Project Reality Forums

Forloc wrote:Umm... Since when does the marine corp use the ARMY/NAVY Special Purpose Rifle

www.usmc.mil wrote: II MEF Marines receive training on new rifle

Oct. 2, 2007; Submitted on: 10/10/2007 07:36:59 PM ; Story ID#: 20071010193659
By Cpl. Chris Lyttle, II Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Oct. 2, 2007) -- More than 30 Marines from 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, participated in operator and new-equipment training with the MK 12 special-purpose rifle here Oct. 2.

II MEF received the first MK 12 rifles after an Urgent Universal Need Statement was submitted for newer infantry weaponry Marine Corps-wide, said Maj. Bamidele Abogunrin, a team leader for individual weapons, Infantry Weapons Program Management Office, Marine Corps Systems Command. Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Marine Requirements Oversight Counsel later approved the request, and it was sent to MCSC.

“We then had to determine which system would fill this requirement,” Abogunrin said. “After extensive market research, we found that the MK 12 would fit the bill.”

The rifle, fielded by U.S. Special Operations Command forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, will answer the Marine Corps infantry’s request for a variable-scoped weapon capable of accurately engaging an enemy at 500 meters.

Christopher Sharon, a New Equipment Training Team instructor with MCSC, discussed some of the skills the shooters picked up during pre-fielding.

“During the weapons training, we taught them assembly and disassembly of the rifle,” Sharon said. “They also did practical application and learned theory and manipulation of the variable scope, and before, Marines did not have anything that utilized the scope like the MK 12.”

Cpl. Daniel Smith, scout sniper with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II MEF, attended field training with the MK 12 and described the characteristics of the newly acquired weapon, which is similar to the M16.

“It’s a basic (M16), it’s just a little better,” Smith said. “It’s a better capability for (infantry squads). The differences are it has a Leupold scope on it, a free-floating barrel and a Harris swivel bipod. It still shoots 5.56 (mm rounds).”

Smith said the MK 12 is similar to the Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle (SAM-R) he used during his last deployment to Iraq and far more accurate than any other M16.

After engaging paper targets from 100 yards on the firing line, Smith expressed his satisfaction with the enhanced infantry rifle.

“It’s a really good weapon, and I like it so far,” Smith said. “I think it’ll be a good addition to the Marine Corps arsenal.”

The division Marines who participated in the shoot will be responsible for teaching their infantry Marines about the MK 12 when it’s introduced to line companies.

“Line companies will need quite a bit of training on this,” Smith said. “But as soon as you pick this weapon up, you’re instantly going to be a better shooter because of the accuracy.”

Abogunrin described how he felt about his part in providing Marines with this new weapon.

“It’s very gratifying to know Marine Corps Systems Command can put these weapons in the hands of Marines during the time they really need them,” Abogunrin said. “Marine Corps Systems Command is committed to equipping the warfighters with the best possible weapons, and that’s our daily mission.”

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE N.C. – Cpl. Jeff Bensen (right), a squad leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, fires at a target from the 100-yard line with a MK 12 special-purpose rifle while Sgt. Kenneth Burdine (top), course instructor, Special Operations Training Group, II MEF, assists a shooter with weapon adjustments during the first operator and new-equipment training here Oct. 4. The MK 12 will eventually be employed by infantry units within II MEF. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chris Lyttle) (RELEASED)

Photo by: Cpl. Chris Lyttle
Photo ID: 2007101019404
Submitting Unit: II Marine Expeditionary Force
Photo Date:10/02/2007

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Cpl. Daniel Smith, scout sniper with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, displays the newly acquired MK 12 special-purpose rifle after testing it on the firing line here Oct. 3. The MK 12, used by U.S. Special Operations Command Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, is a highly accurate rifle that Marine units will receive due to a recent request for better infantry weapons. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chris Lyttle) (RELEASED)

Photo by: Cpl. Chris Lyttle
Photo ID: 20071010194233
Submitting Unit: II Marine Expeditionary Force
Photo Date:10/02/2007

[R-PUB]Viper5 wrote:I know the 82nd used some M110s in Afghanistan. Not sure if the 101st is now.

M.Warren wrote:Hate me yet?

SGT.JOKER wrote:we'll I'll miss my M14...but if katran's planning to update the M16A4 for the SPR it sounds like a sweet trade to me