Military English Lessons

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

 Antiquity
 Purpose
 Uniforms of the United States Army
 Uniforms of the British Army
 Weapons
 Future Force Warrior

(For the sources of the information in this part of the lesson, see the
bibliography at the end of this unit.)
Definition: The military uniforms represent the standardized dress worn by
members of the armed forces and paramilitaries of various nations.
Military dress and military styles have gone through great changes over the
centuries from colorful and elaborate to extremely utilitarian. Military uniforms in the
form of standardized and distinctive dress, intended for identification and display, are
typically a sign of organized military forces equipped by a central authority.
A distinction should be made between uniforms and ethnic dress. If a particular
people or culture favored a distinctive dress style this could easily create the
impression of uniformly dressed warriors. The issue is further complicated by the fact
that the distinctive features of particularly effective warrior classes were often copied
– weapons, armor, fighting style and native dress. Thus the distinctive and colorful
clothing of the Hungarian hussars became a model for hussar units all over Europe.
The kilts and sporrans of Scottish highland clans were distilled into regimental dress
when the British Army started to recruit from these tribal groups.
Mercenary or irregular fighters could also develop their own fashions, which set
them apart from civilians, but were not really uniforms. The clothing of the German
Landsknechte of the 16th century is an example of distinctive military fashion.
Special units such as Zouaves developed nonstandard uniforms to distinguish them
from troops of the line.
Antiquity
There are few recorded attempts at uniform dress in antiquity. One example is
the Spanish infantry of Hannibal who wore white tunics with crimson edgings.
Another is the Spartan hoplite in his red garment. The terracotta army discovered in
the tomb of the first Emperor of Chin (c. 200 BC) have a superficial similarity but
closer examination shows up to seven different styles of armour, which do not appear
to have been standardized within separate units.
Purpose
Distinctive clothing
One purpose of military uniforms is to clearly distinguish combatants who are

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protected by the laws of war from other persons carrying weapons, who do not
always enjoy such protection. Another purpose, in historical times, was to make it
difficult for deserters to avoid detection; military uniforms were so distinctive with
many metal buttons and unique colors that they could not be modified into
unrecognizable clothing.
In societies where the military was important, the soldiers were dressed to
impress the population and themselves. If the commander raised and equipped the
troops out of his own pocket, the appearance of the soldiers was also designed to
impress his superiors. Attractive or distinctive uniforms could make a military career
desirable to young men (the “peacock” factor). As late as 1914 the British Army
found that regiments with particularly striking off duty or parade uniforms found it
easier to attract recruits.
Nationalism or Xenophobia
During the Boxer Rebellion, the Muslim Gansu Braves used traditional Chinese
uniform instead of western uniform because General Dong Fuxiang was highly
xenophobic and despised foreigners.
Visibility or camouflage
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the typical color scheme included bright
and highly contrasting color arrangements which made it easier to distinguish units in
battle. Colored uniforms were useful in enabling commanders to spot troop locations
on battlefields that were often completely obscured by smoke produced by the black
gunpowder of muskets and cannons.
However, with the growing prevalence of accurate rifles and other ranged
firearms as standard weapons for infantry, it was found, from about the 1880s on, that
these colors made soldiers easy targets for enemies to shoot at a distance.
These weapons used a new smokeless powder that generated far less smoke leaving
the battlefield unobscured by smoke and making brightly colored troops into highly
visible targets. In reaction, the various militaries, beginning with the British Army,
changed the colors, predominantly to such ones that blended in more with the terrain,
such as khaki, grey or olive drab for the purposes of camouflage. In addition, this
idea was followed with uniforms suitable for particular climates and seasons such as
white for snowy regions and tan for sandy ones. Now most armies have some form of
camouflaged uniform.
Many modern military forces now utilize a system of combat uniforms that not
only break up the outline of the soldier for use on the battlefield during the daytime,
but also employ a distinctive appearance that makes them difficult to detect with light
amplification devices, such as night-vision goggles (NVGs). These modern “digital”
print uniforms present a somewhat splotched appearance, generally of somewhat
muted colors, that provide visual concealment in a variety of surroundings. The
United States Army now issues, for all theaters of operations, the Army Combat
Uniform (ACU), which replaces the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and the Desert
Combat Uniform (DCU). The color scheme on these ACUs is a faded green/grey/tan

