The US soldier needs more improved gear, that is a given, especially in their present areas of operations, and an enemy that always fades in and out, leaving behind improvised explosive devices, and fights with a rifle that can withstand whatever weather condition or climate that it is deployed to. As the US Army wants to step up operations in Afghanistan before US and perhaps NATO forces get withdrawn from the country by the end of 2014. They have to be sure that the Taliban have been crippled or brought to the negotations table and the Afghan army able to secure the country with minimum supervision and active combat involvement of the foreign troops.

Army Times just wrote a story on new equipment that are being fast put into the hands of the US soldier, with some already in production, and others just about to be ordered. These are all improvements brought about by the lessons learned in Iraq and ongoing lessons in Afghanistan. The solders need better protection, accurate long range fire, more reliable rifles, all weather-optics, IED detection, uniforms, footwear, and carrying equipment. The story lists some of the items that airsoft players may want to take note when putting a loadout similar to what real soldiers will use:

• M2010 Sniper Rifle (the new US Army designation for the M24E1 Remington Sniper Rifle) to increase snipers' shooting range
• Tactical Assault Panel that can carry more magazines and equipment
• Ground Penetrating Radar for IED detection
• All-weather and longer range night vision goggles
• Operation Enduring Freedom camo pattern (OCP/Multicam pattern)
• AN/PPS-26 see through wall technology
• T-11 Parachute for paratroopers to carry more gear
• 2nd Generation Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV)
• New Carbine which either will be an improved M4 and a search for a new assault rifle
• Medium ruck - between a 3-day and 1-day assault pack
• Danner boots optmized for the terrain
• M855A1 "Green Ammo" which has more stopping power

All of these are aimed to improve the combat effectiveness of the troops in Afghanistan. What is very crucial here is the need for an improved carbine that is reliable, accurate, and easy to use. It might not be an M4 altogether but a new one that can match not only the reliability of the AK-47, but outgun and outrange it. But for now the soldiers will have to rely on the M4 as the selection for a new carbine, according to Army Times will be by the end of 2011, and distribution will go beyond that.

Photo above: M2010 Sniper Rifle

The story does not end there. There will be more items to be issued to the soldiers, which can be improvement in battlefield medicine, and applications for mobile phones that can be used by regular infantry and special troops for realtime battlefield intelligence. Android phones will be utilized due to open source android operating system which makes it easier for techie troops to make applications for it and without the need to wait for Apple's strict app approval process.

You can read the full story at Army Times.