US Marine CO Qs

[Twombles375]

I've got a few questions concerning US Marine Infantry COs.

1. Do they carry a sidearm? (I.E. Beretta M9)
2. What exactly is there job when out on the field. Meaning, do they travel with a Fireteam? Do they participate with the enlisted Fireteams rooming clearing and such? (Before this starts an uproar. Yes, I'm aware of there job being a CO, but i'm curious if they sit back and wait while a fireteam clears a house, or if they actually go in with them)
And
3. Just want to clear this up, are Marine COs issued the M4 RIS? Or are some actually issued the M16A4 as well?


Thanks in advance!

[gaijinsamurai]

It would depend on what unit they are the CO of. A CO of an infantry platoon would likely carry the Beretta AND a rifle/carbine if they can, and would accompany their enlisted troops on field OPs. The higher up the chain of command-(company, battalion, regiment, division, etc.), the more likely the commanding officer will be with the rear echelon.

[ReconCominAtYa]

While we're on the topic, anyone know what Marine units are using the m4 besides recon?

[Erik2a4]

While we're on the topic, anyone know what Marine units are using the m4 besides recon?

Some of the Infantry Batts have them, PSDs, SOTG off the top of my head...

As for the job of a CO? I assume you're referring to an Infantry Platoon Commander/Leader, Company Commander or Battalion Commander?

Check the doctrine. The it's the job of the commander to place himself where he can command and control his maneuver elements while bringing to bear the organic and non-organic elements of firepower and combat multipliers.

So, the commander is where he needs to be to control the platoons or maneuver elements and his firepower assets. He should not be in the stack with a fire-team clearing a room...the squad leader controls that fight...but the commander controls the assets as his units culminate, in order to ensure a constant state of fire and maneuver until they consolidate.

A Battalion Commander does a similiar thing, except that he controls Companies and more fire assets. He is normally located with the TAC or equivilent (which is not in the rear echelon, btw...the Headquarters CO and S-4 control the combat trains)

[Twombles375]

Thats what I was lookin' for. Thanks.


Got one more question, Do MEU (24th or example) use the M4? What exactly is there gear lineup? I have yet to see any type of modern MEU picture, So I can't judge from a picture.

[Ratamacue]

Thats what I was lookin' for. Thanks.

Got one more question, Do MEU (24th or example) use the M4? What exactly is there gear lineup? I have yet to see any type of modern MEU picture, So I can't judge from a picture.
There's a great misconception that the MEU(SOC) is a special type of unit. This isn't true. The MEU is a MAGTF (Marine Air Ground Task Force). Essentially, it's built around an infantry battalion reinforced with amtracs, LAV's, Abrams, engineers, Force Recon platoon, etc. This is called the Ground Combat Element. In addition, you have the Combat Service Support Element, which is all the support personnel required to keep the MEU functioning. There is also an Air Combat Element, which is comprised of Hueys, Sea Knights, Super Stallions, Super Cobras, Harriers, and Hornets. Their job is to provide support for the guys on the ground.

So basically, the infantry within a MEU will carry the same weapons as infantry not currently attached to one.

[PrincessRAR]

whats all this with M4's jesus h christ - i have so many damn recruits asking me when they are shooting the M4, games have ruined kids.

[Ratamacue]

whats all this with M4's jesus h christ - i have so many damn recruits asking me when they are shooting the M4, games have ruined kids.
Better than them asking about shooting the "Colt." If you've ever played Counter-Strike, you'll understand. :lol:

[Twombles375]

Thanks for the information. As you can probably tell i'm an airsofter, and the M16A4 is outta my price range. So, that is my accuse for all questions concerning the M4

[molsen]

If an M16A4 is out of your price range, then what makes you think you can afford an M4? (that is unless you are talking about airsoft)

[Twombles375]

If an M16A4 is out of your price range, then what makes you think you can afford an M4? (that is unless you are talking about airsoft)

I have an airsoft M4 RIS already, so I thought i'd might as well just keep it instead of selling, and buying a 500-600+ M16A4 setup.

[molsen]

If an M16A4 is out of your price range, then what makes you think you can afford an M4? (that is unless you are talking about airsoft)

I have an airsoft M4 RIS already, so I thought i'd might as well just keep it instead of selling, and buying a 500-600+ M16A4 setup.
That makes sense to me.

[JTAR7242]

A MEU is an organizational structure, not a designation for a specific unit.

[Michael RVR]

whats all this with M4's jesus h christ - i have so many damn recruits asking me when they are shooting the M4, games have ruined kids.

you up at kapooka or somthing princess ?

[Twombles375]

Are platoon sergeants/SNCOs known to carry the M4 RIS?

[molsen]

Are platoon sergeants/SNCOs known to carry the M4 RIS?
Do you mean an M-4 rifle or an M-4 w/ RAS? Most M-4s come standard issue with a RAS already on it. But this all just depends on what the Marine is issued. Most of the time he'll get issued whatever his men are issued.

[Twombles375]

Are platoon sergeants/SNCOs known to carry the M4 RIS?
Do you mean an M-4 rifle or an M-4 w/ RAS? Most M-4s come standard issue with a RAS already on it. But this all just depends on what the Marine is issued. Most of the time he'll get issued whatever his men are issued.

Oh, ok. I saw a picture on ratamacues album, i'll go back and look for it. But it look like the Marine had a Corporal or Sergeant pin on his Interceptor couldnt be sure.

[Twombles375]

[Ratamacue]

I've seen a number of pictures of infantry Marines carrying M4's. I don't really see any pattern to their rank or anything like that though, so I'm not sure how it works.

[molsen]

It's damn near impossible to tell from just a picture why someone is issued an M-4 vs. an M-16A4 or an M-16A2. It just depends on what unit they are in and what kind of billet/job they are serving in. The Marine Corps is starting to issue M-4s to anyone that is issued an M-9, so this is where your billet comes into play. It doesn't necessarily depend on your MOS or rank.

[molsen]

Don't read into to it too much just because someone is issued an M-4. There could be a million reasons why they are or aren't issued one.