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pattern of random-appearing rectangular shapes. The United States Marines

considered adopting CADPAT for their new pattern, however the Canadian
government owns the copyright for the pattern. The Canadian government supplied
information and manufacturers to help the Marines with the computer-generated
Digital Pattern pixilated uniform the Canadians had been developing since 1988.
Logistics
Mass-produced uniforms are a good way to equip thousands of soldiers quickly
and efficiently. Uniforms in standard sizes and designs are also easier to replace on
campaign. As an example, English levies raised for service in Ireland or the
Continent during the 17th century came to be provided with clothing purchased in
bulk and often of a standard color or cut.
Psychological warfare
The appearance of the troops was often enhanced in some way to intimidate the
enemy. The tall, mitre-shaped caps worn by grenadiers in the 18 th century made their
wearers appear bigger and more impressive. King Frederick William I of Prussia had a
guard unit of especially tall men with tall mitre hats, the Potsdam Giants. Prussian hussars
wore the “skull and crossbones” (Totenkopf) on their hats from 1740 to 1918. This
tradition continues into the present day with nose art and fin flash on combat aircraft.
The warriors of ancient Sparta, normally known for their austere lifestyle, wore
expensive red cloaks. Reportedly this was adopted as the only color on which the
spilled blood of their enemies would not leave stains. There is a popular myth that the
historic red coat of the English soldier was adopted for the same reason.
Hair styles in military organizations usually follow civilian fashions, but
sometimes certain features are associated with soldiers. In the late 19 th century, the
ornate beards and moustaches worn by the officers of the day, which complemented
their rank and age, were also worn by socially equivalent civilians. In the 20th and 21st
centuries, the “high and tight” haircut often distinguished low-ranking soldiers,
particularly infantrymen, or, in the United States, Marines and Soldiers of all ranks.
The principal purpose, however, of the “high and tight” is to prevent lice, promote
general hygiene, and with modern regulations against beards to ensure a good seal is
made around the face when using a gas mask.
Uniforms of the United States Army
The United States Army has two primary uniforms:
● the Army Combat Uniform, used in operational environments;
● the Army Service Uniform – formal and ceremonial occasions.
The Combat Uniform
The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is the utility uniform worn in garrison and in
combat zones. It is
● used in woodland, desert, and urban environments;
● has a digital camouflage pattern = the Universal Camouflage Pattern;
● comes with a flame resistant Army Combat Shirt;
● in Afghanistan – a “Multicam” pattern;
● the cost is $76 per uniform;

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● the insignia and tags are extra purchases.

The uniforms purchased from commercial websites and surplus stores (sell to
the general public) do not have the IR squares. The jacket of the ACU has hook-and-
loop-backed attachments to secure name tapes, rank insignia, and shoulder patches
and tabs, recognition devices (e.g. American flag patch, IR tab).

Headgear
In the field, the ACU is worn with
● the MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet;
● a patrol cap;
● a boonie hat.
In garrison, it is used with a
● conventional unit beret;
● patrol cap.

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MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet

patrol cap

Boonie hat

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Footwear
Tan Army Combat Boots

● often specialized for certain climates and conditions such as:

– jungle boots;
– desert boots;
– cold weather boots.
● as well as specific uses, such as:
– tanker boots;
– jump boots.
Uniform care
● the ACUs are not to be starched;
● must be washed with a mild detergent that does not contain optical
brighteners;
● starching causes discoloration;
● enhances the IR signature and the uniform becomes inappropriately bright
under night vision viewing.
The Service Uniform
● is the standard garrison service uniform;
● inspired by the “Virginia Blues” of George Washington’s first command;
● functions as
– a garrison uniform (with a white shirt and necktie);
– a dress uniform (with a white shirt and a bow tie for “after six”/“black tie”
events).
The Mess Uniform
● formal evening dress worn in the mess / at other formal occasions.
Army Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU) – a tracksuit, marked with the
ARMY
name on it.
Special Branch Uniforms
● special uniforms issued to soldiers
– in aviation fields;
– medical;
– food service personnel.

