Comments on: Rough Country

By: Slab

Slab — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:13:30 +0000

The Marine SSgt is with an Embedded Training Team (ETT) supporting the ANA. Many advisers take liberties with uniform regs since they’re away from any Marine “flagpoles”. We certainly did when I worked for MiTT 3/5 in Iraq. We had a lot more ability to make concessions to practicality out there, like the SSgt wearing his green utilities instead of the deserts, partially rolling his sleeves, etc. I would guess that he “borrowed” the SVD (PSL, what-have-you) from the ANA since its optic has a higher magnification than the 4X32 ACOG.

Fetherston, personally owned weapons are not allowed in theater. Does it still happen? I’m sure it does, but the official answer is no.

By: bc

bc — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:27:53 +0000

Moore did a great job getting these shots. The howitzer pic (#6) is perfect.

WRT the weapon in the photo. It’s impossible to know who’s who and who knows what on web postings, but: there are a couple people who offer what appear to fairly credible comments on some of the postings at the linked photo essay website.

Including: “It’s a Romanian PSL. Same round as the Dragunov (7.62x54R mm) but a completely different mechanical system. The PSL has the same gas piston setup as the AK-47, whereas the Dragunov uses a short-stroke gas piston mechanism”. There’s more for anyone interested in such.

By: RPL

RPL — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:29:47 +0000

First, I believe that the 10th Mountain is in Iraq; Michael Yon just mentioned them in one of his reports.

Second, as a Soldier’s Angel, I have actually sent many care packages to guys stationed at Korengal Outpost. Lex, I owe you for this photo essay more than you know.

By: c/Fetherston

c/Fetherston — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:02:34 +0000

I’d like to build on your question Larry for the Major:

Granted I’m an Army cadet, I was wondering about the regulations on personal sidearms, specifically if I can use my own?

/Sigarms .40 s&w that I love to death
//hate the m9

By: RetRsvMike

RetRsvMike — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:02:01 +0000

technicality alert for a toad-ish response to Larry’s question!!

ANY weapon/system utilized by US Forces will have undergone legal review, the better to establish that it doesn’t inadvertently violate any provisions of Geneva (proportionality, blinding, poisoning, etc..)…

except under dire circumstances, US Forces use enemy weaponry at their own risk.

By: Larry

Larry — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:29:51 +0000

Thank you, sir!

MajHarvey, are there any limitations placed on what a Marine (or soldier, for that matter) can use as far as a personal weapon? Is using the Dragunov any violation of regulations?