According to a Marine spokesman, Major Anton Semeloth, the Marine Corps is looking to field a new sniper rifle, but has yet to identify what type and caliber.

In an email, Semelroth wrote that, "We are looking at a number of available options, to include the Mk.21 Precision Sniper Rifle. The Marine Corps continues to evaluate the need for improved capabilities for our snipers and to consider solutions being pursued by the Army, other services and [Special Operations Command]."

The Corps' current sniper rifle, the M40A5, has an effective range of approximately 1,000 yards and fires a .308 caliber bullet. The Mk.21, the model mentioned in Semelroth's email, can be fitted to fire a .338 caliber bullet and has an effective range of more than 1,600 yards and is currently in use by various special operations units.   

Marines running in their "silkies." (USMC photo)

Marines March Raise Suicide Awareness by Marching in Silkies

This past Saturday, July 25, a group of Marines and veterans marched more than 13 miles along a Southern California boardwalk to raise awareness about suicide-prevention wearing little more than boots and the (very) short green workout shorts affectionately known as "silkies."

The event, called "22, with 22, for the 22" began at South Mission Beach Jetty in San Diego, California, and ended 22 kilometers (more than 13 miles) north at La Jolla Cove. Each participant carried a 22 kilogram (nearly 50 lbs) pack on the march. The distance marched and weight carried are representative of the 22 military service members and veterans who die each day of suicide.

A Marine fires his M4 during the 2015 Recon Challenge aboard Camp Pendleton, California, May 15, 2015.   (USMC photo by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger)

Marine Corps leaders have recently recommended that infantry units begin using the M4 as their primary weapons instead of the iconic M16, which has been in use since the Vietnam War.

The switch has already received support from several major commands -- including Marine Corps Combat Development Command; Combat Development and Integration; Plans, Policies and Operations; Marine Corps Systems Command; and Installations and Logistics -- and a final decision from the Commandant is expected within the next few months.
 

If the decision to switch to the M4 is approved by Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford, the M16 would be used exclusively by support personnel, such as those in logistical or administrative roles. The 17,000 M4s needed to outfit infantry units are already in inventory, so if approved, the switch could begin immediately. As such, officials described the move as an "improved capability for the infantry at no additional cost."