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3rd MarDiv adds flexibility, firepower in modern six-shooter

US Marine Corps News

1/21/2011 By Pfc. Mark W. Stroud, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan — “This gun is just like a six-shooter revolving pistol,” said Chief Warrant Officer David V. Bednarcik, division gunner, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, when describing the new M32A1 multi-shot grenade launcher.

The M32A1 does differ slightly from standard six-shooters, though. Instead of launching conventional lead rounds, it launches 40 mm grenades with a maximum effective range of 375 meters.

“The M32A1 allows the individual to lay down a barrage of 40 mm high explosive, dual purpose rounds as fast as (the operator) can pull the trigger,” said Bednarcik. “When (at full) capacity the cylinder will hold six 40 mm rounds.”

The weapons system is not limited to using HE/DP grenades. It can also use a variety of other types of grenades such as illumination and smoke. This allows the Marine on the ground to assess the situation and load their M32A1 as the situation dictates.

“All the same 40 mm rounds for the M203 are applicable,” said Bednarcik. “This is all based on the creativity of the Marine and how he or she masters the gun. This gun is just like a six-shooter revolving pistol. The Marine could load (a certain) amount of (high-explosive) rounds and (a certain) amount of illumination rounds, all based on the situation.”

In situations where Marines are forced to leave behind their heavier weapons systems in favor of mobility, the M32A1 can help Marines retain their fire superiority.

“This weapon becomes very important in the absence of MK19s (a belt-fed automatic grenade launcher). Moreover, a Marine can maneuver on foot with this weapon,” said Bednarcik. “It provides a high volume of firepower to fight out of an ambush. It can provide increased firepower at a higher rate at the small unit level in the attack or in the defense.”

The flexibility the M32A1 provides, using both assorted lethal and non-lethal rounds while staying man-portable, allows individual units much discretion in how they will employ the weapons system. It also allows them to tailor the role of the weapon to their operating environment.

The M32A1 is a Commander’s discretionary weapon. That means there is not a doctrinal role tied to an individual designated to carry that weapon, according Bednarcik. Instead, the commander should choose carefully who they want to carry the nearly 19-pound weapon.

The multi-shot grenade launcher was fielded to 3rd MarDiv. units Jan. 10, with Marines beginning to train with the new weapon system Jan. 13, according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Eric King, operations chief, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd MarDiv.

Infantry, headquarters and combat service support units are also expected to receive the weapons system in the future, according to Bednarcik.