Posted on Feb 2, 2024
Can older military weapons be brought out to be used in a major war?
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Posted 4 mo ago
Responses: 18
Yes ... and No. What do you mean by "Older"?
If are referring to "older versions", there is a high likelihood you could reuse them without months of overhaul IF the components hadn't change from what's in the logistics system. For example, we have M1 Abrams tanks in storage, but they have a 105mm main gun while the M1A1 and M1A2 use a 120mm main gun.
If you mean systems that haven't been used for a while ... that would almost be like using a system you captured on the battlefield. I'm sure the service members who haven't used it before could figure it out if it's akin to something they use, but sustainment and repair are completely different issues.
So ... theoretically yes and theoretically no. It all depends on which system you are referring to.
If are referring to "older versions", there is a high likelihood you could reuse them without months of overhaul IF the components hadn't change from what's in the logistics system. For example, we have M1 Abrams tanks in storage, but they have a 105mm main gun while the M1A1 and M1A2 use a 120mm main gun.
If you mean systems that haven't been used for a while ... that would almost be like using a system you captured on the battlefield. I'm sure the service members who haven't used it before could figure it out if it's akin to something they use, but sustainment and repair are completely different issues.
So ... theoretically yes and theoretically no. It all depends on which system you are referring to.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
Having carried a 20" M16 in Afghanistan everyday my personal favorite is the 16" M1A tanker. It is seventy years old and still a really good rifle. Not as modular as the M4 but is much more lethal if out of ammo and in close quarters combat.
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SPC Joel Carter Sr
ANY SYSTEM CAPTURED, I THINK COULD BE USED UNTIL YOU RUN OUT OF AMMO. AN M14 OW AN M1 WOULD BE GOOD FOR ME
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CPT Arch Nissel
This is the 1911 and 16 1/4 inch barreled M-14 I carried in Iraq in 2003. We were allowed to modify any part of them we wanted (except the receivers). The barrel on the M-14 was cut to 16 1/4 inches and the gas port opened up to allow full auto with the shorter barrel. Of the 350 1911s we got from DEPO I rebuilt 25 of them to match grade with night sights.
So YES anything still in storage can be requested by a military unit for use.
So YES anything still in storage can be requested by a military unit for use.
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To some extent but success depends on any remaining institutional Soldier knowledge of how to use or repair them and the support they have like end items and spare parts. For most electronic items it would be a huge undertaking for marginal if any benefit. We have seen the Russians redeploy 1950s tanks and artillery, but they had stored them and it is doubtful we did plus those vehicles are very low tech and are being used by a force of draftees that are little more than cannon fodder.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
My mind went there too. My other thought, if they are calling me back, we are freaking losing.
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LTC Trent Klug
CPT Lawrence Cable I'd give it my best shot, but I'm 'almost no speed, high drag' now.
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