With the delivery of 27,200 units of brand-new Remington M-4 automatic rifles last Friday, it can now be said that modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is beginning to reach its ground units.
These rifles are expected to be issued to front-line units within a few weeks time.
The M-4 is the replacement of the venerable M-16 automatic rifle which has been serving the country faithfully for the past 40 years.
And to say that officers and enlisted personnel are excited beyond compare to use these new weapons in the field would be an understatement.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, 7th Civil Relations Group commander and a full-blooded Scout Ranger to boot, have this words to say for the new M-4 automatic rifles:
"We are excited to use these much modern rifles (which) we can use to protect the people from armed threats. At the same time, we are proud that the long awaited upgrade of our Vietnam-era weapons has become a reality during the current government."
Cabunoc's words were echoed by Major Emmanuel Garcia, 1st Civil Relation Group head and a former Special Forces operative.
"The arrival of the new M-4 rifles is welcome development. These (weapons) are more reliable and handy than the older M-16. This will bring relative advantage to our troops in the field."
For his part, Major Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, the unit tasked to secure the
"Very optimistic that we will do better in our combat operations against lawless elements," he added.
Capt Franco Suelto, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, stressed that the new M-4 rifles will greatly boost the fighting capability of their men conducting security patrols in Zamboanga Del Sur and nearby provinces.
"The new M-4 automatic rifles is a boost to the fighting capability of our soldiers in the front-lines. This will also uplift the morale of the troops because they will feel the effects of modernization of weaponry of the Army. The Filipino people will be proud of its Army that have modern equipment while serving the people," he pointed out.
Around 63,000 units were acquired by the AFP for P2.4 billion.
The remaining rifles are to be delivered before the end of the year.
Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, Army spokesperson, earlier said the M-4 is a very versatile weapon and very ideal for close-quarter battle as it fires a more heavy shell than the M-16 automatic rifle it is replacing, thus ensuring greater damage to its target.
The Army spokesperson said that the older M-16s cannot fire these rounds due to the so-called "rifle twisting".
"The old M-16s have a 1-in-12 twist while the M-4s have a 1-in-7 twist making it more powerful," he added.
Detoyato stated that while both weapons have the same range (around 500 meters), the M-4 can be more easily upgraded with modern sighting devices.
"The new M-4s (are) ready for enhancements as it is the A3 model. Its carry handle is removable (thus ensuring) its conversion as 'flattop' rifle with Picattiny rail for night vision gear. It also has a handguard to accommodate TGT designators, flash lights and many other items," he added.
And due to its smaller size than the M-16, Detoyato said the M-4 is more easier to carry in foliage and inside vehicles.
With this characteristics, the weapon is more easier to fire and reload during engagements, he added.
The M-4 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a telescoping stock and 14.5 inch (370 mm) barrel to ease close quarters combat.
It fires the .223 caliber, or 5.56 mm NATO round.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=669609
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