Posted on Jul 27, 2014
LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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I have seen and heard so many different ways to sling a M4/M16. If having the issued slings I was told have the rifle pointing up. Wait no have it pointing down. Then if having the three point sling I saw rifle slung on back. I saw rifle hanging in the front.

I never saw it in regulations. What do you think it should be?
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Responses: 42
SSG Infantryman
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If admin, pointing up, unless raining, then pointed down. If tactical, Whatever soldier has trained with and is comfortable with, but mission and safety should be the first considerations. Tactical slings should be easily removable or replicate functions of issued sling. One caveat, when in rocky terrain or on concrete, rifle should not be pointed towards rocks when slung and loaded.
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SSG Robert Pierce
SSG Robert Pierce
>1 y
SSG Stearns, You made a good point. I agree and I recommend that critical thinking and situational awareness should always be applied. Once again, great point.
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CPT Chase Sanger
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Probably depends on what you are doing with the slung weapon. For parades and D&C, standard sling with the barrel pointed up. A range or tactical training, 3-point with the weapon in front and muzzle down. My 2 cents.
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PO1 Master-at-Arms
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How about always locked n loaded, always at the ready. Never know when the zombie or Hamas pops out
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How should we sling a M4/M16?
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SGT(P) A21 G
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Edited >1 y ago
10531221 10152520288530102 120957463 n
currently deployed in Afghanistan, I think it should depend on the time and place and situation. Here it should always be slung at the low ready if not attached to your IOTV, back in the states I would sometimes slung on my back still pointed down.
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SSG Robert Pierce
SSG Robert Pierce
>1 y
It usually depends on the Commander. But as for NCO's like me I will exercise the initiative by taking the appropriate action in the absence of orders. If you were a member of my Platoon you would be carrying your rifle at the low and ready. By practicing this your team will always be ready to fight tonight.
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Cpl Bulk Fuel Specialist
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time and place conditions, if immediate action needs to be taken.ie have to fire your weapon are all conditions that need to be weighted ,before you should sling your weapon
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MAJ(P) G9
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This is quite indicative of the times we are heading into.  In the 8 years since I entered active duty, the answer tended to be whatever was safe and allowed you to be best prepared to react to or mitigate the most likely threat.  

Take leader initiative and do what makes sense.  That is why we get paid the "big bucks."  That is until the CSM decides it is muzzle down, magazine in, no round chambered, and wrapped in two reflective belts, selector switch on burst.  Then go with that.  (Humor/no disrespect intended to CSMs anywhere)
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
>1 y
Well that's what happens when you go to war and garrison breaks out....
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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>1 y
LTC Paul Labrador what if we are mandated to wear gas masks on Wednesdays how do we sling then?
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
>1 y
Doesn't matter as long as you use your reflective belt as a sling.... ;o)
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1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
>1 y
As a former ChemO, I will say that the M40/M42 Pro Mask should ALWAYS slung on the hip opposite your dominant hand, hermetically sealed and ready for use in hazardouf places such as the latrine, the TOC, the CHU, or the DFAC, especially on burrito night.
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Cpl Ray Fernandez
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Depends on the situation and the conditions you're operating in. Should be slung with an emphasis on having the best natural point of aim and reaction time to respond to any perceived threat.
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SSG Squad Leader
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Amen. Mission drives the gear.
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PO2 Edward Shelton
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Slung, hanging on the front is how I've always had my M4 on me when deployed to the Middle East.
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MAJ Field Artillery Officer
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1 or 2 point sling in front. Keep it simple and train putting it to work. Soldiers need to train keeping a sling on their weapon and body. If a Soldier gets jumped, it is practically impossible to shoot said Soldier if his rifle is still attached.
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Maj Ahron Oddman
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This question gets even more complex when boarding vehicles, especially aircraft. In helicopters, the aircrew generally want weapons pointed down (away from the rotors and other mechanical gear.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
>1 y
just dont' point them down in a RIB..... ;o)
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SGT William Howell
SGT William Howell
>1 y
HA! I remember the first time I ever rode in a helo as a soldier. I had my rifle pointed up. I thought the air crewman was going to beat me with my own rifle! They really hate when you point it at all those spinny things!
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SSG Squad Leader
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I have a wolf clip when I'm in full kit. But if I'm waking with my weapon. I use a 2 point sling with it across my chest muzzle down
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