North Carolina National Guard Pioneers Field Testing of Next Generation Squad Weapons

The North Carolina National Guard is etching its name in the annals of military innovation. Soldiers from the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) have become the second unit in the entire US Army to field test the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)—the XM7 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle.

This move, which took place earlier this month, signifies a significant shift, not just for the Guard Soldiers but for the future of American infantry tactics.

A Leap Forward in Firepower and Adaptability

The NGSW program represents a leap forward in firepower and adaptability.

Kickstarted in 2017 to replace the M4 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, the XM7 brings a modular design, a potent 6.8mm round, and an integrated suppressor to the table. This translates to a lighter, more controllable weapon with increased range and reduced sound signature, crucial for modern close-quarters combat.

The XM250, meanwhile, offers a lightweight, belt-fed design for sustained fire, making it a force multiplier for suppressing enemy positions.

“This is great,” enthused Staff Sgt. Steven Grayson, an infantryman with the 252nd Armored Regiment. “We are the second unit in the Army to be fielding these weapons systems.”

Staying Ahead of the Curve

The NGSW program isn’t just about firepower. It’s about staying ahead of the curve.

As Grayson highlights, “At my level, it’s a great step having that ability to penetrate Level 4 plates and defeat some of our adversaries’ armor when necessary.”

“It’s definitely a necessity going forward,” he added.

Colonel Paul Hollenack, commander of the 30th ABCT, echoed this sentiment: “Weapon advancements such as the NGSW ensures that units under our command have the best weapons possible,” he explained.

Beyond Performance: A Revolution in Force Structure

But the benefits extend beyond raw performance.

The North Carolina Guard’s role in the NGSW program underscores a silent revolution within the US military – the increasing importance of reserve forces.

The Army fosters a more versatile and responsive force structure by integrating Guard units into cutting-edge technology fielding.

Soldiers of all ranks within the 30th ABCT are undergoing training on the NGSW, fostering a deeper understanding of the systems and their capabilities within a squad environment.

“It’s really about squad integration at that point,” explained Grayson. “If you are having someone at each rank that is training on it, then you have every aspect of a rifle company or a mechanized company and someone at each rank that knows what’s going on. I think for us that is working pretty well.”

1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, was the first Army unit to receive and begin training with the NGSW in April.

The National Guard: Leading the Charge

The North Carolina Guard’s involvement in the NGSW program is a testament to the evolving role of the National Guard.

No longer solely a backup force, the Guard is increasingly seen as a vital component of the total force, ready to deploy alongside active-duty units with the most advanced weaponry.

This not only strengthens the overall capabilities of the US military but also highlights the dedication and expertise of the citizen-soldiers who stand ready to defend the nation.

The fields of North Carolina are witnessing a pivotal moment in military history, and the National Guard is leading the charge.

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