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Aviation uniforms historically include the one-piece flight suit, constructed of

flame resistant Nomex fabric, which have been issued in Olive Drab Green or Desert
Tan, depending upon the area of intended use. The current flight-approved uniform is
the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU), which is outwardly similar to the ACU.
Medical personnel may wear unit-issued hospital scrubs, but the official uniform
for medical personnel assigned to medical activities such as hospitals and clinics include
white pants, different versions of white shirts for male or female soldiers, black or white
low quarter shoes, and accompanying insignia. A personally purchased white cardigan
can be worn with this uniform in addition to other authorized uniform items.
Food service personnel may receive exactly the same uniform as male and
female medical personnel with differing accoutrements, and mess hall supervisors
may a similar uniform with black pants.

Mess dress

Army Service Uniform – Class A

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Army Service Uniform – Class B

The British Army uniform
British Army uniform currently exists in several grades, which are worn
depending on the requirements of a unit or individual, ranging from ceremonial
uniforms to combat dress.
In January 1902 the British army adopted a universal khaki uniform for home
service wear after experience with lighter khaki drill in India and South Africa. The
traditional scarlet, blue and green uniforms were however retained for full dress and
off duty “walking out dress” wear. The adoption of khaki for active service resulted
from the development of weapons of greater accuracy range combined with
smokeless powder during the late 19th century, making low-visibility on the
battlefield a matter of priority.
Uniform numbers
Fourteen ‘orders’ of dress are authorized and prescribed to be worn on various
occasions; “Full Dress” is also prescribed for the most important ceremonies.
While there are officially fifteen different grades (or ‘Numbers’), many of these
are rarely worn or are being phased out altogether. Uniform distinctions can vary
greatly from one Regiment or Corps to another, and the following descriptions are a
generalization.
Full dress
Full dress is the most elaborate order worn by the British Army. Full dress is
now rarely worn except by the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry. It is issued at
public expense to these units; other units may obtain and wear Full Dress for use in
historical displays, when acting as ushers or lining parties at weddings, and when
acting as a sword guard to the Royal Horse Artillery. However, these uniforms must
be purchased and maintained from non-public funds.
Each regiment or corps which commonly wears Full Dress prescribes its own
unique style, approved by the Army Dress Committee. They are generally a modified
version of the pre-1914 uniforms.
Full Dress is worn whenever a parade is attended or ordained by the monarch or
a member of the British Royal Family.
Examples of Full dress uniform

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Soldiers of the Irish Guards in Full Dress (as with the other regiments
of the Foot Guards, a tall Bearskin is worn).

No. 1: Temperate ceremonial uniform

No. 1 dress, sometimes referred to as “blues”, is a universal ceremonial uniform
which is almost consistent throughout the British Army. No. 1 Dress is only worn on
ceremonial occasions, and, in some regiments, by the duty officer. It is also regularly
required to be worn by a short list of other units, senior staff officers (above the rank
of Major-General), and officers appointed as aides to the Royal Family.
Related to No. 1 Dress is the ‘Frock Coat’ sometimes worn by senior officers (of
Lieutenant-General rank and above, or holders of certain Royal appointments) and
some bandmasters etc.

General officer wearing Frock coat Frock coat worn with cocked hat
No. 2: Service dress (temperate parade uniform)
This uniform is worn for most formal duties by all units. It consists, for most
corps and regiments, of a khaki jacket, shirt and tie with trousers or a skirt. Head
dress is the same as that worn with No. 1 dress, with several exceptions Officers are
required to purchase their service dress, being provided with a Uniform Allowance to
offset this and other uniform purchases. The pattern and material differs between
Regiments. Every regular army soldier is issued with one suit of No. 2 dress.
In general, issue of this order of dress to units of the Territorial Army is limited, with
pools of khaki uniforms being held for use.
No. 3: Warm weather ceremonial uniform

