 Mod 0 encased common practice rocket and the MK213 Mod 0 noise cartridge.
The SMAW MK153 Mod 0 launcher is based on the Israeli B-300 and consists of the launch tube, the spotting rifle, the firing mechanism, and mounting brackets. The launch tube is fiberglass/epoxy with a gel coat on the bore. The spotting rifle is a British design and is mounted on the right side of the launch tube. The firing mechanism mechanically fires the spotting rifle and uses a magneto to fire the rocket. The mounting brackets connect the components and provide the means for boresighting the weapon. The encased rockets are loaded at the rear of the launcher. The spotting cartridges are stored in a magazine in the cap of the encased rocket.
History: The SMAW system (launcher, ammunition and logistics support) was fielded in 1984 as a Marine Corps unique system. At that time, the SMAW included the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK3 Mod 0 HEDP encased rocket, the MK4 Mod 0 practice rocket and the MK217 Mod 0 9mm spotting cartridge. The MK6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket is being added to the inventory. The MOD 0 has demonstrated several shortcomings. A series of modifications is currently planned to address the deficiencies. They include a resleeving process for bubbled launch tubes, rewriting/drafting operator and technical manuals, a kit that will reduce environmental intrusion into the trigger mechanism, and an optical sight modification to allow the new HEAA rocket to be used effectively against moving armor targets. Recently fielded were new boresight bracket kits that, when installed, will solve the loss of boresight problem between launch tube and spotting rifle. During Desert Storm, 150 launchers and 5,000 rockets were provided to the U.S. Army. Since then, the Army has shown increased interest in the system.
General Characteristics, Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)
Length:
To Carry: 29.9 inches (75.95 centimeters)
Ready-to-Fire: 54 inches (137.16 cm)
Weight:
To Carry: 16.6 pounds (7.54 kilograms)
Ready-to-Fire (HEDP): 29.5 pounds (13.39 kilograms)
Ready-to-Fire (HEAA): 30.5 pounds (13.85 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
83mm
Maximum Effective Range:
1 x 2 Meter Target: 250 meters Tank-Sized Target: 500 meters
Unit Introduction Date:
1984
Unit Replacement Cost:
$13,000
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:24pm
Rating: 6
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M2 .50 Cal Machine Gun
Description: The Browning M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun, Heavy barrel is an automatic, recoil operated, air-cooled machine gun with adjustable headspace and is crew transportable with limited amounts of ammunition over short distances. By repositioning some of the component parts, ammunition may be fed from either the left or right side. A disintegrating metallic link-belt is used to feed the ammunition into the weapon. This gun is has a back plate with spade grips, trigger, and bolt latch release. This gun may be mounted on ground mounts and most vehicles as an anti-personnel and anti-aircraft weapon. The gun is equipped with leaf-type rear sight, flash suppressor and a spare barrel assembly. Associated components are the M63 antiaircraft mount and the M3 tripod mount.
History: Numerous manufacturers originally produced the M2 Heavy Machine Gun.
General Characteristics, M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun
Builder:
Saco Defense
Length:
61.42 inches (156 centimeters)
Weight:
Gun: 84 pounds (38 kilograms)
M3 Tripod (Complete): 44 pounds (19.98 kilograms)
Total: 128 pounds (58 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
.50 inches (12.7mm)
Maximum Effective Range:
2000 meters with tripod mount
Maximum Range:
4.22 miles (6.8 kilometers)
Cyclic Rate of Fire:
550 rounds per minute
Unit Replacement Cost:
$14,002
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:47pm
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M224 60mm Lightweight Mor
Function: To provide the company commander with an indirect-fire weapon.
Description: The M224 60mm Lightweight Mortar is a smooth bore, muzzle loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon. The cannon assembly is composed of the barrel, combination base cap, and firing mechanism. The mount consists of a bipod and a base plate which is provided with screw type elevating and traversing mechanisms to elevate/traverse the mortar. The M64 sight unit is attached to the bipod mount via a standard dovetail. An additional short range sight is attached to the base of the cannon tube for firing the mortar on the move and during assaults. It has a spring-type shock absorber to absorb the shock of recoil in firing.
History: The M224 replaced the older (WWII era) M2 and M19, 60mm Mortars. These weapons only possessed 2,200 yards of effective range. The M224 was designed to fire all types of the older ammunition, but its primary rounds are of the newer, longer-range type.
General Characteristics, M224 60mm Lightweight Mortar
Length:
40 inches (101.6 centimeters)
Weight:
46.5 pounds (21.11 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
60mm
Maximum Effective Range:
2.17 miles (3490 meters)
Rates of Fire:
Maximum: 30 rounds/minute Sustained: 20 rounds/minute
Unit Replacement Cost:
$10,658
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