34,000 AK-47s for Iraq

[FallenAngel]

I saw this story on the front cover of the LA Times today. I only had time to read the first three or four paragraphs while I was waiting for my Mocha Malt Frappacinno at Starbucks.

Anywho...basically it said the US is going to first buy and then destribute approx. 34,000 AK 47s for the new Iraqi Army.

Many politicans have criticized this for two reasons. A- we captured tens of thousands of AKs during the war...why do we need to buy new ones? B- Why not arm them with an American-type weapon such as the M16?

The story also suggest that *IF* this plan goes forward, the AK would be produced in Poland, a staunch supporter of the US in Iraq and would boost their economy. :)

What do ya all think?

[martinexsquaddie]

smeemsw bloody stupid idea as there must be thousands of aks in iraq already.
unless its pork for poland

[Jooglae]

What kind of AKs? The ones that shoot 7.62mm rounds, or 5.45mm rounds?

And really, why shouldn't the Iraqi army be armed with American weapons, like the M14 or the M16?

[Herrmannek]

I think that bringing the old, worn out AKs to serviceableness state would cost(logistic, maintenaince, parts, labour) more than buying few new from Poland, by the way we produce first quality AKs.

[Piccolo]

You guys are forgeting one of the very important factors in this situation - training. Logistical wise, it is much much smarter to get the AK. Iraqi's are more comfortable with it, and do not need training. Since the 47 is so simple and basic, it requires little training to use. In stark contrast to the M16, which would be about as problematic as it was early on in Vietnam if we let the Iraqi's use them.

[Apogee]

In think alot of this has to do with the impression we give to the rest of the Arab world. If they see the New Iraqi Army running around with American weapons it gives the impression that Iraq is an American colony or protectorate, wheather or not it is. I think the AK would avoid this type of image. Just my thoughts as always.

[Mortimer]

Ak's are better as well

[digitalghost]

aks are better? if they are so "better" why arent they US Government Issue?

[James]

Let's stop the upcoming debate on the merits and drawbacks of the AK family vs. the Stoner/Armalite family right now. If you recall, there was a ridiculously long thread a while ago titled something like "What's the best weapon?".

[Mortimer]

aks are better? if they are so "better" why arent they US Government Issue?

Because they are Russian design....thats why

plus i have seen heaps of US SF photos with guys with AK's, maybe becuase they are in an area with a lot of AK's around so its handy for ammo and stuff...but still.

[GazB]

Both AKs and M16s are good weapons. The fact that the Iraqis already are familiar with the AK and probably already produce their own ammo for it would make it a better choice.

If Poland gets to make them then that is a bonus for Poland. And they do make good quality weapons... as do the Czechs and the Finns.


plus i have seen heaps of US SF photos with guys with AK's,

Most Spec Forces are trained to use their enemies weapons and on some missions will use their enemies weapons or nonstandard weapons which might reveal to the enemy who they are. (ie Signature weapons).

The Russians do the same with M16s. When weight was important on a mission the Isrealis often used AKs instead of the slightly heavier Galils, though now with their new rifles they might not have to do that anymore.

[GLax]

this would be similar to the afghanistan situation, most of those guys grew up with AKs, no sence in taking away a weapon they know how to use... off topic: i heard Poland was interested in buying some f16 fighter jets as well, though i'm not sure where i read it. this might be the start of a US-Poland defence program....

[He219]

Poland buys 48 US F16 (http://www.spacewar.com/2003/030418080140.9sfqdoj3.html)fighter jets in 3.5 bln dollar deal

[GLax]

there u have it, thx He219 :D

[James]

In think alot of this has to do with the impression we give to the rest of the Arab world. If they see the New Iraqi Army running around with American weapons it gives the impression that Iraq is an American colony or protectorate, wheather or not it is. I think the AK would avoid this type of image. Just my thoughts as always.

Excellent point.

Before the latest war, did Iraq import most of their small arms? I was under the impression that they had their own manufacturing capability for rifles, pistols, machine guns, etc. Please advise.