{"id":313701,"date":"2024-10-27T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=313701"},"modified":"2024-10-28T16:38:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T16:38:06","slug":"101st-airborne-soldiers-assess-new-next-generation-squad-weapon-with-6-8mm-ammo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=313701","title":{"rendered":"101st Airborne Soldiers assess new Next Generation Squad Weapon with 6.8mm ammo"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engages targets with an XM250 weapon system after bounding as part of the individual movement techniques (IMT) lane during Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 16 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engages targets during an individual movement techniques (IMT) lane as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 16 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engages a target at roughly 800-meters on the enemy counterattack lane, during the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 15 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division executes night Urban Rifle Marksmanship training, during the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 14 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky \u2014 Roughly 200 Airborne Infantry Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are running the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system through its paces here from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30.<\/p>\n

Soldiers from Alpha and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment are taking part in an operational assessment (OA) featuring a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges.<\/p>\n

It is a key step in modernizing the combat force and aims to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers, according to Mr. Elbert L. Grayson, Supervisory Military Test Plans Analyst, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Army needs equipment to continually evolve, to meet the threat of our adversaries,\u201d said Grayson.<\/p>\n

The NGSW system will be the next stage in that evolution.<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Army Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engage a 25-meter target during the Urban Rifle Marksmanship training as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 14 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division execute a building entry and room clearance as part of an urban attack, during Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 10 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This exercise was part of the 72-hour combat operations, an essential step in modernizing the combat force for over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n Two U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engage opposing forces as part of a 72-hour mission scenario during the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 10 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force and aims to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division depart for a day of squad live fire exercises as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 10 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\u201cInformation is needed to make improvements to the NGSW that will benefit America\u2019s most precious resource, our Soldiers,\u201d Grayson added.<\/p>\n

The new weapon system is slated to replace the M4 carbine and M249 squad automatic weapons, representing a significant advancement in firepower, range and accuracy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving seen the capabilities of the 6.8 [mm] round, I have confidence that it will easily do in one to two rounds, what the 5.56 [mm] did in two to four,\u201d said Capt. John M. Green, Commander of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.<\/p>\n

Direct feedback from U.S. Army Soldiers provides invaluable insight to ensure future warfighters receive the best possible equipment when it matters most.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe force on force is really exciting, really fun, getting in there and doing training against human beings, not just targets, and actually squaring off [against another] unit making plans and objectives, I think it is a really good training experience for sure,\u201d explained Sgt. Todd Smallwood, First Squad Team Leader, A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.<\/p>\n

According to Grayson, the NGSW testing is being conducted under the most rigorous conditions to simulate real combat and ensure that the weapon can meet the demand of future conflicts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have been doing the operational assessment on the NGSW weapons, the XM7, the XM250, and also with the XM157 scopes on the weapon systems,\u201d said Smallwood. \u201cWe’ve been doing quite a bit of ranges, and pop-up targets, trying to recreate platoon assault objectives.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n A U.S. Army Soldier from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engages Bravo Company opposing Forces during a 72-hour Mission Scenario, as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 9 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engages Bravo Company opposing forces during a 72-hour Mission Scenario, as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 9 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division maneuvers into position while conducting movement to contact, deliberate attack, and hasty defense exercises as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 8 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division takes aim with his XM7 rifle while conducting movement to contact, deliberate attack, and hasty defense exercises, as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 8 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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Besides standard training environments, the operational assessment was designed to simulate combat as closely as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe capability of the [6.8mm] round being able to puncture and turn cover into concealment, I think it will make a huge difference in urban and forest environments,\u201d said Smallwood.<\/p>\n

Soldiers were challenged to perform individual movement techniques (IMT) while engaging targets up to 300 meters away. This IMT lane requires Soldiers to bound, low-crawl, and high-crawl while maintaining accurate fire, ensuring that the weapon performed reliably under strenuous conditions.<\/p>\n

They had to complete the course while under simulated combat stress, pushing their physical and mental limits.<\/p>\n

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\n A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division reloads his rifle while conducting movement to contact, deliberate attack, and hasty defense exercises, as part of Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 8 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The operational assessment features a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges and is a key step in modernizing the combat force, aiming to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers.
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\u201cWe did 72 hours of force-on-force (FOF), urban rifle marksmanship (URM), and we\u2019re going to finish with a stress shoot,\u201d said 1st\u00a0Sgt. Barron C. Garrard, First Sergeant of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV. \u201cI think it [the NGSW] will change daily life in the way that we fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

In preparation for future operational environments, Soldiers also tested the NGSW in simulated chemical, biologic, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like the fact that the testing of equipment has a possible impact on the next generation Soldiers that will be using it,\u201d said Grayson. \u201cMy son is a Soldier that may use equipment that I have had a part in testing, so I\u2019m motivated to provide the most accurate data for Army leadership to make the most informed acquisition decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

This critical aspect of the assessment ensured that the weapon system can be operated even in the aftermath of a chemical, nuclear or biological environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u00a0NGSW’s\u00a0advanced\u00a0capabilities\u00a0and\u00a0comprehensive\u00a0training\u00a0program will\u00a0significantly\u00a0enhance\u00a0the\u00a0lethality\u00a0and\u00a0survivability\u00a0of\u00a0our\u00a0troops,\u00a0ensuring\u00a0they\u00a0are prepared\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0challenges\u00a0of\u00a0future\u00a0combat\u00a0operations,\u201d said Mr.\u00a0Troy\u00a0Willey, Test Officer in Charge with MTD. \u201cThe 6.8mm round offers superior ballistic performance and the NGSW overall represents a significant leap in lethality.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u00a0feel\u00a0privileged\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0part\u00a0of\u00a0this\u00a0transformative\u00a0period\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0Army,\u201d Willey continued. \u201cWorking\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0Soldiers who are assigned this system during the assessment is an absolute honor.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1 \/ 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption \u2013 A U.S. Army Soldier from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division engages targets with an XM250 weapon system after bounding as part of the individual movement techniques (IMT) lane during Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system testing Oct. 16 at Fort Campbell, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":313703,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-313701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/313701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=313701"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/313701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":313717,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/313701\/revisions\/313717"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/313703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=313701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=313701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=313701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}