by Spc. Lee Elder 133rd MPAD
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq (November 20, 2005) --A weapon once confined to the Army's past is finding new life in the Pathfinder Company, 101st Airborne Division's, arsenal.
The M14 rifle was replaced by the M16 nearly 40 years ago, but is now being used by the 4-101 Pathfinders as a medium-ranged weapon, able to cover ranges from 500 to 700 meters. Until now, it has mainly been used in arms competitions or for drill and ceremony purposes.
"It's been like a homecoming for me," said Sgt. John Adams, who works in the unit's supply section. "It's a good rifle."
Adams last carried the M14 in 1986 while serving in a Scout platoon at Fort Bragg, N.C.
He said the rifle is accurate up to 700 meters and is particularly effective in a desert region that has a lot of wide open spaces. "It's a bigger, heavier caliber and it has a lot of oomph to it," Adams said. "This rifle has a lot of power and it will penetrate many obstacles and still knock them down."
Having the M14 rifle gives soldiers in the field a weapon whose range lies between the standard M16 and the longer-range M60 and 50 caliber machine guns and is easy to maintain.
Fellow Pathfinder Sgt. Michael Cavnor is carrying a version of the M14 that is detailed for a sniper mission. He shares Adams" enthusiasm. "I am having fun with this weapon," said Cavnor. "I like the distance and firepower it has."
For now, Adams said the M14 will help make the American Soldier that much more effective in Iraq.
"It's the guy with the rifle who is helping us win the war on terror."