This video “Eyes on the Enemy” shows you training scenarios for German Army Long Range Reconnaissance units. Operating in teams of 4 to 6 members, they operate behind enemy lines collecting and reporting information on enemy forces. Here you can see break contact drills in the open for clarity and treatment of a wounded team member.
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The Germans have named their Infanterist der Zukunft or IdZ-2 (Future Soldier System) made by Cassidian with the moniker Gladius.
H&K displayed an example of the new German Army automatic Sniper rifle, the G28. Intended for use in the rifle squad, it was developed as a replacement for the G3 DMR. Although there was a G27 model which was a 417, the Bundeswehr went ahead with the G28 which is based on the 417 but with a steel receiver. This, combined with the full length forend brings it in at a little over 16 lbs. Unfortunately, the rail sections do not extend all the way to the end of the forend.
The stock is a bit different than the 417s in both style and function. The integral cheek riser is adjustable and will reciprocate when you charge the rifle. Additionally, the action is very smooth and it was simple to charge. Interestingly, while the safety is ambidextrous and the upper receiver integrates grooves on both sides to lock the charging handle in place, the weapons comes with two charging handles, a left and right to accommodate all shooters. The buttplate is also adjustable for length of pull.
The dust cover is plastic.
One interesting feature of the scope is the T1 mount.
H&K informed us that the are currently no plans to import the G28. However, there are a few of the accessories They’d probably like to see brought in for integration into the 417.
While this isn’t an EOD project, it is a counter-IED exercise pairing the US Army’s 42nd Route Clearance Company and the Bundeswehr’s 441st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Rout Clearance Team in a classic Engineer mission.
Although in typical AFN fashion the clip is short on details, it does remind us how important our engineer forces are in providing route clearanceIt also shows that new equipment has been developed for this mission and some of it was adapted from EOD.
Thanks from SSD to all the folks in the Counter-IED business!
