Weapon Systems
USMC M4 Carbine and M203 Grenade Launcher
Period: 1994 to present.
With less weight and a shorter barrel, the M4 Carbine rifle ensures the "Every Marine a Rifleman" credo is just as appropriate at shorter distances and in confined space as it is from 500 yards out. Whether moving town to town or room to room, Marines continue to exhibit exceptional marksmanship with the M4.
The M203 is a single-shot, 40mm grenade launcher that attaches to the M16 assault rifle and the M4 Carbine. When targets cannot be accessed by direct fire, Marines use the M203 Grenade Launcher to engage enemies. Typically, this weapon is carried by each fire team's Team Leader.
USMC M240B Machinegun
Period: Late 1990s.
The M240 Machinegun provides Marines with a continuous and high rate of fire to engage long-range targets. It is a heavier automatic weapon than the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) but provides a faster rate of fire and a longer effective range. Typically, the tripod is employed when the weapon is to be used for defensive situations, or when precise fire is needed in support of maneuver units. The bipod is always attached and is suitable for use while patrolling. M240B can also be mounted on tanks and light armored vehicles.
USMC M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR)
Period: 2010 to present.
The M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) is a lightweight, magazine-fed 5.56mm weapon used by the United States Marine Corps. It is intended to enhance an automatic rifleman's maneuverability, and it is based on the Heckler & Koch HK416.