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No. 3 dress is the warm weather equivalent of No. 1 dress, worn for specified
overseas stations or assignments.
Since the 1970s this order has consisted of the same white tunic but now worn
with colored No. 1 dress trousers. Head dress, footwear and badges are generally as
for No. 1 dress. This uniform is now usually restricted to military attaches in hot
weather postings, the Bermuda Regiment, and a few bands.
No. 4: Warm weather Service Dress (officers only)
Issued to officers on first posting to a warm weather area: the uniform is similar
to No. 2 dress but in a stone colored polyester/woolenworsted mix. No. 4 dress may
be worn on formal occasions when not on parade with troops. When officers are
taking part in parades and formations with other ranks in warm weather areas, they
wear either No. 3 or No. 6 dress.
No. 5: Desert combat dress
Desert combat clothing is listed as: hat, jacket and trousers DPM (disruptive
pattern material) and is issued to soldiers posted to Cyprus and the Middle East.
No. 6: Warm weather parade uniform (bush jacket)
It consists of a tan bush-style 4-button jacket worn with or without a shirt and tie
underneath and tan trousers. It is worn by all ranks for parades, unless No. 3 dress is
worn, and by Ors (other ranks) for all other occasions.
No. 7: Warm weather barrack dress
The tropical shirt-and-trousers uniform, consisting of a tan long-sleeve shirt
worn with tan “battle dress” trousers (kilt or trews for Scottish regiments), stable belt
and regimental headgear.
No. 8: Temperate combat dress
Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) field jacket (smock) and trousers, worn with beret,
helmet or camouflaged hat. The current system is known as Combat Uniform (CU).
In recent years, the British army has begun introducing Tactical Recognition Flashes
(distinctive insignia worn on the arm of combat gear) that denote the wearer’s
regiment or corps. The clothing system is designed to be lightweight, yet durable
enough to be used throughout rigorous activities soldiers find themselves performing.
It has also been designed with the idea that layers of clothing (referred to as onion
skins) which are much warmer and flexible than a singular thick layer. In addition to
the shirt; a t-shirt, vest, combat jacket, shirt man’s field, a Gore-Tex fabric waterproof
jacket is worn dependent on weather, along with various types of gloves, underwear,
trousers, all-in-one suits etc.
Working headdress is normally worn, which is typically a beret. The color of the
beret usually shows what type of regiment the wearer is from.

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The beret will often be replaced with the Combat Helmet, covered in DPM
material. However, in jungle conditions, the helmet is often replaced with a DPM
bush hat – or equally in cold conditions, a DPM peaked hat, a rolled woolen tube
known as a cap comforter, or other specialized headgear. When the British Army
finds itself in peacekeeping roles, regimental headdress is worn in preference to the
helmet or DPM hat, in order to appear less hostile to local civilians.
Some Regiments and Corps wear a stable belt in No 8 dress.
On exercises and operations the stable belt replaced with a plain green field belt.
The woolen pullover (jumper, sweater or Woolly Pully) has been used for
several decades and originally each soldier was issued with two. However, one
pullover has been replaced by a ‘Liner, thermal’, which is not intended to be worn as
an outer garment.
No. 9: Tropical Combat Dress
No. 9 dress is no longer provided, being replaced by Combat Soldier 95 No. 8
Dress.
No. 10: Temperate mess dress
Short Jacket, with which men wear trousers, overalls or a kilt, and women a long
dress or skirt. Normally worn by the rank of Sergeant upwards for formal functions,
its colors and pattern can vary greatly from unit to unit, but generally match the
traditional full dress of the regiment or corps. Thus jackets can be scarlet, dark blue
or green with facings and waistcoats in regimental colors.
No. 11: Warm weather mess dress
A white jacket is substituted for the colored one of temperate mess dress.
Waistcoats are not worn.
No. 12: Protective clothing
Formerly olive green shirt and trousers, it has been replaced with smart Combat
Dress: ironed shirt and trousers worn with beret and stable belt (identical to that of
No. 7 Dress). The current uniform worn by soldiers most of the time, it is to be
supplemented by the new Barrack Dress.
No. 13: Temperate barrack dress
Khaki Barrack dress trousers and the khaki shirt from No. 2 dress with pullover
and stable belt. Some regiments’ officers and WOs may wear colored pullovers in
place of the green pattern. A regimental pattern colored side hat (officially described
as a cap field service) may be worn at the commanding officer's discretion.
No. 14: Shirt Sleeve Order
As for No. 13, but with the shirt sleeves rolled up to above elbow level (or short
sleeve shirt in the new Future Army Dress (FAD) barrack dress). The pullover is not
worn.
No. 15: Blue Patrols
An undress uniform (a uniform worn on other than formal occasions) worn on
semi-formal occasions by officers and Regimental Sergeant Majors of the Royal
Regiment of Scotland. No 15 dress consists of a blue patrol jacket, tartan trews and
Glengarry head dress.

