Question for guys in the service...

[ibanezfoo]

...specifically those who are in, or have been in Iraq or other conflict areas. I read about optics on M4's and see alot of pictures of guys with various optics on their weapons. I read an article about some relatively inexpensive scope that a guy bought before he shipped out and he put it on his weapon. My question: Do you get to outfit your weapons how you want while in theater? Can you buy your own optics and put on your issue weapon to use in combat?

I'm asking for no real reason other than curiosity.

Thanks for answering the question and thank you even more for your service!

-Bryan

[CavTrooper]

We are issued different things, depending on what kind of unit, how good your supply system is, how much the CO wants to spend, etc. The usual issued items are 68s (aimpoint), ACOGs, and EoTechs. If you want to buy your own stuff and mount it, its usually ok to do as long as its not changing the weapon itself, like different barreled uppers or match triggers etc, that would be a no-no. Scopes and lights and such, are ok though.
I personally started out with a 68, surefire and a IR laser. Later on traded the 68 in for an Eotech and dropped the laser. We got a bunch of new ACOGs and I kept that baby for the rest of my stay. I love that sight, I dont think theres anything better than the ACOG for a daytime sight.
Now on my other rifle I kept the PVS-10 day/night scope.... its a little heavy, but it is a great all around scope!