thedrifter
04-19-03, 07:08 AM
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification Number: 2003417204136
Story by Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(April 17, 2003) -- The Marine Corps is taking steps to make sure future enemies not only will be outgunned - but out-knifed.
Starting next year, Marines can expect to see a replacement for the Vietnam-era M7 bayonet - an upgrade to a weapon that is longer, wider, armor-piercing and therefore more intimidating, according to the Marine overseeing the upgrade.
"This new bayonet causes more psychological as well as physical damage. It is psychologically damaging because of the fear it brings to the minds of our adversaries. It projects a manly-looking, fear-invoking presence," said Maj. Stephan Fernandez, bayonet project officer at Marine Corps Systems Command.
The first installment of the new, "multi-purpose bayonets," made by the Ontario Knife Company, is scheduled to be completed by 2005.
The new bayonet is almost 3 inches longer than the current one. It's wider and weighs almost 5 ounces more than its 10-ounce predecessor.
"It's just plain meaner-looking than the old one," Fernandez said.
It also has more capabilities.
"The major difference right off the bat would be durability and balance. It was one of the most durable blades under stress as compared to other knives in the testing phase," said Sgt. Scott A. Magnus, an instructor/trainer at The Basic School, Quantico, Va.
The new model is made from one piece of steel, instead of many different components like the old bayonet.
"The new bayonet is a nonrepairable item, which means if it breaks, it will be thrown away," Fernandez said.
The new bayonet is covered by a warranty, but it doesn't apply to everything Marines could do with the knife. For example, it doesn't cover using the bayonet to pry open a steel door, Fernandez said.
But it will cover damage caused by piercing body armor in a knife fight, he said.
"Knife fighting is definitely one thing you can do better with the new bayonet. Don't get me wrong, you can fight with the old one; however, the characteristics make the new bayonet better-suited," said Magnus, a Long Island, N.Y., native. "You can pierce through body armor Ñyou can't do that with the old one. I tried and failed."
The new bayonet is larger in every way - including the price tag. It costs twice as much as the current model, which first entered the fleet in the early 1960s.
At $50 apiece, the new model will cost the Marine Corps almost $8 million.
The Marines are replacing 99,987 bayonets for $3.85 million, leaving another 89,000 to be purchased later, said Fernandez.
The new bayonet has undergone testing since last August. It was picked over 32 other knives.
Sempers,
Roger
Story Identification Number: 2003417204136
Story by Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(April 17, 2003) -- The Marine Corps is taking steps to make sure future enemies not only will be outgunned - but out-knifed.
Starting next year, Marines can expect to see a replacement for the Vietnam-era M7 bayonet - an upgrade to a weapon that is longer, wider, armor-piercing and therefore more intimidating, according to the Marine overseeing the upgrade.
"This new bayonet causes more psychological as well as physical damage. It is psychologically damaging because of the fear it brings to the minds of our adversaries. It projects a manly-looking, fear-invoking presence," said Maj. Stephan Fernandez, bayonet project officer at Marine Corps Systems Command.
The first installment of the new, "multi-purpose bayonets," made by the Ontario Knife Company, is scheduled to be completed by 2005.
The new bayonet is almost 3 inches longer than the current one. It's wider and weighs almost 5 ounces more than its 10-ounce predecessor.
"It's just plain meaner-looking than the old one," Fernandez said.
It also has more capabilities.
"The major difference right off the bat would be durability and balance. It was one of the most durable blades under stress as compared to other knives in the testing phase," said Sgt. Scott A. Magnus, an instructor/trainer at The Basic School, Quantico, Va.
The new model is made from one piece of steel, instead of many different components like the old bayonet.
"The new bayonet is a nonrepairable item, which means if it breaks, it will be thrown away," Fernandez said.
The new bayonet is covered by a warranty, but it doesn't apply to everything Marines could do with the knife. For example, it doesn't cover using the bayonet to pry open a steel door, Fernandez said.
But it will cover damage caused by piercing body armor in a knife fight, he said.
"Knife fighting is definitely one thing you can do better with the new bayonet. Don't get me wrong, you can fight with the old one; however, the characteristics make the new bayonet better-suited," said Magnus, a Long Island, N.Y., native. "You can pierce through body armor Ñyou can't do that with the old one. I tried and failed."
The new bayonet is larger in every way - including the price tag. It costs twice as much as the current model, which first entered the fleet in the early 1960s.
At $50 apiece, the new model will cost the Marine Corps almost $8 million.
The Marines are replacing 99,987 bayonets for $3.85 million, leaving another 89,000 to be purchased later, said Fernandez.
The new bayonet has undergone testing since last August. It was picked over 32 other knives.
Sempers,
Roger