Why the Navy Seals Still Use This 60 Year old Weapon

During the Vietnam War, in the midst of the battle which was a havoc, Lance Corporal Richard Pittman was in a really dangerous situation. It was 1966 and Pittman and his platoon were lying on the ground after they were trapped in no man's land when there was no way for them to move out of this fire line. In this time of great difficulty they’ve decided to try one last time and as a result of fallen soldiers, they picked up a dropped weapon – the M60 Machine Gun. The act was followed by a scene of bravery and might that would later earn him the Medal of Honor.

M60, the new nickname for "large and appetite to ammo consumption", became a key ingredient in a series of victories in the Vietnam war. Yet, this story goes far back to just after World War II, as the United States made attempts to display capabilities similar to those of the powerful German army, which had devised the formidable armament nationwide.

The M60, which was a German firearm MG-42 design to replica, was intended to be a universal and reliable weapon for the infantry. It was a massive ground-level heavy-weapon killer, unmovable without the cooperation of the entire team. In this context, the roles of the turret gunner, second gunner, and ammunition carrier were cooperating to press the trigger or to make the gun hose the enemy with its destructive fire.

The M60 was a distinguished by its ammunitions belt feed system, which used disintegrating links to pass cartridges into the weapon. It facilitated a more or less uninterrupted firepower that removed the need to reload the gun frequently, thus making it an important tool on the battlefield. Armed with 7. This was a 62-by 51mm NATO cartridge, and it was the M60 which henceforth represented the American firepower in the Vietnam War.

However, the jungle was very harsh and the M60 and its operators had some difficulties in it. The artillery's heavy weight and inclination to malfunction was a challenge to soldiers wheeling over rough territory. Nonetheless, this tank was good where it was most needed, proving itself a must-have in AIMS infantry units.

With the Vietnam War going on, the M60 was continuously modified and improved to enhance its performance. The M60E1 and M60E3 solved such problems like barrel heat and frequent barrel changing until the tanks became more reliable for fieldwork. The M60 proved to be an odd one out, considering its once-obsolete status, being substituted with the M240 and M249 SAW. However, it remained in service, majorly with the Navy SEALs.

The M60E4, the last evolution of the M60, had the improvements of weight, reliability, and flexibility. Its weight and heat resistance design make it perfect for the special operation missions. It have been used by the SEAL teams in all weather conditions, hence enjoying their trust.

It is more sixty-years after, and the M60 still is acquiring the branches of the US Army. The fact of the long-time service is a major indication of the ammunition’s legacy. Although newer weapons have overcome it in most respects, the Pig still stands as a symbol of American creativity and endurance on the battlefield.

Through the pages of military history, the M60 Firearm reportedly testifies of the fearless war officials like Lance Corporal Richard Pittman and thousands of others that handled it to defend peace. In taking a look at its glorious traditions, we give thanks to those who gave their lives in service and exalt the significance of this indelible instrument.