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The USAF "wanted" the new all aluminum rifle to fit the Air Force's "lightness" standards; a survival weapon for downed airmen, etc. While at a "private" get together (social event), USAF GEN Curtis LeMay tested the weapon, firing against water-melons in 1960; he liked the weapon and ordered some for the USAF...however the M14 had just been approved for use only 36 months earlier, and having TWO different NATO cartridges was not a good idea; consequently, President Kennedy denied GEN LeMay's request.
But the Vietnam War was beginning to really heat up (fighting had been going on for YEARS; but now it was growing like a cancer). Fighting men in South Vietnam had complained about the need for firepower, their WWII M1 Garands, BAR's, or British .303's or M1 .30 Carbines & .45 caliber Thompson sub-machineguns weren't putting out the "lead" (bullets) fast enough to chop down the jungle and kill communists...plus those weapons (minus the carbine) were extremely heavy to carry, didn't hold alot of rounds, and certainly didn't have fast rates of fire.
Then word of a NEW "light-weight rapid firing rifle" reached the ears of the embattled allied men fighting in South Vietnam. A dozen or so were shipped to South Vietnam in 1961 for a "test run" (like a test drive for a new tank or car). The men liked it; and requested more! In 1962 another batch was sent to South Vietnam, the weapon proved excellent for JUNGLE FIGHTING! Light weight, Rapid Rate of Fire (chops down jungle like a weed cutter), and fighting men could carry thousands instead of hundreds of rounds due to the size of the cartridge.
By 1963, Secretary of Defense McNamara was convinced; and authorized nearly a 100,000 M16's deployed as "jungle rifles" for use only in jungle environments (specifically South Vietnam). The rest of the US Army and US Marines stationed around the world would continue to be armed with the M14 US Rifle. By 1967 the M16 jungle rifle would be the new US Rifle, slowly phasing out the M14 service rifle.
What else can I help you with?
When was the M16 rifle first used?
The M16 was first used by the United States Air Force in 1962. Prior to this it was known as the AR-15. The United States Army began to field the M16 in 1965 in Vietnam.
What was the most powerful weapon used in the civil war?
BB guns like m16 m4A1 And pedro for a cannon
Was the m16 in World War 2?
no, its was designed in the 1960's.
Did the secrete service have m16 rifles in 1963?
Yes, the United States Secret Service did have M16 rifles in 1963, but they were not yet in widespread use; the M16 was officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1964. At that time, the Secret Service primarily used other firearms for protection, such as revolvers and the M1 Carbine. The M16 became more prominent in the following years, particularly during the Vietnam War.
World War 2 and the Vietnam War?
1. WWII, first war in history in which every US fighting man was armed with a semi-automatic rifle, the M1 Garand. WWII created the AIRBORNE divisions (paratroopers). 2. Vietnam, first war in history in which every US fighting man was armed with a fully-automatic rifle, the M16 Jungle Rifle (assault rifle). Vietnam War created the AIRMOBILE divisions (helicopters). Note: Secretary of Defense McNamara "clarified the M16" for jungle warfare only.
What was used in the Vietnam war?
The M16 was first used in the Vietnam War. It was a completely new weapon with a new caliber of ammunition. It was lighter and more deadly than its predecessors.
What where the new weapons used in world war 1?
M16
When was the M16 rifle first used?
The M16 was first used by the United States Air Force in 1962. Prior to this it was known as the AR-15. The United States Army began to field the M16 in 1965 in Vietnam.
Was the m-16 used in World War 2?
no the m16 was invented in the early years of the Vietnam war
Is there an M16 gun in Call of Duty World at War for PS2?
The war the game is about was before the M16 was developed for VietNam
What where the weapons where in World War 1?
M16
What was the most powerful weapon used in the civil war?
BB guns like m16 m4A1 And pedro for a cannon
Which came first AR15 or M16 rifle?
The AR-15 rifle was developed first, designed by Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s for the ArmaLite Corporation. It was introduced in 1956, while the M16 rifle, which is a military adaptation of the AR-15, was adopted by the U.S. military in 1964 during the Vietnam War. Thus, the AR-15 predates the M16 by several years.
What is the most used rifle in the army?
If you mean the US Army, the M16 and the M4 variant of the M16.
Was the m16 in World War 2?
no, its was designed in the 1960's.
What kind of weapons did the patriots use in the revolutionary war?
they used weapons like m16 and rbg7 and the also used Mercedes and Ferrari tanks and water guns
Did the secrete service have m16 rifles in 1963?
Yes, the United States Secret Service did have M16 rifles in 1963, but they were not yet in widespread use; the M16 was officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1964. At that time, the Secret Service primarily used other firearms for protection, such as revolvers and the M1 Carbine. The M16 became more prominent in the following years, particularly during the Vietnam War.
