Innovation

Are Marines Using the Best Combat Optic?

Is the rifle combat optic (RCO) still the best option for ground operating forces? A growing number of Marines would argue it is not. It is time to move to a new platform. The variable combat optical gunsight (VCOG) is a low-power variable scope that weighs twice as much as the RCO does, and also is twice the cost of the standard RCO already in service. So why should we move to something that costs more and is heavier? Because is the right tool for our mission and has twice the capabilities of the standard RCO.

Combat is dynamic and happens at various distances in rapid intervals. The transition time between targets and distances is just as fast and conditions are continuously variable. What we use currently is the advanced combat optical gunsight (ACOG)—more commonly referred to as the RCO. These terms will be used interchangeably. The RCO has filled a crucial role with ground forces. It gives the ground combat element an advantage over an enemy using iron sights or inferior optics. This riflescope has served well and continues to remain in service, though it does have some discrepancies. The primary concern is that it is a fixed, 4-power sight. This means the magnification is four times that of the naked eye. This is good for distances above 50 yards and below 500 yards but falls short in close quarters battle (CQB) and longer distances. The bindon aiming concept (BAC), or occluded shooting, is the work-around for the CQB fault. It allows the shooter some close quarters capability but accuracy is sacrificed. The target still receives fire, but it is not as lethal as it could be. There also is the concern that observation and precision at distances are hindered. Observation starts to fall off with the 4-power after about 400 yards. There still is some capability, but detail and precision are limited. The RCO is a compromise of the various differences in the combat arena. With CQB and distance shots of concern, there are other factors that need mentioning. As this world becomes equipped with technology and the use of recording devices becomes more a reality on the battlefield, it raises the question: are we using the most effective/capable combat optic for those on the ground?

In the years following approval of the RCO for use by operating forces there have been many attempts to fulfill the needs of ground forces. The most notable competition to the RCO were the “red dot” and the “holographic sight,” both of which are reflex sights and tailored to CQB. They are 1x magnification, which means the magnification is equal to normal eyesight. Unlike iron sights that must be aligned, the reflex sight only needs the shooter to match the dot on the target in order to achieve combat accuracy. This platform is superior in close quarters due to the ability to quickly place the dot on the target and hit with point of impact at point of aim. The reticle is either projected onto the glass or etched inside the glass and lit by a battery source. Some of these are still in use, but in the combat setting are used in conjunction with a magnifier to achieve longer ranges. Those who are not using a magnifier are limited in observation capabilities and distance shooting. There also has been the option to attach a “micro-red dot” to the RCO to satisfy the CQB requirement while retaining the its midrange accuracy and observation capability. The problem is that it is cumbersome and stacking optics creates more areas within a system that can fail. Although points of failure within this type of system are rare it still must be considered.

A low-powered variable scope varies magnification at a lower power than standard variable power optics used for medium or long ranges. Specific examples of these are 3x-9x for mid-range and 5.5x-22x for long range. The low-power specific capability is variable from 1 to 6 power magnification. The magnification of 1x is the same as the naked eye as well as a reflex sight, and up to 6x normal eyesight for distance shooting or observation. This is the no-compromise all-around solution that is needed to achieve maximum lethality for those on the ground. The low-power variable scope is the next improvement on adaptability and capability for the ground combat element.

So, why chose the VCOG? For many, the RCO was the best innovation that the Marine Corps has for the individual warfighter’s rig. The scope is durable, reliable, and simple. The VCOG has even more capability and can be used as a reflex sight for CQB accuracy and can provide an improved asset for observation and precision at distance with the turn of a dial. The VCOG also requires no rings mounted the service rifle. This means that armorers and Marines waste less time ensuring the scope is level. It sits on the same mounts as the ACOG. The scope is simple, user friendly, created with the plug-and-play concept, and as durable as the combat proven ACOG already utilized by operating forces. The reticles are just as intuitive and use the mil-dot or a bullet drop compensator (BDC) similar to that of the RCO. The mil-dot is the more versatile option and can be used on a variety of rifle platforms carried by ground elements. The mil-dot has been used for years and would be easily translated to those who are new to its use. It makes wind holds very easy and more accurate than the RCO. It commonly is used by observers and fire controls for ranging and munitions spotting and adjusting. The VCOG weighs 23.2oz while the ACOG weighs 10.5oz. That is a significant difference and must be considered, as the adage “ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain” still is true. The weight always will be an issue but that weight comes with benefits that cannot be ignored. The next issue is the cost. It is by no means a cheap optic. The suggested price for the VCOG is $2,800 and the ACOG is $1,724.00. The benefits outweigh the cost, pun intended. The Marine Corps is a highly skilled warfighting force. Those on the ground doing the “grunt” work deserve every opportunity to be successful.

It is worth noting that almost all the shooters of 3gun competitions use low-power variable scopes. The 3gun is a shooting competition that uses three shooting platforms—a pistol, shotgun, and a rifle—to engage targets at various distances, mimicking combat scenarios. The Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team has embraced this method and has begun implementing it into training. The Marine Corps’ recently published MarAdmin 632/16—“Competition-In-Arms Program for FY17”— in the past has been used to hone and share basic marksmanship skills. The acceptance of combat marksmanship in this program was inevitable as Marines always look to improve skills, equipment, tactics, and techniques.

The best combat optic is not in use. The RCO has deficiencies that need to be addressed. The VCOG addresses the RCO’s issues and keeps a familiarity that Marines will accept and adapt to, thus increasing their lethality on the battlefield. There is a need to move forward with regards to the combat optic platform. It is not sufficient to blindly accept tools in service. They must be constantly tested and improved to identify strengths and weakness as well as to seek out ways to improve. The RCO has been a strong and reliable asset for a long time but technology has advanced and it is imperative that Marines not waste the opportunity to increase our warfighting potential.

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