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Glengarry cap
Weapons – Assault rifles
An assault rifle is a selective fire (selective between automatic, semi-automatic,
and burst fire) rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine.
Assault rifles are the standard service rifles in most modern armies. Fully automatic
fire refers to an ability for a rifle to fire continuously while the trigger is pressed;
“burst-capable” fire refers to an ability of a rifle to fire a small yet fixed multiple
number of rounds with one press of the trigger; in contrast, semi-automatic refers to
an ability to fire one round per press of a trigger. The presence of selective fire modes
on assault rifles permits more efficient use of rounds to be fired for specific needs,
versus having a single mode of operation, such as fully automatic, thereby conserving
ammunition while maximizing on-target accuracy and effectiveness.
The SA80 (Small Arms for the 1980s) is a British family of 5.56mm small arms.
It is a selective fire, gas-operated assault rifle. The L85 rifle variant of the SA80
family has been the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces since
1987. The improved L85A2 remains in service today. The remainder of the family
comprises the L86 Light Support Weapon, the short-barreled L22 carbine and the
L98 Cadet rifle.
L85 Rifle

ARES L85A2 AFV

The L85 rifle, in its improved A2 version, is the standard individual weapon for
the British armed forces.
On operations the rifle is often fitted with a LLM01 Laser Light Module. The
L85A2 can also mount the L123A2 UGL40 mm underbarrel grenade launcher.
Magazines issued with the L85A1 were aluminum, and not very robust. There are now

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three types of magazine issued with the L85A2, the most recent being the plastic
Magpul EMAG, the other two are of steel construction with a stainless steel follower.
The main variant is for live ammunition, and the other is exclusively used for blank
ammunition. The blank variant is identified by yellow stripes on the magazine, and is
designed to prevent the loading of live rounds. As blank rounds are shorter than live
rounds, live rounds will not physically fit into the blank magazine. Blank rounds will fit
into the normal magazine, but their slightly shorter length creates problems with
jamming.

From top to bottom: M16A1, M16A2, M4A1, M16A4

The M16 is a lightweight, 5.56 mm, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed assault
rifle, with a rotating bolt, actuated by direct impingement gas operation. The rifle is
made of steel, 7075 aluminum alloy, composite plastics and polymer materials.
In the early 1960s, the U.S. Air Force’s rifle, the M16, and the Army’s
XM16E1, were the first versions of the M16 rifle fielded. Soon, the U.S. Army
standardized an upgrade of the XM16E1 as the M16A1 rifle, an M16 with a forward
assist feature and other improvements requested by the Army. Commercial AR-15s
were first issued to Special Forces troops in spring of 1964.
The M16A2 rifle entered service in the 1980s, being ordered in large scale by
1987, chambered to fire the standard NATO cartridge, the Belgian-designed
M855/M856 cartridge. The M16A2 is a select-fire rifle (semi-automatic fire, three-
round-burst fire) incorporating design elements requested by the Marine Corps: an
adjustable, windage rear-sight; a stock 5⁄8 inches (15.9 mm) longer; heavier barrel;
case deflector for left-hand shooters; and cylindrical handguards. The fire mode
selector is on the receiver’s left side.
The M16A3 rifle is an M16A2 rifle with an M16A1’s fire control group (semi-
automatic fire, automatic fire) that is used only by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.
The M16A4 rifle was standard issue for the United States Marine Corps in
Operation Iraqi Freedom after 2004; it replaced the M16A2 in front line units. In the
U.S. Army, the M16A2 rifle is being supplemented with two rifle models, the
M16A4 and the M4 carbine, as the standard issue assault rifle.
The M16 rifle is principally manufactured by Colt and Fabrique Nationale de
Herstal, with variants made elsewhere in the world. Versions for the U.S. military

