Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —
Marine Corps Methods Command not too long ago reached Totally Operational Functionality (FOC) for the MK 22 Mod 0 Superior Sniper Rifle (ASR). This milestone marks a important step ahead in modernizing the Marine Corps’ sniper capabilities of Reconnaissance and Infantry models.
“Totally Operational Functionality is achieved when all of the Infantry and Reconnaissance models, in addition to MOS-producing faculties, have been fielded to and new tools coaching is accomplished,” acknowledged Maj Michael Billings, Weapons Workforce Lead, Marine Corps Methods Command.
The MK22 is extra than simply one other rifle; it outcomes from a partnership throughout the Division of Protection. Initially a Particular Operations Command contract, the MK22 entered Marine Corps fingers via the “Particular Operations Forces (SOF) to service” transition course of, permitting the U.S. Military to take duty for contracting actions.
“This collaboration accelerated the complete program, pushing us to FOC a full 12 months forward of schedule—a major win for the Marine Corps and our warfighters,” defined Billings.
The rifle affords caliber conversion choices, permitting Marines to tailor their loadout to missions. With barrels chambered in 7.62mm, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum, Marines can have interaction targets extra exactly and at larger ranges.
“The M317 Precision Day Optic (PDO) paired with the MKk22 is a sport changer. The M317 PDO is a 7-35 Variable Powered Optic, an enormous leap in functionality over our earlier sniper methods just like the M40 and MK13,” defined Brian Nelson, MK22 challenge officer, Marine Corps Methods Command.
Every rifle equipment has three barrels, a tough and delicate carrying case, a complete cleansing and gear equipment, a sound suppressor, the M317 PDO, and its accompanying scope mount. Reconnaissance and Infantry models additionally obtain a .300 Winchester Magnum barrel, a scout sniper tripod equipment, a laser filter unit, and an anti-reflection system.
“Marines like the power to conduct caliber conversions at their degree and the truth that they solely have one rifle as a substitute of the 2 it changed,” emphasised Kevin Marion, a Logistics Administration Specialist with Marine Corps Methods Command. “This shift improves operational effectivity, reduces the logistical burden on models, and lightens the person Marine’s load.”
One of many MK22’s most vital advantages is its sustainability. Upkeep occasions are lowered, and repairs can now be carried out on the organizational degree—in contrast to the outdated sniper rifles, which required extra time-consuming evacuation to an intermediate degree for repairs. Ought to a barrel fail, the MK22 can nonetheless be employed in a unique caliber, sustaining the unit’s operational readiness.
“[Replacing a barrel] was unimaginable with earlier methods, the place a condemned barrel would render the weapon unusable, instantly affecting mission readiness,” stated Nelson. “Now, the MK22 ensures that even when a barrel fails, Marines are nonetheless mission prepared.”
With the MK22’s enhanced capabilities, Marines are extra deadly, extra versatile, and higher outfitted to deal with the challenges of contemporary warfare and outfitted for the long run battle.
By: Morgan Blackstock, Workplace of Public Affairs and Communications, Marine Corps Methods Command
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