Deploying for OEF. We have to carry M16 since Army isn't getting M4s anymore. True?

SGT Jody Trapp — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 18:35:15 -0400

Trying to figure out how to get M4s fielded to our unit in a short time. I know we can essentially "trade" another unit for theirs but there's a long line of approvals. Is the Army going to be turning to a new standard weapon system therefore not producing the M4 anymore?

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Nov 4 at 2016 6:54 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 18:54:26 -0400

SGT Jody Trapp-All I can say is that you have my sincere condolences.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 8:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 20:06:47 -0400

I've never heard that before. Our Brigade for M4s after we returned from our last deployment

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 4 at 2016 8:18 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 20:18:22 -0400

I'de rather have an M16- A2 or A3... than the M4

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 8:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 20:40:39 -0400

You have whatever your unit has. The Army has been saying it's "going to buy" new weapons since 2005. It hasn't decided what to buy yet.
When I deployed with a Guard unit in 2004 we received brand new M16A4's. I saw Reserve units that still had M60's. You get what your unit has, and Reserves - not being combat units - are the lowest priority for new weapons.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 4 at 2016 10:55 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 22:55:12 -0400

Your S4/G4, at the direction of the Commander should, be able to contact the Program Manager in PEO Soldier and see where your unit is on the DA master priority list (used to be the DAMPL) for fieldings. There is no way to speed up a fielding without a 'long list of approvals'. FOrce Mod at your higher HQ should be able to tell you within a QTR in an FY when your unit would be fielded.

Also lengthy in approvals, but highly doable, is to generate an operational needs statement (ONS) through the G4 about why you need X number of M4s (throw in the optics while you're at it) and if the DA G3 agrees, a donor unit will be identified and a directive will move the weapons to your unit. They are also quick to tell you no, so you are not dangling. You can als get temp loans of crew served weapons if you make a compelling arguement based on an assigned mission outside your METL.

Did your unit Commander report this as a USR shortage? Are you authorized M4s on your MTOE? Yes to these would strengthen your case. USR reporting can also be used for the powers of good as well as evil.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 12:10 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 00:10:09 -0400

I deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 with an M16, it's alright to not look tacticool on deployment. Your M16 will be reliable as long as you take care of her.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 1:01 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 01:01:17 -0400

If your unit has 16s and not swapping for 4s......besides, what can a 4 do for you that a 16 can't?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 7:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 07:43:57 -0400

OMG!!!!!!! You're deploying with M16's and not M4's! I'd go to IG and scream, cry, and stomp my feet. Imagine the travesty of this situation.

You have larger issues to worry about (e.g. taking care of your soldiers). I'd deploy with my Mini-14 if I was allowed. It shoots the same 5.56mm round.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 10:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 10:56:07 -0400

She's a trusty ol gal. She'll take care of you just fine!

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Nov 5 at 2016 11:44 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 11:44:10 -0400

Every deployment I ever went on I carried an M16A2. I survived just fine with it. I'm sure your unit will do the same assuming you maintain the weapon properly. The M16 may not be as "tacticool" as an M4 but is just as effective (and maybe more so) in a firefight.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 12:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 12:59:00 -0400

Why do you need an M4?
This is a problem in the Army. The Infantry Battalions don't even have enough for all of their soldiers. We have equipment that is no longer serviceable so we have to turn to older models. So now I have a rifleman with a pair of 7's.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 1:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 13:28:12 -0400

It fires the same round, you'll be fine. When I deployed to Afghanistan as an IA, they gave us all M16s. Don't worry about it. Keep it clean and hope to not use it!

--Oh, and besides, many Soldiers shoot better with the M16!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2016 10:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 10:12:50 -0500

Really man? You're an NCO! You're a soldier! Deal with what you got and lead soldiers! Obviously your unit doesn't have a huge ground combat role so worry about your job! At least you got a weapon.

Response by SGT Jason-James Reyes made Nov 6 at 2016 4:27 PM

SGT Jason-James Reyes — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 16:27:09 -0500

You can thank that shitbird Obama for that.

Response by LCpl Brandon Miller made Dec 4 at 2016 2:24 AM

LCpl Brandon Miller — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 02:24:23 -0500

I made it home and had a M16