11-01-2011, 03:39 PM
bwaites Wrote:Thanks LR1955!
The reason I posted was to get your input and input from the other, "been there" guys! This was supposedly from the 2009 manual so its supposedly current.
Do the DM and sniper guys get enough M118 LR? Whats their process and how difficult is it? I know in talking to some of the guys they sometimes had a hard time finding enough for training and qualifying in the past.
Bill:
What manual are you referring to and how did the NRA come up with their figures?
DM's may get issued a Enhanced Battle Rifle for a deployment but the unit ends up turning them in so another unit can use them. The Army generally doesn't issue the EBRs soon enough in a pre-deployment cycle for anyone to get trained on them. Also, my personal experience with upwards of about 100 EBR's as of now indicates that most of them shoot issued M-80 ball more consistently than M-118. And I have yet to see an EBR that I would trust with my life.
Once again, there is no ASI or MOS for a DM. They do not have a special rifle or shoot special ammunition -- unless they are issued the EBR on deployment. Some units get the EBR on deployment and others don't. The DM for the most part shoots his issued M-4 Carbine with an ACOG and issued M-855 ball. I do not believe STRAC has a specific authorization for a DM other than a few more rounds of 5.56 M-855 a year if they go that far.
The question about sniper guys getting enough M-118 LR is not the right question to ask as it does not correlate with combat readiness in terms of the conventional side. If the 118 is used for training that has a rational purpose and with standards that can correspond with combat, then the 118 is being used well.
The problem with sniper teams on the conventional side is that most posts do not have sufficient range facilities the sniper teams can use to improve their combat readiness and take advantage of 118.
As for how much 118 a unit can get, we had shortages big time circa 2K4 to maybe 2K6 but we still got enough to prepare guys very well for Iraq and Afghanistan. After about 2K6 a unit could get more 118 but it was harder to get than ball ammo just because it is way more expensive so not as much is produced. If a unit justified its requirement for more 118 very well, I never saw it denied.
No, I can't tell you how many rounds are needed to sustain or improve a conventional sniper as it isn't the quantity of ammo that is an issue. It is the quality and consistency of training and the availability of training ranges for snipers.
LR1955