Posted on Aug 18, 2020
As an infantryman what is your favorite gun position? Any advice for a saw gunner ?
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Since I arrived at Bragg I've been a sponge due to being a reclass, any advice for a new saw gunner would be appreciated.
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Infantry
11B: Infantryman
Infantry 11B: Infantryman
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
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I was an M60 gunner as an E-2 and E-3 and an M2 gunner as a team leader. Both of those were crew served weapons. Usually, we had two assistants to carry the ammo, barrels, and tripods. I would advise you to become an expert on ALL weapons. You may need to or have to use any weapon at your disposal. When I trained my squads, every man had to know everybody's job and mine as well. When you know everybody's job, you will be able to train others. My philosophy is know the responsibilities of at least two ranks above you. As an E-5, I was ready to take over a platoon if need be. Good luck! I always enjoyed being a machine gunner!
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SGT (Join to see) - So was mine, some with the 101st, those Sargent's really showed their concerns.
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SGT (Join to see) - My First Sergeant and CSM of the 19th infantry Regiment both had SF combat patches, and my Platoon Sergeant had a 196th Infantry Brigade combat patch. I am grateful for their outstanding leadership. The 24th was attached to the XVIII Airborne Corps, Rapid Deployment Force.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
Cross training is a great policy. It not only makes the unit more flexible, but often leads to the reduction of bitching by soldiers because they can appreciate what others do and how hard they work.
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Master your weapon. You’re the most casualty producing weapon in a Squad be proud of that and rock it.
Humping a 249 sucks until you’re the guy laying down suppression fire.
When I was a TL I had the entire team carry a 200 round pork chop on their backs to keep the SAW in the fight longer; an extra 600 rounds can go a long way in a prolonged fight.
Learn your Unit TACSOP like it’s a religion.
Never be afraid to ask a question because the only stupid question is a legitimate question that goes unasked.
Humping a 249 sucks until you’re the guy laying down suppression fire.
When I was a TL I had the entire team carry a 200 round pork chop on their backs to keep the SAW in the fight longer; an extra 600 rounds can go a long way in a prolonged fight.
Learn your Unit TACSOP like it’s a religion.
Never be afraid to ask a question because the only stupid question is a legitimate question that goes unasked.
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Be able to clear and get the gun up as fast as humanly possible. That being said, CLP, CLP, and CLP. It’s our best asset, Keep it ready for the fight.
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SGT Chester Beedle
And don't believe anyone who tells you things like you're gun needs to be run nearly dry in the desert because oil attracts dirt. Dirty and wet will work, dirty and dry will fail.
Don't use WD40 or most of the light spray oils.
That doesn't apply to the gas piston though. Keep that and the inside of the gas tube dry.
It's hot enough that oil will burn and turn into carbon.
CLP is not a bad lube, regardless of what many spout about lowest bidder crap. Tetra also works well, as does TW-25b, and Weapons Shield.
Avoid Militech-1 at all costs. It's garbage, failed multiple tests, and does nothing it claims to do.
Don't use WD40 or most of the light spray oils.
That doesn't apply to the gas piston though. Keep that and the inside of the gas tube dry.
It's hot enough that oil will burn and turn into carbon.
CLP is not a bad lube, regardless of what many spout about lowest bidder crap. Tetra also works well, as does TW-25b, and Weapons Shield.
Avoid Militech-1 at all costs. It's garbage, failed multiple tests, and does nothing it claims to do.
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SSG Mike Busovicki
As a SAW gunner, I preferred white lithium grease as a lubricant on that weapon. That way you weren't drenched in oil (its thicker and doesn't break down or leak as fast). You can also squirt some in your CLP bottle and shake it up for a hybrid blend of the two.
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SSG Mike Busovicki
Also, focus lubricant on the parts that have been rubbed shiny by the weapon's action... those are the points that "rub" and need lube (especially when dirty). In general, if a piece of your weapon still has the bluing on it, it doesn't rub there and requires very little or any lube. It will just attract more sand/dirt. Just a thought.
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