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THE AUTORIFLEMAN

While it may be more widely discussed now amongst the American 2nd Amendment community, the topic of Autorifleman is not new, and has been in practice for almost a hundred years! We first saw the implementation of an Autorifleman role in World War I & II by the United States Military. The M1918 was a magazine fed, weapon with a barrel mounted bipod, capable of both semi-automatic and full-automatic rates of fire, chambered in 30-06 (the same as the M1 Garand that most troops carried!). Several decades later, the British Military employed the Enfield L86 Light Support Weapon (LSW), which was also magazine fed and had an integrated folding bipod. This weapon system was paired at the small unit level with the L85 Standard Infantry Rifle. In more modern times, we have seen the United States Marine Corps widely replace the M249 beltfed Light Machine Gun with the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR). But why have we seen the implementation of Autoriflemen roles when beltfed weapon systems are so widely available in the same calibers?

Mission of the Autorifleman: To provide small units with an alternative form of providing high volumes of accurate suppressive fire, without creating additional logistical strain on a unit.

We must remember that Autorifles ARE NOT the same as belt-fed machine guns, and should not be treated as such. However, some principles of implementing the weapon system are very similar, as well as the target precedence in relation to caliber. The Autorifle also has several advantages that a belt-fed weapon system does not, such as:

- Weight: A autorifle build is significantly lighter than there belt-fed counter parts, and do not traditionally require carrying spare barrels.

- Accuracy: Autorifles have much tighter cones of fire, and can also be utilized in semi-auto which allows for more accurate long distance engagements. It also allows the autorifleman to carry less rounds compared to their belt-fed counterparts, as volume plays a smaller role with the tighter cones of fire.

- Logistics: Autorifles utilize the same caliber munitions and magazines utilized by other members of the unit, which places less logistical strains on small units. In addition, parts that are likely to wear down and break (such as firing pins, gas systems and barrels) are likely already commonly available (quality of parts for the role may very).

Types of Autorifles

While the mission of the Autorifleman may remain the same, not all autorifles are! And its important to recognize these key differences! We must also understand that not all rifles are autorifles! Autorifles are purposefully built to be sustainable to higher and longer rates of fire (while still managed and cared for properly!).

Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR): A magazine fed, closed bolt system (chambered commonly in 5.56) with a barrel length of 14.5"-16.5". This platform may be utilized by any person regardless of assignment or billet, which may serve temporarily as a LSW Gunner, but it is not their sole purpose. This is because the shorter barrel rifles will overheat much faster than platforms with longer barrels and gas systems.
- Examples of personnel who may carry this weapon are Team Leaders, Assistant Gunners, Combat Engineers and more.
- Examples of IAR Autorifles: H&K M27 IAR (16.5" Barrel) and Red Right Hand RECCE IAR (14.5" Barrel with HMS).

Light Support Weapon (LSW): A magazine fed, closed bolt system (commonly chambered in 5.56) with a barrel length of 18"-22". This platform is utilized by designated personnel for the specific purpose of providing higher volumes of accurate fire. This is because their rifles are purpose built to handle the higher rates of fire, and have longer barrels that maximize the capabilities of 5.56 in regard to ballistics/velocity.
- Examples of LSW Autorifles: Red Right Hand RECCE LMG (20" Barrel with HMS) or SmallTeamSupply Klein Machining Barreled Upper (20"-24" Barrels with M60 bipod).

Medium Support Weapon (MSW): A magazine fed, closed bolt system (commonly chambered in 7.62x51 or .308) with a barrel length of 18"-20". This platform is utilized by designated personnel to bring a higher capability round to the small unit, capable of penetrating harder targets and accurately engaging over longer distances. These rifles may serve as both "Heavy Rifles" and Medium Support Weapons.
- Examples of MSW Autorifles: Red Right Hand RECCE MAR (20" Barrel with HMS) or SCAR Platform Rifle (Preferably with 18" barrel). It is important to note that the SCAR is not built out to handle higher rates of fire, and should be deployed carefully when done so.

It must be noted that these same platforms may be utilized in "Eastern Block" munitions, such as 7.62x39.

Employing the Autorifle

There is not a lot of Military Doctrine publicly available on employing the autorifle, but we can look to its big brother for guidance on where to start! For most of this section, we will be referencing USMC material and the Marine Rifle Squad publication.

While autorifles are purpose built to handle higher rates of fire and heat intensity, this does not mean they are invincible. Unlike their belt fed counter parts, simply swapping barrels is not an option to keep the system up and running without potentially compromising your rifle. The above chart is a modified version seen in the Marine Rifle Squad publication in reference to the M249 and M240, which accounts for the differences between a belt fed and autorifle system. Autorifles from Red Right Hand have a Heat Mitigation System (HMS), which allows you to cool your barrel with water, without compromising your barrel. It is NOT advised to pour water on to an exposed barrel without some form of HMS.

In an ideal world, each fireteam within a traditional three team squad would have at minimum one LSW platform. This allows each fireteam to provide suppressive fire when needed. An assault element has a lightweight, easily maneuverable platform to increase rates of fire while moving. A support element can cover a maneuvering assault element with high rates of accurate suppressive fire. This element may exchange their LSW for a MSW, which increases the lethality and capability of that team. Lastly, the security element may employ LSW's on avenues of approach, while maintaining their own organic suppressive weapon platform. A security element may find great benefit in a IAR over a LSW if not available. However, in the event that autorifles are limited, it should first be placed in the support element, then the assault element, then the security element.

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