BLUF: End user Soldiers ARE authorized to separate the receiver from the grip module.
Some folks read the -10 TM and conclude that Soldiers aren’t allowed to do this. Here’s what TM 9-1005-470-10, MHS Operator Manual says right up front in Work Package 16:
“Army only: To prevent damage to equipment, procedures in this work package should be performed by unit armorer.”
Contrast this with the Air Force guidance, which follows the above:
“Air Force only: Changing of the grip module will only be accomplished by Combat Arms qualified personnel with AFSC 3P0XXB, SEI 312, or properly qualified Civilian Equivalent Personnel.”
The source of this confusion is a general misunderstanding of key words and what they mean. Notice that the Army note uses “should,” and the Air Force note uses “will.”
Here’s the breakdown, and this applies to all Army official publications*:
“May” = Optional; acceptable means of accomplishment
“Should” = Optional; preferred method of accomplishment
“Will,” “must,” & “shall” = Non-optional; mandatory requirement
Also, the -10 Operator Manual provides 10-level operation and maintenance “with you, the user, in mind.” [from -10 TM “How to Use This Manual,” page v.] If it’s in the -10, you, the Soldier, are permitted to perform all procedures included in the TM…it’s a 10-level function, after all.
So, the bottom line is….
In the Army it’s recommended that unit armorers remove the receiver from the grip module, but not a requirement.
Meanwhile, in the Air Force the Combat Arms folks are the only ones authorized to do the same.
*Some, but not all, doctrinal references provide these definitions within the publication.
By SSG Ian Tashima, CAARNG Asst State Marksmanship Coordinator
For further clarification, at least from the air side. ANYONE, may SEPERATE the receiver from grip module for required cleaning and PMCS, it is taught during the classroom portion of the M-18 qualification. You are correct for a permanent change of the grip module form one size to another, then yes it will only be accomplished by Combat Arms qualified personnel with AFSC 3P0XXB, SEI 312, or properly qualified Civilian Equivalent Personnel.”
Cleaning & PMCS = Anyone
Changing Module = Qualified personnel listed above.
Thank you for providing clarity. Good stuff.
Nonetheless, soldiers will continue to be disciplined and chastised for performing authorized actions on their weapons. Not because it’s against policy, but because their dipshit commanders and NCOs don’t trust them, haven’t trained them adequately, are too incompetent themselves to understand the policy, and are too scared of a minor incident ruining their careers to correct any of the preceding…