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have also been made by H and R Firearms General Motors Hydramatic Division and
most recently by Sabre Defence. Semi-automatic versions of the AR-15 are popular
recreational shooting rifles, with versions manufactured by other small and large
manufacturers in the U.S.
5.56 mm cartridge
The 5.56x45 mm cartridge originally developed by Armalite had many
advantages over the 7.62x51 mm NATO round used in the M14 rifle. Most of these
reasons were due to the dense and humid jungle in which United States soldiers were
fighting during the Vietnam War. The 5.56 mm cartridge was developed as a more
medium range alternative to the larger caliber round used in M14 and M1A rifles;
each soldier can carry more ammunition and engage enemy targets more effectively
at shorter distances. It was also found useful in automatic and burst fire, developing
the M16 into variants such as the M16A3 and current M16A4.
History
ArmaLite sold its rights to the AR-15 to Colt in 1959. The AR-15 was first
adopted in 1962 by the United States Air Force, ultimately receiving the designation
M16. The U.S. Army began to field the XM16E1 en masse in 1965. The U.S. Marine
Corps in South Vietnam also experimented with the M16 rifle in combat during this
period. The XM16E1 was standardized as the M16A1 in 1967. This version remained
the primary infantry rifle of U.S. forces in South Vietnam until the end of the war in
1973, and remained with all U.S. military ground forces after it had replaced the
M14service rifle in 1970 in CONUS, Europe (Germany), and South Korea; when it
was supplemented by the M16A2. During the early 1980s a roughly standardized load
for this ammunition was adopted throughout NATO.
Main parts of an M16A2 ● Handguard
● Upper receiver; ● Rifle grip
● Lower receiver; ● Buttstock;
● Barrel; ● Trigger and open trigger guard.
● Muzzle;
● Magazine;
● Sling;
● Bolt carrier group;
● Charging handle;
● Barrel assembly;
● Ejection port;
● Forward assist;
● Cartridge inside chamber;
● Firing pin;
● Bolt;
● Lug;
● Compensator;
● Front sight;
● Rear sight;
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 The AK-47 and M16
The two most common assault rifles in the world are the Russian AK-47 and
the American M16. These Cold War rivals have faced each other in conflicts both
large and small since the early 1960s. They are used by military, police, security
forces, revolutionaries, terrorists, criminals, and civilians alike. They will most
likely continue to be used for decades to come. As a result, they have been the
subject of endless controversy and countless comparisons.

