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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dana_Jorgensen" data-source="post: 1073414" data-attributes="member: 12962">Argh! So many factual errors on both sides of the discussion....I'd like to address some...1. MEU as an elite unit - Only after they have their SOC certification. The MEU(SOC) units maintain a different level of readiness from the MEUs. For instance, they have CQB teams on hand, armed with MP-5Ns and the MEU(SOC) .45 Caliber Service Pistol (a rebuilt M1911A1, which are supposedly no longer in service, eh?) In order of "eliteness", there would be the MEUs, the MEU(SOC) teams, and finally at the top, Force and Radio Recon.2. M249: The M249 is a different beast from the FN Minimi. It is also a Squad Automatic Weapon, which means it is issued on a squad level. The M60 was normally issued on the platoon level, though during the 1970's, there were periods where it was issued as a SAW prior to the introduction of the failed M16A2 LMG. However, by the time the M249 entered service, the M60 was once again a platoon-level weapon and the M16A2 LMGs were long retired. Most US weapons are different from their foreign stock counterparts. The DoD is such a big buyer, that it can demand changes in stock weapons and get them without batting an eye. The big difference in the M249 from the Minimi are some materials changes to further lighten the weapon (but reducing reliability as well). Additionally, the M60 was not replaced by the M249. It was replaced by the M240B in the AUSA, the M240G in the USMC, and the M240N in the USN. The USN has gone a step further, now relegating the M240N to a light boat weapon and arming its SEALs with the newly developed Mk 46 Mod 0 lightweight medium machinegun. Like the M249, the M240 series is also different from its FN MAG-58 counterpart. the MAG uses mostly milled parts, while the M240 lightens the weapon through the use of as many stamped parts as possible, which are then welded and riveted together. It's amazing and rather amusing to see a weary M240B on its last legs pop its rivets and promptly dump its entire action on the ground as the side panel falls off with the next discharge of a round.However, like every retired weapon, the DoD retains a stockpile of the old weapons. An old gun still kills. Had the M240B and G models suffered some sort of widespread, environmentally caused catastrophic failure during Operation: Iraqi Freedom, the old M60E3s could have been dragged out of mothballs and put back into service with relative ease. This stockpile also provides supplies for training purposes, since the M60 is not a weapon exclsuive to the United States.However, having access to after-action reports issued by both the USMC and AUSA in Iraq, the Marines had things to say in the reports about the M60, which indicates that as recently as last April, the M60E3 was still fighting in the hands of some US forces.3. Yes, the Marines have their own logistical command. The Navy just supplies the means to get things ashore. After that, the Marines have to figure out how to get it where they want. Incidentally, from personal experience, I have to say the Marines do a damn sight better at logistics these days than the Army, too.As everyone can now see, both sides of the discussion made plenty of hefty mistakes. There's no sense in worrying about it. Just make due and either wait for something better to come along, or in this day and age of the OGL, write the freaking thing yourself!Incidentally, I bought B&G after the update, and there are still plenty of glaring informational errors in it. I'm not worried. I know that at least where the weapons are concerned, I'll eventually get around to writing something better. My only complaint is with the choice of a font that is easily misread at high speed, which created quite a bit of confusion, such as wondering what the game Silent Hill had to do with the subject matter...Dana JorgensenAlternate Realities PublicationsAuthor of Big Bang: The Mostly Illustrated RPG Guide to Modern Weapons</blockquote>

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