Finger On Trigger In New Army Uniform Photo ?

[David]

I was VERY surprised to see a "press conference" photo that appears to show the soldier "modeling" the new army uniform with his finger on the trigger of his rifle -- oops -- see photo below.

By the way, what type of rifle is that in this photo?

 

[David]

It seems that the photo attachment is not working, so here is a link to the photo:

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040614170809990004

 

[ScottS]

By the way, what type of rifle is that in this photo?

XM8. Army's NextGen rifle.

Scott

 

[George S.]

Yep, his trigger finger is definately on the trigger. Ready to "Rock and Roll"!!

Wonder if the XM8 will really ever see production? Looks a bit bulky and heavy. The M16A2 or M4 issued to the average "leg" is thin, easy to carry and lightweight. It gets a bunch of rounds downrange and is accurate enough to take out the enemy at a couple hundred meters.

 

[MrMurphy]

It's an XM8, the medium sized carbine model. And with all the same crap attached (laser pointer, dot scope, etc) it's supposed to be lighter. More polymers used (the whole lower reciever, etc just like the G36).

 

[ballistic gelatin]

What the heck is a "digital camouflage pattern"?
digital camouflage pattern

 

[wmenorr67]

Digital Camo is computer generated pattern that blends into the surrounding better than the old pattern. No two patterns are supposed to be the same, I believe. The Marines have been wearing this pattern for the past year or so and looks funny up close but definatly better at a distance.

 

[Harry Tuttle]

The new uniform makes more use of Velcro, and the coat fastens in front with a zipper instead of buttons. Cuffs and pockets are fastened with Velcro, and the coat collar can be turned up and fastened Mandarin-style. The uniform is roomier and made with a no-wrinkle fabric.

velcro is quite unstealthy

 

[Harry Tuttle]

 

[ScottS]

I see the guy on the right, but on the left, there's just an XM8 suspended in the air!

Scott

 

[Kodiak AK]

Well if you had an analog moniter it would be no problem Scott.

I agree with a post I saw on AR15.com The new uniform is spiffy , but that rank on the scenter of the chest is the stupidsist thing ever.

 

[Mikul]

but that rank on the scenter of the chest is the stupidsist thing ever.

It makes an excellent target.

 

[roo_ster]

Lemme see Mr. XM-8's scare patches:
Pathfinder
Jumpmaster
CIB

And he's SFC.

Just goes to show that even experieinced & trained folks who've BTDT can get sloppy. Time for me to deliberately practice the basics again, before I hit the range. Thank you, SFC, for the inadvertant reminder.

Rank in the center of mass might help optical scope -equipped enemies, but will likely be indistinguisable at range. Still, COM indices on uniforms are a BAD IDEA. (Reminds me of the "Far Side" comic..."Bummer of a birthmark, Hal.")

 

[armoredman]

Hmmm, look a little like this?


that's Russian WWII Leaf Pattern cammies.....

 

[WT]

armoredman - I was going to say the same thing. It looks very similar to the current Russian Army cammies.

 

[Jac]

I guess the velcro's for people who can't figure out how to handle a firearm... maybe buttons are too hard as well.

 

[Shovelhead]

Don't worry, it won't last long.
First time a Col./Capt./Lt. fails to get a salute from an enlisted 'cuz someone didn't see the rank until they put their forehead in his chest, they'll go back to collar rank.

 

[Average Guy]

Go Army!

 

[Mil Novecientos Once]

this is concealment


Full story

On the battlefield, an invisibility cloak could be just the ticket. Straight out of a Harry Potter adventure, the cloak is covered with tiny light-reflective beads. It appears to be transparent as it's fitted with cameras which project what is in front of the wearer onto the back of the cloak, and vice versa.

 

[Bart Noir]

Velcro - loads up with snow and ice in certain conditions, then doesn't work. At least on field jacket sleeves. Rank badge in center of chest (or chest pocket) - done this way in several European militaries, especially France!

So how come the Yahoo photos show these guys easily picked out against the trees? Oh yeah, this cammy is good for both desert and trees. Which means the enemy will see it in both desert and trees. The Marines have two types for their new cammy. Yup, for desert and trees. I think we are seeing a hurry-up me-too effect here, by the Army.

Bart Noir
No, don't copy France! Better to wear Real-Tree from Cabelas.

 

[Shovelhead]

originally posted by Bart Noir
Rank badge in center of chest (or chest pocket) - done this way in several European militaries, especially France!

I think it's done that way in France as it's too difficult to determine rank when their hands are over their heads in surrender.

Ed

 

[BHPshooter]

Better to wear Real-Tree from Cabelas.

I've often wondered why the military doesn't go for something like Mossy Oak or that Realtree 3D stuff. To my eyes, it seems to work a lot better.

Anybody have a theory?
Wes

 

[Shovelhead]

Royalties?.........

 

[Tierhog]

Its my understanding that the military does not use real tree type cammies because they want a cammie pattern that will be usefull in a lot of enviroments and seasons.

 

[kd7ctv]

yeah but the new army one's are just plain UGLY, I mean I like the Marine Marpat's but the Army's look to funny to be taken seriously. Just my opinion....