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
