National Guard Tests Next-Gen XM7 and XM250 Weapons, Amid Upgrade in U.S. Infantry Firepower

Fort Liberty, North Carolina: National Guard soldiers from the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team have become the first Guardsmen to field-test the U.S. Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) systems. The field test, conducted on June 6, saw troops firing the cutting-edge XM7 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle, which is slated to replace the M4 carbine and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, respectively.  

This significant milestone follows the initial distribution of the new weapons to the 101st Airborne Division, the first active-duty Army unit to receive them. The transition to the XM7 and XM250 marks the first major overhaul of infantry weaponry in decades and includes an advanced fire control system and a new calibre family of ammunition.  

Enhancing Combat Effectiveness  

Colonel Paul Hollenack, commander of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, emphasized the importance of equipping soldiers with state-of-the-art weaponry. “Weapon advancements such as the NGSW ensure that units under our command have the best weapons possible,” said Col. Hollenack. “The fielding of the XM7 and XM250 is a step in making sure that we are doing just that.”

The field test included soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, who conducted an integrated training weapons strategy qualification table with the new rifles during a week-long training event that culminated on June 23.  

The response from the soldiers has been overwhelmingly positive. Cpl. Joseph Negron, a cavalry scout with the 4th Battalion, expressed his enthusiasm for the new XM7 rifle. “The XM7 is a great rifle. We are training and practising target shots,” said Cpl. Negron. “My favourite thing about the XM7 is how the weapon can be easily used by right-handed and left-handed shooters.” He added, “The XM7, compared to the M4, is a step up. The rifle is a little bit heavier, but its accuracy is worth the extra weight.”  

A New Era of Infantry Weaponry  

The introduction of the XM7 and XM250 reflects the Army’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield. These next-generation weapons offer significant improvements in range, accuracy, and lethality. The advanced fire control system, coupled with the new calibre family of ammunition, is designed to enhance soldiers' effectiveness in various combat scenarios.

The XM7 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle represent the Army's broader strategy to modernize its forces and ensure that soldiers are equipped to meet the demands of modern warfare. The NGSW program is a crucial component of this strategy, focusing on delivering superior firepower and versatility to the infantry units.

The successful field-testing by the National Guard soldiers is a promising indicator of the NGSW systems' potential. As these new weapons are distributed more widely across the Army’s components, they are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the operational capabilities of U.S. forces.