US Army Weapon Systems: Protection from the Sky to the Ground

To protect the country, both at home and overseas, the US Army uses a variety of weapons. From protecting the sky to protecting soldiers on the ground, there are many weapons that are effectively used day after day.

There are eight primary groups of weapon systems: individual and crew served weapons; aircraft; air defense artillery; anti-armor weapons; indirect fire systems; nuclear, bio, and chemical defense equipment; tracked vehicles; and wheeled vehicles.

Individual and Crew Served Weapons

The weapons that fit into this category include: Bayonet, M-4 Carbine, M-9 Pistol, M-16 Rifle, MK19-3 Grenade Machine Gun, M203 Grenade Launcher, M240B Machine Gun, and M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon.

Aircraft

There are four types of aircraft used extensively by the US Army: Apache Longbow, Black Hawk Helicopter, Chinook Helicopter, and Kiowa Warrior Helicopter.

Air Defense Artillery

For air defense, the Army relies on two weapons: Avenger and Patriot.

Anti-Armor Weapons

There are not many anti-armor weapons used by the Army. The two that are currently in use include: Javelin and TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command-link guided).

Indirect Fire Systems

Multiple indirect fire systems are used regularly by the Army. Weapons in this category include: MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), M102 Towed Howitzer, M119 Towed Howitzer, M198 Towed Howitzer, M120/M121 Mortar, M224 Mortar, M252 Mortar, and Paladin.

Nuclear, Bio, and Chemical Defense Equipment

The equipment in this category is among the most advanced and modern in the entire US Army. Equipment includes: Field Protective Mask; Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance System; Chemical Agent Detector Kit; and Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology.

Tracked Vehicles

Tracked vehicles have been a mainstay in the Army for many years. At this time, four tracked vehicles are extensively used on the ground: Abrams Tank, Bradley, M88A2 Hercules, and the M113 Family of Vehicles.

Wheeled Vehicles

Much like tracked vehicles, wheeled vehicles are used for ground assaults transportation of soldiers. Vehicles include: FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles), HEMTT, HMMWV, M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter, Palletized Load System, and Stryker.

As you can see, the US Army relies on many weapon systems to keep the air and ground safe for soldiers as well as the world as a whole.

In the weeks to come, we will dissect each system including the history and use of the weapons.