National Guard soldiers field test the squad's next-generation weapons

National Guard Soldiers from the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team this month became the first Guardsmen to field test the service's Next Generation Squad weapon systems, officials said in a news release.

Troops from the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team fired the next generation weapon systems, the XM7 rifle and the XM250 automatic rifle, June 6 at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. The XM7 and XM250 are expected to replace the M4 carbine and M249 Squad automatic weapon, respectively.

The Guard's field test comes after the 101st Airborne Division became the first active-duty military unit to receive the new weaponry.

And while Soldiers were already testing the Army's newest rifles and automatic rifles, they are now officially being issued to all components of the service, marking the first time in decades that the branch has fielded such equipment, which includes a fire control system and a new caliber. ammunition family.

“Weapons advancements such as NGSW ensure that units under our command have the best weapons possible,” said Col. Paul Hollenack, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team commander. “Bringing the XM7 and XM250 into service is a step towards ensuring that’s exactly what we do.”

Soldiers assigned to the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, also received the new weapons. They conducted an integrated training weapons strategy qualification table with the rifles during a weeklong training event that culminated June 23, according to another Army release.

“The XM7 is an excellent rifle. We train and practice target shooting,” said Cpl. Joseph Negron, a cavalry scout assigned to this unit. “My favorite thing about the XM7 is how easily the gun can be used by both right- and left-handed shooters.”

“The XM7, compared to the M4, is definitely an improvement,” he added. “The rifle is a bit heavier, but its accuracy is definitely worth the extra weight.”