U.S Army Soldiers had the privilege of testing out two new rifles in Alaska. As part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program, the XM7 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle were put through rigorous testing. Learn more about the weapon said to be the future for the U.S. military.Suggested read: The History and Twisted Use of the Rain Turtle in the Military

Testing the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program

The rifles that are a part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program were undergoing tests in -35 degree temperatures. They are entering official fielding to the 101st Airborne Division sometime this year. Soldiers fired the weapons at the Cold Regions Test Center at Fort Greeley, Alaska from late January up until February 9th. A week long foundational new equipment training was conducted to familiarize the Soldiers with the weapon systems.

Why Is the Army Releasing New Weapons?

If you are curious why new weapons are coming out, the answer is simple, to replace old ones. The M4 carbine's replacement is the XM157 fire control optic rifle. Additionally, the the new XM250 automatic rifle is replacing the M249 squad automatic weapon. Both of these weapons are chambered in 6.8mm and slated for all close combat forces to use such as infantry, special operations, scouts, combat medics, forward observers, and combat engineers. Being the first of its kind, the 6.8mm round intermediate caliber provides U.S. forces with a heavier round that can have lethal effects at far distances. It can also punch through barriers that may have stopped the standard issue 5.56mm round M4 and M249 squad automatic weapons.Related read: The HK416 a Powerful Rifle in Modern Warfare

All About the New Next Generation Squad Weapon

The new weapons both come with Next Generation Squad Weapon fire control. The XM157 houses a ballistics computer to aid shooters in bullet drop and distance. Additionally, the Army is using Sig Sauer to build the two weapons. Sig Sauer also produced the 6.8mm ammunition up until recently when the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant upgraded a production line to exclusively 6.8mm ammunition. In 2022, Vortex Optics/Sheltered Wings was providing the XM157 fire control. The 10 year weapons contract has a hefty price tag at $4.5 billion. The XM7 price sits right around $2.7 billion according to the Army Times. On March 28. 2024, Fort Campbell announced it will be using the XM7 Next Generation Rifle and XM250 Next Generation Automatic Rifle for training during the month of April. The push for a new bunch of infantry rifles has been trying to happen since the mid-1980s. This is when the service was trying to find a replacement for the M16 family. Now, in 2024, this is finally happening.

What Happens to the Old Weapons?

The old weapons are going to be the primary small arms for non-close combat forces. A platoon with the 101st Airborne Division also tested the weapon in November. This included carbine and optic tests. In September, the Next Generation Squad weapon will officially be in the field.Maj. Brandon Davis, a member of the SL CFT operations team, said that, “Extreme cold can affect the weapon’s functionality, of course, but it also hinders a Soldier’s movement and mobility. So, which sling does he prefer in these conditions? Can he or she effectively manipulate the widgets on the weapon wearing gloves? We’re getting after every aspect of how the NGSW impacts lethality and mobility under extreme conditions.”The Soldiers worked closely with the Army’s Cross Functional Team-Soldier Lethality, as well as Program Executive Office-Soldier and the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunitions. These teams aided in evaluating the weapon’s performance, especially in the extreme cold weather.

How Can Soldiers Prepare to Handle the Next Generation Squad Weapon?

The weapons have been undergoing significant testing and fielding. The fielding process have been pretty rigorous so far as it is, "a culmination of a comprehensive and rigorous process of design, testing and feedback, all of which were led by Soldiers," explained Col. Jason Bohannon, the manager of Soldier lethality for the Program Executive Office Soldier project. Furthermore he explained that this extensive testing is so that the Army can deliver on it's promise to provide Soldiers with "the highest-quality, most capable small caliber weapons and ammunition." The weapons are based on Sig Sauer's MCX-Spear rifle. The XM7 has a 13-inch barrel, a collapsible buttstock, a free floating M-LOK handguard, and AR-style ergonomics. On the other hand, the XM250 is based on the LMG 6.8 mm machine gun. It has a quick-detach magazine and an increased rail space. Both of the Next Generation Squad Weapons will reduce the blowback from toxic fumes. Overall, the Army has spent more than 25,000 hours testing the new Next Generation Squad Weapon fleet. According to Lt. Col. Mark Vidotto, "The process of developing and fielding new equipment is never without challenges and setbacks and speed bumps, so we're celebrating the fact that we're delivering on schedule, as promised." Only time will tell what the new squad weapons will do for our military. Be sure to check back for more updates. Updated 4/4/2024 by Lauren Piette Read next: Lockheed Martin Syracuse Awarded $276 Million Contract