M27 vs SAW in the USMC Rifle Platoon

[Carl Schwamberg]

Never the less it is still the practice. I've read accounts from USMC rifle companys in Iraq, how the squads used different drills/configurations. ie: the SAW remained outside the buildings in the covering group, they were awkward when used with the room clearing teams. During my own years in rifle companies few of us regarded the standard rifle squad as a iviolable structure.

[Jay217]

I'd rather see 2 M249 than 2 M27. I still don't see why 30rounds of very accurate 'suppressive fire' is better than 200 rounds of accurate 'suppressive fire'.

with a larger enfilade there is a bigger area of heads hitting the dirt looking for cover. it is not the purpose of the SUPPORT gunner to actively get the kill. by suppressing them the marines with their rifles can get into position with minimal fire against them.

if the brass is too concerned and needs the accurate fire may as well equip them all with rifles and just appoint a few soldiers to carry the additional magazines.

[Pruitt]

I would rather see a M-240 in each squad. You can carry two M-27's in the company Arms Room to swap for the other two M-249's in the Squad. Yes a M-240 means having two types of ammo, but the Marines will not always be doing room clearing in a MOUT situation. The M-240 will provide long range fire when called for and will go through some walls the 5.56 will not go through.

Pruitt