Hawaii-based Soldiers Sharpen Marksmanship Skills, Train with Next Generation Squad Weapon

From November 7 to 22, 2024, Hawaii-based Soldiers at Schofield Barracks partook in an intensive training program on the US Army’s cutting-edge Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system.

Conducted by the US Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), the training not only showcased the advanced capabilities of the NGSW but also underscored the service’s commitment to blending modern technology with foundational combat skills to maintain battlefield superiority.

The Training at Schofield Barracks

The USAMU’s expert instructors led Soldiers through a comprehensive curriculum that combined fundamental marksmanship with advanced weapons handling.

The training covered everything from preliminary marksmanship instruction to advanced live-fire scenarios that simulated combat conditions.

Soldiers were introduced to the XM7 Rifle, XM250 Automatic Rifle, and the XM157 Fire Control System, all key components of the NGSW program. These systems are designed to significantly enhance a Soldier’s lethality, accuracy, and survivability on the battlefield.

In a statement, Staff Sgt. Joseph Enloe of the 25th Infantry Division praised the training as “phenomenal,” emphasizing its role in preparing Soldiers for future combat tactics.

Expert guidance from USAMU instructors ensured that participants mastered the technology and strengthened their foundational skills.

This dual focus is critical; while the NGSW’s advanced capabilities are impressive, its effectiveness depends on the Soldier’s ability to use it efficiently in high-stress environments.

What is the NGSW?

The NGSW program, launched in 2017 by the US Army, aims to replace the aging 5.56mm M4 carbine, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), and 7.62mm M240 machine gun.

The program’s core innovation is a shift to a common 6.8mm cartridge, which provides superior ballistic performance compared to current ammunition.

Aside from the USAMU, the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC) have all previously conducted research and testing that significantly influenced the Army’s decision to transition from the 5.56mm to the 6.8mm cartridge. Their combined efforts in evaluating the limitations of existing systems and the advantages of the 6.8mm round laid the groundwork for the NGSW program.

After a competitive selection process involving seven defense manufacturers, the Army announced in 2022 that SIG Sauer would produce the XM7 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle. Vortex Optics was chosen to supply the XM157 Fire Control System, and Winchester was tasked with manufacturing the 6.8mm ammunition developed by SIG Sauer.

The program’s initial production costs were projected at $10 million for the first year, with an anticipated $150 million for the next phase.

Technical Specifications of the NGSW

XM7 Rifle:

• Caliber: 6.8mm
• Weight: 8.4 pounds (9.8 pounds with suppressor)
• Length: 31 inches (36 inches with suppressor)
• Barrel Length: 15.3 inches
• Features: Fully ambidextrous controls, collapsible/side-folding buttstock, M-LOK® handguard, and a quick-detach suppressor to minimize sound and flash.

XM250 Automatic Rifle:

• Caliber: 6.8mm
• Weight: 13.0 pounds (14.5 pounds with suppressor)
• Length: 36.75 inches (41.9 inches with suppressor)
• Barrel Length: 17.5 inches
• Features: Lightweight design, belt-fed operation, recoil mitigation system, and quick-detach suppressor.

XM157 Fire Control System:

• Integrates real-time range data and corrected aim points for enhanced accuracy.
• Augments basic marksmanship skills rather than replacing them.

Benefits to Soldiers

The NGSW’s technological advancements offer transformative benefits to Soldiers.

The 6.8mm cartridge significantly outperforms traditional 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition, providing superior range, accuracy, and lethality.

The XM157 Fire Control System’s ability to deliver real-time targeting data improves engagement speed and precision.

Additionally, the suppressors reduce sound and visible flash signatures, offering better signature management in combat scenarios.

However, as Staff Sgt. Jacoby Fannon from the USAMU emphasized that technology alone cannot guarantee success.

“The purpose of NGSW technology is to augment, not replace, a Soldier’s training,” Fannon noted. Soldiers must maintain proficiency in foundational skills “such as range estimation and manual targeting” to remain effective, even when technology is unavailable.

Holistic Training for Future Battles

The recent training program at Schofield Barracks exemplified the Army’s holistic approach to preparing Soldiers for modern warfare. By combining advanced weaponry with rigorous training, the Army ensures that its personnel can maximize the potential of the NGSW while maintaining the mental and physical readiness required for combat.

The structured training progressed from fundamentals to complex live-fire exercises, fostering both confidence and competence among participants.

“If we do it right, our jobs will be easier,” said Sgt. 1st Class Austinnick Rosario, a Platoon Sergeant with the 25th Infantry Division. This sentiment highlights the value of training as a force multiplier, enabling Soldiers to fully exploit the NGSW’s capabilities in real-world scenarios.

“The weapon system’s capabilities alone are impressive, but it’s the Soldiers’ ability to effectively use those capabilities that will determine success on the battlefield,” Rosario added.

The Future of the NGSW

The fielding of the NGSW represents a pivotal step forward for the US Army, ensuring its technological edge in future conflicts.

While the program’s costs are significant, the benefits in terms of Soldier effectiveness and battlefield dominance are undeniable. By equipping Soldiers with superior weapons and training, the Army is not just upgrading its arsenal but also revolutionizing its approach to squad-level combat.

As the Army continues to integrate the NGSW into its ranks, the lessons learned at Schofield Barracks will serve as a blueprint for future training programs.

With its blend of advanced technology and traditional marksmanship, the NGSW program ensures that US Soldiers remain prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare head-on.

Final Thoughts

The training at Schofield Barracks demonstrated the transformative potential of the Next Generation Squad Weapon system. By equipping Soldiers with state-of-the-art weaponry and ensuring they receive comprehensive training, the US Army is setting a new standard for battlefield readiness.

As these advanced systems are fielded across the force, the Army’s holistic approach ensures that technology and training work hand-in-hand to secure success on the battlefield.