Posted on 04/02/2008 4:06:27 PM PDT by Dawnsblood
The Iraqi security forces are replacing all of their AK-47s with U.S. M-16 and M-4 assault rifles. To that end, it has ordered another 100,000 M-16 rifles. In the last two years, it has received 235,000 M-16 and M-4 rifles. This new order, includes 4,000 AN/PVS-7D Night Vision scopes and a lot of support gear.
Many Iraqi troops are not keen on getting the M-16. They know it is more accurate, and that they are getting more target practice to improve their shooting skills. But the M-16 requires more maintenance. You have to clean it a lot. The less accurate AK-47 was much more tolerant when it came to sand and dust. However, Iraqi NCOs and junior officers tend to prefer the M-16 for its lighter weight, and lighter ammo. The M-16 ammo weighs more than a third less than AK-47 rounds. That extra accuracy and ammo can be a lifesaver in combat. Iraqi NCOs also note that the U.S. troops manage to keep their weapons clean, and believe that Iraqis can be trained to be as diligent.
Iraqis may differ on whether U.S. troops should be in the country, but all agree that the Americans are formidable warriors. Increasingly, Iraqi troops are wearing similar combat uniforms and driving hummers. The Iraqi soldiers consciously copy their U.S. counterparts. This includes handling their weapons, and moving around, in a similar fashion. But it isn't all superficial imitation, the Iraqis stand and fight now. U.S. troops, back in Iraq after having been away for a year or so, are pleasantly surprised to find, when called to reinforce an Iraqi unit under fire, that the Iraqis are now fighting harder and smarter. In the past, the U.S. troops would often show up to find the Iraqi troops or police had fled.
(Excerpt) Read more at strategypage.com ...
maybe ALL these weapons will get to the IRAQ army this time.
A great role model can lead to local greatness!
Good to see the opponents of the war won’t be able to label indigenous forces as bad soldiers like they did with the ARVN in Vietnam.
Just out of curiosity, were the ARVN as bad as most books on Vietnam label them?
You DON'T want to start another 7.62mm, vs. .223 debate on this thread, do you?
Consensus in early debates on this have come out in favor of the larger round. However, I thought that the weight question that they bring up here is telling.
I can imagine the pride these units feel when they defend their country. If they model their fighting spirit and attitude after our soldiers they will be a great force in protecting the peace in the region.
No, they were some of the bravest men I ever saw under fire. They were terribly led and often betrayed by their corrupt military and political leaders.
WOW! I thought you were pointing me to an article on the M4 and its sensitivity to ammo. That was stunning.
I’ll bet Iraqi military and police units could order some varmint hunting ammo that would make those 5.56 rounds a lot more lethal than FMJ!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.