Quick Question,

Does anyone know if the British Army used the M249? ( Currently )

If not what other support weapons do they use?

Hi Max,

We use a version of the Minimi, but not the same one as US forces. It is referred to as the LMG (light machine gun).

The one we have is the airborne version with the collapsable stock and short barrel. They are beginning to phase out the LSW (light support weapon) in favour of it in infantry units however at the moment the LSW is still very common.

The other support machine gun we use is the glorious gimpy (GPMG) which is the British made verson of the FN MAG. It is used by sustained fire platoons in infantry battalions, and mounted on most vehicles.
It is a far better support weapon than the minimi or LSW so whenever possible units like to use them as often as they can.

Hope this helps, if you need any more info let me know.

Regards

Joe

When the LSW came in the GPMG and Bren gun were to be phased out the Bren went however the grunts complained that they still needed a heaver weapon to carry out sustained fire and that they had lost a lot of firepower by removing the GPMG from section/troop level. The GMPG has been re-phased in and it's also been picked up and used as a replacement for the M60 for US forces.........not bad for a Weapon which is approching 60 years old

Another question, Do British Troops use MOLLE gear?

No we use PLCE (personal load carrying equipment)

Its not as modular as US molle kit, but ive seen both and ours is a lot sturdier.

There are loads of different bits of kit, webbing, assault vests, bergens etc.

If you are looking for equipment used by a particular arm of service etc then let me know and ill get you some pictures.

Thanks Joe,

What was the Load out for Paratroopers?

Couple of the Guys I play airsoft with are creating a British Themed Team, I just ordered the Camo, DPM Jacket,Shirt, Trousers and same thing in Desert, Also i have a Chest Rig, what else? :-)

When do you mean, Op telic?

They were inserted by helicopter rather than airdrop, so they would have carried much the same as any other infantry unit.