Personal Guard Equipment
Special forces aim to maintain superiority over adversaries not only through training but also through equipment. Click on the numbers for more information about the gear used by special military forces.
Personal Guard Equipment
- Barrett Sniper Rifles
Special forces teams typically include snipers, and the Barrett .50 caliber rifle is the most trusted weapon. With it, snipers can hit targets from 1,800 meters away, allowing them to engage enemies without revealing their positions. Despite the rifle’s weight of 14 kilograms, it is designed for ease of handling and mobility. - GPS (Global Positioning System)
One of the most crucial survival tools for special forces is the GPS, which uses signals from satellites to pinpoint locations anywhere on Earth. The system’s units receive signals from at least three satellites and accurately calculate the user’s position based on latitude and longitude. The device can be programmed to calculate distance and time needed to cover any distance. - Communications
The radios used by the team form the backbone of any special operations due to their power, weight, and portability. U.S. and British forces are updating their communications with digital systems that are lighter and more secure, capable of sending and receiving information and voice messages. Research programs aim to create a virtual battlefield environment that simulates real locations for training purposes. - Backpacks
Soldier equipment is designed to endure various environments such as deserts and mountains. The backpack worn by special forces soldiers is designed to carry essential items like ammunition, water, food, and medical supplies, while they carry basic needs like ammunition, a watch, a compass, bandages, and a flashlight on their person. Special forces members must move as lightly as possible, especially if they are carrying concealed monitoring devices, thus avoiding traditional military gear like tents or stoves. - Grenade Launchers
The M16 semi-automatic rifle is among the most relied-upon weapons due to its functionality in all environmental conditions. It is lightweight and user-friendly and can be loaded with conventional ammunition. It can also be used with the M203 grenade launcher, which fires various types of live ammunition, from 40mm grenades to so-called non-lethal rounds used for crowd control. - Personal Armor
While there is no way to fully protect soldiers from fatal injuries, personal armor can reduce the likelihood of such injuries. The helmet, part of this armor, is made from a material called Kevlar, which is also used to make the body armor. The armor protects the wearer from bullets and shrapnel, reducing risk by about 50 to 80%. However, these armors can weigh around five kilograms, potentially hindering movement, especially if the soldier is injured. - Claymore Mines
Special forces have used Claymore mines since the Korean War. This type of mine contains an explosive charge behind a box filled with hundreds of steel balls. Upon detonation, the balls are projected forward in a 60-degree arc, killing anyone within 50 meters and posing a danger from 250 meters away. The mine can be used in ambushes when placed on a solid surface like a tree or building and can be detonated remotely from up to 33 meters away. - Sig Sauer Pistol
Special forces prefer the Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol, particularly among U.S. Navy SEALs, due to its lightweight, ease of use, and accuracy. Designed in the early 1980s to military specifications, it features low malfunction risks and minimal cleaning requirements. - M15 White Phosphorus Grenade
Special forces use this type of grenade to create temporary cover or illumination. When the grenade explodes, 400 grams of phosphorus ignite at 2,700 degrees Celsius per minute, killing anyone within 17 meters. If someone is hit by the grenade, it is extremely difficult to remove any part of it that may reignite if it remains dry. - M249 Light Machine Gun
Known as the FN Minimi in Europe, this light machine gun offers advantages in accuracy and portability while being lightweight. It is designed to be versatile, able to be carried on the shoulder, waist, or at a height. - Night Vision Goggles
Night vision goggles are essential equipment for special forces. They provide an enhanced view of surrounding areas and increase light concentration, making objects appear clearer. There are various versions of the system, including ones designed as helmets for pilots.
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