Size:
5.56mm

Weight:
7 lbs

Range:
450 yards

Type of Fire:
Semi-automatic, three round bursts

Magazine Capacity:
30 rounds

Attachments:
Bayonet (M7)
Grenade Launcher (M203)

*Developed for use in Vietnam, the M-16A2 is now the primary combat rifle with the U.S. military and many of our allies around the world. This weapon is seen everywhere in Operation Desert Shield/Storm as all U.S. Troops in the Saudi Arabia are under standing orders to carry their weapons at all times. Saudi and Kuwaiti forces are also armed with M-16s. 

Iraqi Counterpart
The Iraqis are armed with the standard Eastern Bloc weapon, the AK-74 and the AK-47. This weapon is a favorite of many Third World guerrilla groups and is made under a variety of names by other East Bloc and communist countries.  

Actions in Desert Storm
Desert Storm reemphasized that the soldier behind the weapon is just as important, if not more important than the weapon he is using. In Operation Desert Storm, this was demonstrated by the care and quality of the soldier's rifle. Fighting off the sand and the
grit proved difficult for even the most cautious soldier, but U.S. forces took extreme pride in keep their weapons in optimum operating condition by cleaning and protecting their M-16s from the elements. In fact, it was reported that a number of units used condoms provided the American troops as hastily improvised M-16 barrel covers. A number of the Iraqi AKs were found to be poorly maintained and in some cases, not operable at all, giving a good indication of the state of the Iraqi Army.

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