Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Corps to seek new individual service rifle

The Marine Corps is beginning its search for a next-generation individual service rifle.

A working group will meet this month to discuss needs and requirements for replacing the M16A4 rifle and M4 carbine, officials from Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va., say.

The Corps is saying little about the process, calling it “too early” to discuss specifics, but officials added that the service needs to explore the possibility in the long term.

“Though there are no plans for immediate replacement of the M16A4 service rifle, the Marines will be conducting a series of working groups to help define the characteristics of a weapon that could ultimately replace those in use today,” said Kevin McConnell, deputy director of MCCDC’s Fires and Maneuver Integration Division.

The Army has spent more than a decade looking for its next all-hands rifle. In 2005, the service was on the brink of selecting the XM8, a lightweight carbine made by German gun manufacturer Heckler & Koch, to replace Colt-made M16s and M4s.

But after spending roughly $33 million on the program, the Army scuttled the XM8 buy for reasons ranging from improper vetting through the acquisition process, requirements changes, infighting, a scathing inspector general’s audit and congressional influence.

The Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta uses the H&K 416 rifle, as do other units including the Asymmetric Warfare Group.

Weapons experts familiar with the Army’s ongoing small-arms procurement say they are surprised the Marine Corps is considering its own initiative.

Under a 2005 Defense Department order, the Army’s small-arms replacement program — called Objective Individual Combat Weapon Increment 1 — is required to consider the weapons needs of the other military services in its efforts.

“The Marine Corps is going to want commonality with whatever the Army’s battle rifle is. The Corps doesn’t have the budget to have its own specialized rifle,” said Army Maj. Chaz Bowser, former combat developer for weapons at Army Special Operations Command.

Critics say the Colt Defense-made M16A4s and M4 are difficult to maintain, susceptible to fouling and occasionally jam during perilous moments.

But Colt says the weapons have “undergone major enhancements” and are improved in terms of function, reliability and maintenance.

“There are no moving parts, and the gun is extremely accurate,” Bowser said, referring to the M16. “But the guns are only as accurate as the ammunition you put in it.”

The Marine Corps’ began fielding the M16A4 in 2003 and started purchasing the M4 carbine in 2004.

DISCUSS: The search