Weapons That the Marines Carry
During combat, Marines need the support of well-chosen gear to give them the edge needed for success. Whether it's technology, communications devices, vehicles or even uniforms, the United States Marine Corps goes to great lengths to ensure that every bit of equipment is the most effective. The weapons that Marines carry are no exception. The weapons chosen combine function, reliability and mobility to ensure Marines remain safe.
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Service Rifle: M16
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The M16 was adopted as the service rifle for the Marine Corps in the mid-1960s. Since that time, every Marine has trained using the M16. This lightweight rifle is designed to function by firing three-round bursts or single shots. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the M16 was upgraded to the M16A4 model, which features a flat-top receiver unit for a range of devices, including night vision devices, lasers and flashlights.
M249 Squad Automatic Weapon
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The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (or "SAW" for short) is an air-cooled, gas operated machine gun used by the Marines in combat. The weapon fires 30-round M16 magazines or belts of 5.56-by-45-millimeter NATO-standard ammunition. During combat, the M249's design allows Marines to change barrels quickly to prevent overheating. Built-in bipod or separate tripod mounts allow for supported fire. The M249 is also capable of being used as a vehicle-mounted weapon.
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Bayonet
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During the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training, each Marine learns to use a rifle-mounted knife, known as a bayonet. The bayonet is used in close combat situations where rifle fire is not an option. The Multi-Purpose Bayonet is issued with a "scabbard to sheathe the bayonet separately," according to the Marines.
M9 Beretta
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The M9 Beretta is not only the pistol of the Marine Corps, but it is also carried by the Army, law enforcement and aviators, according to the Federation of American Scientists. The Beretta has a 15-round magazine and weights 2.55 pounds when fully loaded. The M9 Beretta is a semiautomatic, double-action pistol and fires 9-millimeter NATO rounds. The maximum effective range for the M9 Beretta is 152.5 feet.
M203 Grenade Launcher
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The M203 Grenade Launcher attaches to the underside of the M16 rifle and fires 40-millimeter grenades. Capable of firing a wide range of grenade types, including high-explosive, smoke, illuminating and CS gas, the M203 is most often used to fire antipersonnel rounds, which have a lethal radius of 5 meters, and multi-purpose rounds, which can penetrate up to 3 inches of armor pate.
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