Desert Shield and Desert Storm saw service members issued with several small arms. These included Beretta pistols, 1911 pistols, the M3A1 “Grease Gun” in some support battalions, the M16A1 (especially in the hands of reservists), and even Vietnam era Colt Commando carbines.
Some members of the 82nd were issued sidearms, but just about every trooper also carried an M16A2 rifle around camp or into combat.
The M16A2 was an evolution of the now venerable but unfairly maligned M16A1 rifle that saw service in Vietnam. Key differences included a new more durable set of handguards, modified rear sight adjustable for elevation and windage (the M16A1 rear had only been windage adjustable), new pistol grip, and a longer butt stock. Internally, the A1 and A2 are essentially the same, firing the same caliber, functioning in much the same way with one key difference. M16A1 rifles had a “third” selector position that allowed fully automatic fire. In the M16A2 this was replaced with a “three round burst” option. The M16A2 also received a somewhat more robust barrel profile and a slightly different muzzle device.
While the A2 rifle is generally very reliable, the desert is no respecter of mechanical operating systems. Flour-like dust and coarse sand can cause malfunctions in even the best firearms so cleaning often and cleaning thoroughly became a daily task.
