No More AKs

This seemingly minor change could have significant long-term repercussions within Iraq. First, it will establish a common supply line with the U.S., so that we do not have to purchase the AK’s 7.62 x 39mm ammunition from outside the U.S. logistic system. Moreover, because the M16 fires 5.56 x 45mm ammunition, it will not be so easy for Iraqi soldiers to sell their ammunition on the black market or smuggle it to al Qaeda and the insurgents. Gradually, the supply of AK-47 ammunition will begin to dry up (though this will take a long time, considering how much is lying around Iraq). Finally, because the M16’s receiver is made as a sealed unit, it cannot be repaired easily in the field, but rather needs a skilled armorer with special tools. This would make the M16 of limited value to the insurgents, who do not have these resources. That the M16 looks and sounds very different from the AK-47 will also make it easier for U.S. and allied troops to distinguish between legitimate Iraqi troops and insurgents or impostors–not an insignificant factor on the urban battlefield. There are some negatives. While the U.S. spokesman is right about the durability and accuracy of the M16 vs. the AK, the former is tolled to much finer tolerances than the latter, which means that it requires constant cleaning and care, especially in the dusty Iraqi environment. Unless cleaned regularly (and correctly), the M16 is prone to jamming (a problem it shares with the similar M4 Carbine). The AK, in contrast, was designed with very loose tolerances because it was meant to be used by poorly-trained conscripts. This makes it relatively inaccurate but very simple to maintain in the field, which is why it is beloved of guerrillas, terrorists, and many Third World armies. For the M16 to be a success with the Iraqi army, its troops are going to have learn habits of weapons care and maintenance on par with those of the U.S. Army–and it took a long time for us to learn to love the M16.