History of SAW Use in the US Army

Published on July 26, 2024
Duration: 14:35

This video details the historical evolution of the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) within the US Army, tracing its lineage from early support weapons to modern systems. It highlights key doctrinal shifts, battlefield lessons learned, and the adoption of iconic firearms like the BAR, M60, and M249 SAW. The analysis extends to current developments like the NGSW program, offering insights from a highly knowledgeable firearms instructor.

Quick Summary

The history of the US Army's Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) traces from early support weapons like the BAR and M60, through Vietnam War lessons highlighting the need for sustained fire, to the adoption of the M249 SAW and the current NGSW program (XM7/XM250). This evolution reflects changing infantry doctrine and battlefield requirements for mobile suppressive firepower.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to SAW History
  2. 00:31World War I Era Support Weapons
  3. 01:53Organic vs. Platoon Support Doctrine
  4. 03:12World War II and the BAR
  5. 05:59Post-WWII and M14 Adoption
  6. 07:02The M60 Machine Gun
  7. 08:14Vietnam War Lessons
  8. 09:40Stoner 63 and SAW Development
  9. 10:47Adoption of the M249 SAW
  10. 11:37Modern Shifts: M27 IAR and NGSW

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the US Army?

The SAW's primary purpose is to provide mobile, sustained suppressive fire at the squad level, enhancing the infantry squad's ability to engage targets and control areas effectively during offensive and defensive operations.

How did the Vietnam War influence the development of the SAW?

Combat experience in Vietnam revealed that standard infantry rifles lacked sufficient sustained suppressive fire capability, directly leading to a renewed requirement and development effort for a dedicated Squad Automatic Weapon.

What are the key differences between the M249 SAW and the newer XM7/XM250?

The M249 SAW is a 5.56mm belt-fed machine gun, while the XM7 and XM250 are part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program, chambered in a new 6.8x51mm caliber, aiming for increased range and terminal ballistics.

What historical firearms preceded the M249 SAW in US Army support roles?

Historically, firearms like the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), the M60 machine gun, and experimental systems like the Stoner 63 played significant roles in providing squad or platoon-level support fire before the M249 SAW's adoption.

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