South Carolina National Guard trains with next-generation squad weapons

The South Carolina National Guard completed training exercises with new, next-generation squad weapons last week, part of an Army program to modernize standard military equipment and increase the capabilities of soldiers on the ground.

Guardsmen from the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade spent the last week training at Fort Stewart, Ga., with the new XM7 rifles and XM250 light machine guns, according to a release from department press.

The NextGen Squad Weapons program, launched by the Army in 2017, aims to replace the standard M4 carbine, M249 SAW light machine gun, and M240 machine gun with newer, more accurate, and more adaptable weapons. The new weapons were designed in 2019, tested last year and first put into service in March.

This is the first time in 65 years that the Army has fielded a new rifle and automatic rifle, a fire control system and a new family of caliber ammunition. These weapons use 6.8mm ammunition, as opposed to the standard 5.56mm ammunition previously used.

“The XM7, compared to the M4, is definitely a step up. The rifle is a little heavier, but the accuracy is definitely worth the extra weight,” said Cpl. Joseph Negron, a cavalry scout with the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment.

The Army says the new weapons increase soldiers' effectiveness by providing greater mobility, lethality and situational awareness.

“The XM7 is an excellent rifle. We train and practice target shooting. My favorite thing about the XM7 is how easily the weapon can be used by both right- and left-handed shooters,” Negron said.

In addition to SC, guardsmen in North Carolina and West Virginia have adapted to the NSGW program and begun training with new weapons. The new weapons are expected to become the new standard for the army in the future.