Soviet AK-47, first model variation

The first assault rifle to see service was created in 1915 by Vladimir
Fyodorov, following the experience gathered in the Russo-Japanese War. Several
countries had already developed and adopted low-power rifle cartridges since
1890s (such as 6.5×52 mm Mannlicher-Carcano) as their standard infantry
ammunition. The Russo-Japanese war, however, had demonstrated the regular
rifles’ lack of suppressive firepower, in addition to the excessive range of their
ammunition. The latter was also confirmed in World War I. Fyodorov’s assault
rifle went out of production when the Soviet armed forces decided to standardize
its infantry weaponry around only the most popular types of cartridges after the
Russian Civil War. The Soviet Union had returned to the development of an
assault rifle in 1942 when the need for an intermediate-powered rifle became
clearly evident. By that time submachine guns were already in widespread use but
they could not replace service rifles because of limited power of pistol cartridges.
Like the Germans, the Soviets designed an intermediate cartridge that could be
made on existing production lines (despite Vladimir Fyodorov’s insistence on a
special small-calibre cartridge). The work on the weapons for the new ammunition
commenced in 1943, with the AK-47 of Mikhail Kalashnikov, the SKS-45 of
Sergei Simonov and the RPD of Vasily Degtyaryov emerging as the victors.
The AK-47 was finalized, adopted and entered widespread service in the
Soviet army in the early 1950s.Its firepower, ease of use, low production costs, and
reliability were perfectly suited for the Red Army’s new mobile warfare doctrines.
The AK-47 was widely supplied or sold to nations allied with the USSR and the
blueprints were shared with several friendly nations (the People’s Republic of
China standing out among these with the Type 56).
The U.S. Army was influenced by combat experience with semi-automatic
weapons such as the M1 Garand and M1 carbine, which enjoyed a significant
advantage over enemies armed primarily with bolt-action rifles. Although U.S.
Army studies of World War II combat accounts had very similar results to that of
the Germans and Soviets, the U.S. Army maintained its traditional views and
preference for high-powered semi-automatic rifles. After World War II, the United
States military started looking for a single automatic rifle to replace the M1
Garand, M1/M2 Carbines, M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, M3 “Grease Gun”
and Thompson submachine gun. Early experiments with select-fire versions of the
M1 Garand proved disappointing. Also, combat experience suggested that the .30
Carbine round was underpowered. American weapons designers reached the same
conclusion as the Germans and Soviets: an intermediate round was necessary, and
recommended a small caliber, high velocity cartridge.
However, senior American commanders having faced fanatical enemies and
experienced major logistical problems during World War II and the Korean War,
insisted that a single powerful .30 caliber cartridge be developed, that could not
only be used by the new automatic rifle, but by the new general purpose machine
gun (GPMG) in concurrent development.[This culminated in the development of
the 7.62x51 NATO cartridge and the M14 rifle, which was basically an improved
select-fire M1 Garand with a 20 round magazine. The U.S. also adopted the M60
GPMG.
The first confrontations between the AK-47 and the M14 came in the early
part of the Vietnam War. Battlefield reports indicated that the M14 was
uncontrollable in full-auto and that soldiers could not carry enough ammo to
maintain fire superiority over the AK-47. A replacement was needed: A bridge
between the traditional preference for high-powered rifles such as the M14, and the
lightweight firepower of the M2 Carbine.
As a result, the Army was forced to reconsider a 1957 request by General
Willard G. Wyman, commander of the U.S. Continental Army Command
(CONARC) to develop a .223 caliber (5.56 mm) select-fire rifle weighing 6 lbs (2.7
kg) when loaded with a 20 round magazine. The 5.56 mm round had to penetrate a
standard U.S. helmet at 500 yards (460 meters) and retain a velocity in excess of the
speed of sound, while matching or exceeding the wounding ability of the .30 Carbine
cartridge.
This request ultimately resulted in the development of a scaled-down version
of the ArmaliteAR-10, called AR-15 rifle. However, despite overwhelming
evidence that the AR-15 could bring more firepower to bear than the M14, the
Army opposed the adoption of the new rifle. In January 1963, Secretary of Defense
Robert McNamara concluded that the AR-15 was the superior weapon system and
ordered a halt to M14 production. At the time, the AR-15 was the only rifle
available that could fulfill the requirement of a universal infantry weapon for issue
to all services. After modifications, the new redesigned rifle was subsequently
adopted as the M16.
Future Force Warrior
The Future Force Warrior is a UNITED STATES military initiative – part of
the Future Combat Systems project. It seeks to create a lightweight, fully
integrated infantryman combat system, envisions the radical use of technologies:
– nanotechnology;
– artificial powered exoskeletons;
– magnetorheological fluid based body armor.
During the 1st phase of the project there will take place a development of the
technologies to
● reduce the soldier’s fighting load and power requirements;
● improve the soldier’s protection, lethality, and environmental and
situational awareness;
● introduce the subsystems in “spirals” every 2 years;
● the U.S. military will have a fully realized end product in 2032.
Basic Features
Headgear Subsystem
● is the situational awareness hub of the system;
● has integrated tactical processing by providing:
– maps, routes, and data with a 180° emissive visor display;
– high bandwidth wireless communications;
– microelectronic/optics combat sensor suite that provides
360° situational awareness;
– integrated small arms protection.
Combat Uniform Subsystem
● aims to protect the soldier by providing full-body bullet and fragmentation
protection;
● experts are developing a ferrofluid smart material;
● a “Shear-Thickening Liquid” armor additive (a mixture of polyethylene
glycol and nanobits of silica.
Weapons Subsystem
● a pistol-like combat weapon used for both indirect fire and direct fire;
● a caseless rifle has been projected as the standard infantry weapon;
● a new experimental weapon called the ElectroDart.
Warfighter Physiological Status Monitor Subsystem
● is an on-board physiological and medical sensor suit;
 ● collects and monitors information regarding vital signs such as:
– body temperature;
– heart rate;
– blood pressure;
– hydration;
– stress levels;
– sleep status;
– body positioning;
– workload capacity of the warrior.
● it can notify medics and commanders if the soldier is wounded/fatigued.
Micro-climate Conditioning Subsystem
● is a network of narrow tubing;
● provides 100 watts of heating or cooling to the soldier.
Power Subsystem
● would be fed by a 2 to 20 watt Micro Turbine;
● fueled by a liquid hydrocarbon fuel cell;
● 10 oz of fuel power the soldier’s integrated electronics ensemble for up to
6 days.

Future Force Warrior 2020

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