Soldier Perspectives on Small Arms in Combat

Project Manager Soldier Weapons (PMSW) supports soldiers through the development and procurement of weapon systems, ammunition, and other associated target acquisition/fire control products. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), individual soldiers have raised concerns with their small arms in combat. The Army would like to obtain a much broader understanding of soldiers’ views of their small arms.

This study assessed soldier perspectives on the reliability and durability of their weapon systems in combat to aid in decisions regarding current and future small arms needs of the Army. The weapons examined in this study were the M9 pistol, M4 and M16 (A2 and A4) rifles, and the M249 light machine gun. These four weapon systems are the standard issue individual weapons being used by Army soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Weapon reliability is defined as soldier level of confidence that their weapon will fire without stoppage in the combat environment. Weapon durability is defined as soldier level of confidence that their weapon will not suffer breakage or failure that necessitates repair before further use. CNA conducted over 2,600 surveys with soldiers who had returned from Iraq or Afghanistan within the previous 12 months and had engaged in a firefight using the M9, M4, M16 (A2 or A4), or M249 during their last deployment. The survey covered key issues related to weapon reliability and durability including training and experience, weapon maintenance/cleaning, weapon stoppages, accessories, and environment. In addition, the survey assessed soldier satisfaction levels with the weapon systems and related components.