Have Conventional Soldiers/Airmen Been Equipped with Better Weapons?

SPC July Macias — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 01:23:46 -0500

I've seen several recent photos of Soldiers and Airmen with M4's with ambidextrous safety switches. Is this a growing trend nowadays? When I was in, I never saw an ambidextrous safety swith on an M4.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 1 at 2021 1:36 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 01:36:36 -0500

The M4 and M16 family has been continuously improved and pure fleeted through out the force since 2009

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jan 1 at 2021 2:03 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 02:03:11 -0500

Would not be surprised at all, ambi safeties have been available in AR-15 variants for years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2021 7:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:45:29 -0500

We are even getting brand new stuff at the USAR level. I'm seeing counterparts in brand new companies being stood up getting brand new rifles.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2021 9:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 21:00:14 -0500

The Army has been updating M4s to M4a1 since 2014. The improvements include removal of the 3 round burst mechanism, so the rifle has full auto, a heavier barrel, and an ambidextrous safety.