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Split views for the SAW

It could be the end of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon [“Suppressive fire,” Nov. 23]? Why? It’s a good, lightweight machine gun. It’s great for gaining fire superiority and it’s compact. It gives every fire team an automatic weapon. Why do we need to get rid of it?

— KJDONALD

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Why get rid of the 1964 version of the M16 or the M1911 pistol put into service in the year 1911? Heck, let’s just go back to using swords in combat — not.

— Michaep

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In my experience, M249s have always had reliability issues. They’re just not durable. I’ve seen too many literally zip-tied together.

— Silver Fox

‘Senior mentors’ overpaid

Why is it that “senior mentors” get paid so much by the Marine Corps and other departments of the armed services [“ ‘One foot in both camps,’ “ Nov. 30]? After making more than $100,000 yearly while in the military and receiving a pension after that, it is not like these retired-officers-turned-mentors are hurting for cash.

The senior mentors should receive a per diem and travel expense reimbursements, but that’s it. Instead, they choose to take more money from the government, and the crazy thing is that we allow it. Semper fi? Yeah right.

— SEMPER FI or I

Lighter combat gear

The problem isn’t so much the weight of the gear you carry, but how it fits on the body. The Modular Tactical Vest is poor — not because it is heavy — but because it doesn’t sit right on the hips, and the small-arms protective inserts aren’t comfortable when seated in a vehicle.

— Born Invincible

Fighting piracy

The solution to piracy requires an approach that addresses not only the immediate suppression of piracy by military forces, but also the resolution of government and economic instability. Until the region is stabilized and Somalia has a functioning government that can enforce laws, piracy will continue.

— Sandi

Boot camp advice

When they say to jump, ask “How high?” only after leaving the ground.

Loud and fast — also known as speed and intensity — will get you far, but not enough to make up for any physical shortcomings. Run as much as you can, as far as you can, as long as you can. When you think you’re ready — go further.

Oh, and watch the first half of “Full Metal Jacket” every morning. You’ll get a clue.

Good luck.

— DataDevilDog