On this week's Military Monday, we take a look at one of the most legendary weapons today.

By Rick 'Lunch_meat' GivensContributing WriterOffDutyGamers.com
Of all the weapons throughout conflict, one of the most widely known and recognized is the M16. Initially designed by ArmaLite as the AR-15, the weapon first saw service in the jungles of Vietnam under Project Agile of the Advanced Research Projects Agency. Tasked with finding “inventive fixes to the Communist problem in South Vietnam,” ARPA sent 10 and then eventually 1000 AR-15 rifles to US Allies to test the weapon. The initial reports were enthusiastic, and the US Special Operations Soldiers embedded with the South Vietnamese troops began pressing for its adaptation. The stopping power of the 5.556 mm round was so effective; photographs showing enemy casualties caused by it remained classified until the 1980s.
Officially adopted for service in 1963 under two different specifications, the M16 and the XM16E1, the weapon was eventually standardized as the M16A1, seeing service throughout Vietnam. Despite initial failures caused by the powder in the ammunition, US Forces like the weapon. Of approximately 2100 troops surveyed, less than 1% or 38 wished to replace the M16. Of those 38, 35 of them opted for the shorter CAR-15, which was the eventual inspiration of the M4.
Since then, the M16 has seen various adaptations, and used by over 70 countries; in addition, civilian models exist, making this weapon easily available worldwide. The M16A4 is the most recent model, dubbed the Modular Weapon System, this variant allows for numerous military and civilian sights, grips for other attachments. But those toys usually come later, just as in game; generally, the Grunt has nothing but a standard issue rifle to depend on.
This is where skill comes in; you will never see a Marine or even a Soldier panic firing their weapon. Our forces rely on short, aimed bursts, or even single fire when engaging the enemy. Likewise, even the best-planned shot goes straight out the window as soon as the enemy moves. That’s why we trainto shoot on the move, to avoid becoming a stationary target, but it also requires us to train in bringing effective fire on a moving target.
As in real life, when the M16 or M4 is fired, the barrel will travel upward, creating a wide area of fire if not controlled. I’ve spoken in past articles how to counteract this, briefly however; simply pull the mouse towards you, or move the controller in the downward motion. Think as though you were attempting to aim downwards as you fire, this will have effect of pulling the barrel back on target, and keeping those longer bursts under control. If you’re using the standard sights, put that front sight post directly on the point of aim. Laser sights are nice, but even in real life they don’t make a bad shooter good, they just show him where he will miss.
Firing on the move is more complicated, and requires greater skill than from a static position. Here your selection of weapons and equipment become paramount. With the M16/M4, your best choice is to use either the iron sights, or red dot, and bring the weapon up to aim. Approach the target from a crouched position, or drop as soon as you see him, and let him know you care. Move from cover to cover, using the terrain to hamper incoming fire, and sweep your weapon like a turret.
Firing at a moving target however, presents its own special problems; you can take everything I just wrote, use it and miss completely against a moving target. It’s nice when your opponent holds still, and we should all send him a special thank you downrange, but if he is on the move, the most you will see is a puff of dust as the round impacts where he just left.
For targets moving perpendicular (that’s sideways…) to you, select a point of aim ahead of them and fire, allowing them to run into the bullet. Distance will play a factor, and you want to lead them a little more, the further they are out. A good rule of thumb, aim for the furthest extension, whether it is a weapon or a hand. For faster moving targets, such as the Bradley and UAV, aim for the “tip of the nose” and adjust fire accordingly.
For those considerate enough to be moving towards you, look at them, smile and say thank you. Your mother always taught you to use manners right? Nothing really complicated, as the enemy will only present a larger point of aim. But, if he’s bravely running away, select a point that is center mass andconcentrate on those single shots and short bursts.
Using the tactics and techniques taught in the military doesn’t make us a superior gamer to everyone else; many of the same subjects I’ve talked about are incorporated into the various styles of casual and competitive players everywhere. But, present day conflicts, from Vietnam onward, taught us the skills our Forces use. The reason why they use them is that they work...
Don't forget that you'll be able to travel to Vietnam yourself in Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam. Pre-order your copy today!