Recent Vets. Modifcations to Army service rifles?

[C-grunt]

Its different from unit to unit. The only thing I would say is actually useful would be a mounted flashlight. A rifle with a reddot, buis, forward grip and a flashlight is all you need really. I was happy when I got the SDM role and got to take all the crap off my rifle. I didnt like the peq-2 and the other laser do dads on my rifle. I had an Acog and Harris bipod and was happy as a clam.

But really, once you're done with basic you'll find that making quick shots out to a couple hundred meters is not terribly hard.

Try to get as much training as possible. Sometimes you get to do some cool stuff in training. In Javelin missile class we got to shoot a couple tanks. One of my buddies, who re-classed from air defense, actually got to shoot down a F4 Phantom with a Stinger while he was stationed in Europe.

Dont worry about spending money on your equipment. Once you get overseas you'll be more interested in buying a microwave that putting some home bought gadget on your weapon. Plus new guys usually get the SAW.... not much to put on those.

Have fun at Benning. Remember to keep your head down and aim COM.

 

[thesolidus]

Remember the rules.

Never be standing when you can be lying down.
Hoard your food and ammo.
Never be first or last anywhere.
Never, never be alone.
Protect your medic. (can u tell i was a medic?)

Oh, and sh1t downwind. That one's important.

HUAH!

 

[Tin_Man]

Haha, thanks again for all the advice guys. A couple of people have mentioned the whole 11c thing and I have to admit, I'm scared to death of getting it. No offense to our 11c soldiers. Just not really what I'm interested in... we'll see!

Hoard your food and ammo.

This is the second time someone has told me that, any reasoning for it? I mean, are you just not issued a lot of ammo? How does that work?

 

[MD_Willington]

OT: Epic Beard

Regarding the "Epic Beard"

You can get a Dr's note for Folliculitis. Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. Then you don't have to shave...

Not sure if they changed that policy...

 

[Tin_Man]

See, THAT's some useful stuff right there

Now is this a no shaving...period type thing or can you atleast trim your beard?

 

[Jeremy2171]

Plain Jane.....all I ever needed...

 

[C-grunt]

Thats a fightin rifle right there!!!!!

Stay safe Jeremy.

 

[anthony-white]

Actually the Army is trying to cease the personal mods performed to weapons, there was a new policy letter just put out in JAN, i believe. It pretty much stated that there's no longer any tolerance for it because of the possibility of the failure of the individuals procured equipment. I know what your thinking....that it all comes from the cheapest bidder. I get it, but they are the cheapest bidder that meets the standards for said equipment.

 

[Tim the student]

I got out about a year ago, we had lots of guys do stuff to their rifles. For the most part however, I think they all generally used stuff that was an issue item (just not for them). I know guys who hated Aimpoints and bought Eotechs, guys who wanted ACOG's etc etc. If you do buy something, I would buy the best you possibly can - your life might literally depend on it.

I think that the um, more high speed units, will let you do what you want, as long as its sensible and works.
I definitely wouldn't do anything without at LEAST your team leader's approval. If he is not receptive, I would recommend not doing anything - especially talking to your squad leader without your TL's knowledge. If your SL is not receptive, definitely drop it, or I think you will get crushed.

Oh, as far as shaving profiles, you MUST trim it to 1/4", even if you never take a razor to your face again. It's in 670-1.

 

[Al Thompson]

The hoard your food thing may have come from WWII. I know that ditty has been around since my Dad's tiime in the service (Korea, 1950). I've seen more decent gear and food this last deployment than I've ever seen before.

Oh, shave that beard well before you get there - gives your skin time to heal up. If shavings a problem, learn how to use "Magic Powder" before hand. That's the name of the stuff guys suffering from bumps use. It's like Nair for guys.

 

[MD_Willington]

Magic powder works.

Africans/African American seem to get Folliculitis a lot easier than Caucasians.

A co worker in the Air Force was explaining the shaving deal to me...


Here's what some of my fellow Canucks get away with:

 

[shotgunjoel]

Jeremy2171, I like where your mind, and you selector switch, is.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

MD Wellington: "Here's what some of my fellow Canucks get away with ..."

Paul Bunyan goes to war!

I even see Babe the APC in the background.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Africans/African American seem to get Folliculitis a lot easier than Caucasians.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae. Folliculitis caused by ingrown hairs.

 

[JShirley]

Little off-topic, but I got into the habit of always taking with me:

some form of water container (even an empty water bottle);
travel toothbrush and paste;
some type of insulator (scarf or watch cap, at minimum);
ear pro;
eye pro;
book;
some type of food item, even if it's only a package of MRE cheese or peanut butter.

Things end up taking longer than expected. Almost always. You may have time on your hands. You may be stuck somewhere for a long time. Email or PM if you want more advice, it's free (for you, at least: I earned it).

John