The machine-gun crew consists of three personneclass="underline" the gunner, assistant gunner, and ammunition handler. The gunner is the senior member of the crew and responsible for putting the gun in and out of action. The assistant gunner supports and replaces the gunner in his absence. The ammunition handler carries the spare barrel and additional ammunition for the machine gun and provides local security for the machine-gun crew with his assigned rifle.
Appendix F
Organic and Supporting Weapons
ORGANIC WEAPONS
Organic weapons are those assigned to the platoon over which the platoon leader has direct control. Every leader must know how to employ these weapons effectively in all tactical situations. Additionally, the infantry platoon routinely uses antiarmor weapons, hand grenades, and mines. The following tables outline some of the key organic weapon systems available to the modern infantry platoon.
SUPPORTING WEAPONS
Supporting weapons provide the platoon and squad leaders with additional firepower. Leaders must know how to effectively integrate the fires of these weapons with the fires of their organic weapons. The following tables outline some of the key supporting weapon systems available to the modern infantry platoon:
G
Body Armor Levels
All armor has a shelf life of approximately five years, but less if it is:
•Exposed to UV sunlight.
•Exposed to excessive heat (over 100 degrees).
•Exposed to dirt.
•Dropped, which will crack the ceramic plates.
•Exposed to general abuse.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE (NIJ) RATINGS FOR BODY ARMOR
Level IIA (Lower Velocity 9mm, .40 S&W)
This armor protects against 9mm Full-Metal-Jacketed Round-Nose (FMJ RN) bullets with nominal masses of 8 grams (124 grain) impacting at a minimum velocity of 332 m/s (1090 ft/s) or less and .40 S&W caliber Full-Metal-Jacketed (FMJ) bullets with nominal masses of 11.7 grams (180 grains) impacting at a minimum velocity of 312 m/s (1025 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against Level I threats. Level IIA body armor is well suited for full-time use by police departments, particularly those seeking protection for their officers from lower velocity .40 S&W and 9mm ammunition.
Level II (Higher Velocity 9mm, .357 Magnum)
This armor protects against .357 Magnum jacketed soft-point bullets with nominal masses of 10.2 grams (158 grain) impacting at a velocity of 425 m/s (1,395 ft/s) or less and against 9mm full-jacketed bullets with nominal velocities of 358 m/s (1,175 ft/s). It also protects against most other factory loads in caliber .357 Magnum and 9mm, as well as the Level I and IIA threats. Level II body armor is heavier and bulkier than either Levels I or IIA. It is worn full time by officers seeking protection against higher-velocity .357 Magnum and 9mm ammunition.
Level IIIA (High Velocity .44 Magnum, Submachine Gun 9mm)
This armor protects against .44 Magnum, Semi-Jacketed Hollow-Point (SJHP) bullets with nominal masses of 15.55 gram (240 grain) impacting at a velocity of 426 m/s (1,400 ft/s) or less and against 9mm full-metal-jacketed bullets with nominal masses of 8 grams (124 grain) impacting at a velocity of 426 m/s (1,400 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the Level I, IIA, and II threats. Level IIIA body armor provides the highest level of protection currently available from concealable body armor and is generally suitable for routine wear in many situations. However, departments located in hot, humid climates may need to evaluate the use of Level IIIA armor carefully.
Level III (High-Powered Rifle)
This armor, normally of hard or semi-rigid construction, protects against 7.62mm FMJ bullets (US military designation M80) with nominal masses of 9.7 grams (150 grain) impacting at a velocity of 838 m/s (2,750 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against threats such as .223 Remington (5.56x45mm FMJ), .30 Carbine FMJ, and 12-gauge rifled slug, as well as Level I through IIIA threats. Level III body armor is clearly intended only for tactical situations when the threat warrants such protection, such as barricade confrontations involving sporting rifles.
Level IV (Armor-Piercing Rifle)
This armor protects against .30-06-caliber armor-piercing bullets (US military designation AP-M2) with nominal masses of 10.8 grams (166 grain) impacting at a velocity of 868 m/s (2,850 ft/s) or less. It also provides at least single-hit protection against the Level I through III threats.
Level IV body armor provides the highest level of protection currently available. Because this armor is intended to resist “armor piercing” bullets, it often uses ceramic materials. Such materials are brittle in nature and may provide only single-shot protection since the ceramic tends to break up when struck. As with Level III armor, Level IV armor is clearly intended only for tactical situations when the threat warrants such protection.
Appendix H
Acronyms and Abbreviations
AA
assembly area; avenue of approach
AAR
After Action Report
A/C
aircraft
ACE
ammo, casualties, and equipment report
ACL
allowable cargo load
ACP
air space control plan
AD
accidental discharge
ADA
air defense artillery
AFO
advance force operations
AG
adjutant general
AGL
above ground level
AH
attack helicopter
ALICE
all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment
ALT
alternate
AMC
at my command
ANCD
automated net control device
ANGLE T
greater than 90-degree angle to target from guns
AO
area of operation
AOR
area of responsibility
AP
armor-piercing
APC
armored personnel carrier
APERS
antipersonnel
API
armor-piercing incendiary
API-T
armor-piercing incendiary-tracer
APL
antipersonnel land mine
AR
automatic rifle
ARF
air reaction force
ASL
assistant squad leader; above sea level
AT
antitank
ATL
assistant team leader
ATGM
antitank guided missile
AVLB
armored vehicle launch bridge
BANG
explosives
BANGER
flash bang grenade
BAS
battalion aid station
BCS
battery computer system
BD
battle drill
BDU
battle dress uniform
BFV
Bradley fighting vehicle
BIFV
Bradley infantry fighting vehicle