They should arm our forces with Kalashnikovs as well

It's a long question and i'll try to answer it:

1. The difference between the Galil and Glilon are mainley the weight, the wooden butt is replaced with a folding one and the wood holder around the barrel is replaced with a plastic one.

2. The reason you don't see alot of Galilons is because comparing it to an M-16 it jams alot and it's harder to clean. Another reason is the cost. instead of making new guns here we practically get US surplus for free.

3. I called the UZI "infamous" since in every action movie you see the bad guys always use UZI (so i meant it in the funniest way )

4. About the sidearm issue, as far as i recall it's left to the person who carries it to decide.

and again, you can check the web i stated in my last post for further info
http://www.isayeret.com

keep up the good work men !

U.S. Army forces may have the new XM8 as soon as next year. These are sweet weapons made by Heckler and Koch.

Mini-Carbine version:


"Sharpshooter" version:


More info on this amazing weapon system here: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m8-oicw.htm

CAR-15

While I like the design, I'm worried about the impression it will give to host nations that we bring it into and other countries that we (treading lightly) "occupy" in the coming years (I want to emphasize that I DON'T want to go to the whole Iraq issue with this). One of the things soldiers (especially SF soldiers) do when going to another country to train armies is to show an interest and respect for host cultures and customs. Another thing they do is try not to seem above it all in way of ego and technological superiority (the host country knows it). Thats why our soldiers somewhat limit what they bring on these missions.

That being said, what kind of impression will we give to host soldiers when we drag in a two barreled mammouth of a technological marvel weapon? The XM-8 (to be M-8 when it gets in service?) I'm not worried about. It is just really a heavily modified G-36 (in fact the XM-8 is based on it, being made by H&K), but the OICW as a whole is what I'm worried about.

Either way, expect to see the M-16A2/3/4 and especially the M-4s for at least another decade and a half. I personally don't think we'll see M-8s and especially full-up OICWs in front-line units for a while after they are introduced.

Actually, that brings up a good question: does anyone know which front-line unit will be the first to get them? Would it be one of the SBCT brigades or elements of the 4th ID?

Jeff

Something globalsecurity doesn't mention as throughly, in terms of maintenance, the M-8 will be a marked improvement over the M-16/M-4 family. The operating rod incorporates a piston and operating rod rather than the M-16's direct impingement gas tube. This is known to blow fouling and unburned powder back into the rifle's receiver, requiring intensive mainenance and lubrication to ensure reliable function (something you Army boys know a lot about). However the XM-8 gas system promises to reduce operator maintenance by as much as 70%, at the same time allowing as many as 15,000 rounds to be fired with minimal lubrication and cleaning (and the expected barrel life is 20,000 rounds). (This is all from Jane's International Defence Review November 2003; a very expensive magazine for those not familiar with the fenominal work Jane's does)

I also forgot to mention that the US Army ordered a total of 220 XM-8 to be delivered in the December 2004/January 2004 period, so I'm sure the Army Research Lab has its hands full (I am correct in saying that they'd go to ARL right? If not where else?)

Jeff

Here in Greece we use:
Privates G3A3
Low rank officers G3A4
High rank officers Colt M-1911 pistol
And for support weapons: MG-3, FN MAG, HK-11 and versions, occasionally M-60 and the heavy one M-2 HB(both turret mounted).

In New Zealand we have the Steyr AUG (AusSteyr F88s), both the rifle and carbine version as our standard rifle. Our LMG is the C9 -which is a Canadian manufactured FN Minimi. In the airforce our standard side arm is the Browning HP, but the Army and Navy have the Sig 226, and we are changing to that next year. I like the old Browning (I'm a 'marksman' with it, but thats not saying much as thats fairly easy to achieve) haven't tried the Sig yet so I can't compare them.

The OCIW won't be around for a while, from what I read in Army Times there are too many problems integrating it with the Land Warrior system, and the thing almost literally costs its own weight in gold. The XM-8 OTOH is highly adaptable, very reliable and comes in several different versions, including a submachine gun version for AFV crewman and can even be adapted to become a belt or drum fed LMG. Of course there is also a standard assault rifle configuration. And it comes with built in sight rails.
Of course the good old M4, M16A@ and M249 SAW will be around for years yet because it's going to be a while before the new M8s get distributed to all the various units that need them.

I started off with the Lee Enfield Mk IV. Graduated to an FN C1 and FN C2 and finally C3 sniper rifle

Don't know what the Dutch Army use today, but in 89/90 my wapen was an UZI. We were issued those as they are cheap and small enough tofit in your vehicle. Everybody in the signals rides, and don't really expected to do any infantry stuff. But still, a submg that pumps out some 600 rounds of 9mm per minute, that'll do me . Easy to take apart etc aswel, I had a play with one at a display last summer, and could still take it apart and reasemble behind my back. I even remember the safety drill... .

Cheers
Henk

In Holland we have the following weapons for the groundforces:

- GLOCK
- DIEMACO (type C7/C7A1/C8/C8A1some of them with 40mm grenade launcher)
- MAG
- MINIMI (Light weapon)
- .50 (heavy Weapon)

Greetz Rob!

I had to walk with a FAL. 7.62 mm

Excellent weapon to work with....

now they have that diemaco