Hey all,
I was just looking at a photo on Army.mil today of a TF34 Armor Abrams and I noticed that the loader’s MG is not the standard 240 that one finds in every M-1A1 model kit, but a regular, infantry M240B. Is this normal? or did they simply not have a vehicle 240, so they “acquired” an infantry one?
Here’s the link: http://www4.army.mil/OCPA/uploads/large/CSA-2005-12-12-094638.jpg
I saw a couple like this over there never got an answer as to the reason unless they did no thave enough operational 240c to deploy with
ssgkopp
Some tankers swap out the standard M240D for an M240B since it gives them more flexability. When you mount the M240B, you can only attach the front mounting pin. This allows you to elevate and depress the gun quicker. It is also easier to aim the M240B since you have the buttstock and can take better aimed shots as opposed to spraying down the target. It can also be quickly dismounted for patrolling or road block/checkpoint operations.
As a side note, it is an M1A1. There is no dash in the nomenclature.
Roger that, Gino! I knew you’d have the answer! Didn’t realize that about the nomenclature. Guess it makes sense though.
As Gino mentioned, even tankers have to go on a patrol or set up a road block or participate in guard duty when their tanks are not in motion. I’ve seen armor units acquiring firearms that are considered organic weapons to infantry or MPs (usually tank crews are all armed with M9 pistols and each tank is given one M4 Carbine). Hence these infantry weapons will come handy when they have to engage enemies while they are dismounted from the tank (especially when their tank is disabled and need to fend off the enemy until infantry arrives).
In the army, everyone is considered Infantryman first no matter what your MOS/Branch is (sorry Gino, not trying to put any other branch of the army down 
).
No offense taken. Everyone should be a rifleman first, and trained to use them. Totally agree.
I agree completely. Gives us guys overhead a better idea of what’s going on on the ground and a better mindset as to how to help you guys out!
