The waiting is over, cops receive M4 carbine

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Harrell
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AFB, Ala. --  Christmas came early for security forces. After nearly three years of waiting, the 908th Security Forces Squadron finally received its new M4 Carbines. It replaces the M-16A2 rifles that have been in the unit’s inventory since 1994.

Entering service with the Air Force in 2001, the M4 Carbine is a shorter, lighter version of the M-16A2 rifle. It has a collapsible 4-position stock with a 14.5 inch barrel, making the weapon useful in close quarters or urban settings. The M4 also incorporates the Ml913 Rail Adapter System and detachable carrying handle. The weapon fires the same 5.56mm ammunition as the M-16A2, and maintains an 80 percent commonality with its bigger brother. With a weight of 7.5 pounds, it is more than a pound lighter than the M-16A2.

The most important difference in the M4 and M-16A2 is the sighting system. The M4 use a reflex optic as its primary sight instead of the old iron sights. It is mounted on a rail underneath the detachable carrying handle. The M68 Close combat optic uses a sightable, non-telescopic red-dot aiming point allowing the shooter to use both eyes for shooting.

By using both eyes, the shooter can detect other targets and quickly engage the next. The red-dot aiming point is designed so that even if the shooter moves his or her head position, the aiming point will stay on target as long as the weapon is not moved. The weapon still retains back-up removable iron sights in case the M68 primary sight is inoperative.

Originally scheduled to arrive in the unit in March 2003, the schedule for delivery was pushed back due to Operation Iraqi Freedom. DOD mandated that all combat units deploying to the region be outfitted first. In the interim, the unit began researching how to gain the maximum use of this new weapon. The result was the incorporation of the Rail Adapter System or RAS. The RAS consists of a set of lightweight sections that replace the standard hand guards on the M4 carbine. Accessories such as flashlights, laser aiming devices, and thermal sights can be attached to rails and positioned wherever needed. This allows the shooter to configure his or her weapon depending on the mission or personal preference.

“You can add a lot of bells and whistles to it,” said Tech. Sgt. David McCaughtry, NCOIC of combat arms. “The important thing about the M4 is that there won’t be a big change in training personnel on the weapon since it is so similar to the M-16A2.”

The unit M-16A2 rifles have earned their keep, most have fired tens of thousands of rounds and have been used at various deployed locations worldwide over the years. “I’m sad to see the old muskets go away,” said Tech. Sgt. Brad Counce, supply NCO. “I’ve been around the world with my rifle, and I hope that it has a happy life elsewhere.”

Although no longer the primary weapon of security forces personnel, the M-16A2 rifle will continue to serve the wing for years to come.