Ellsworth receives new weapon systems

  • Published
  • By A1C Quentin Marx
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – The 28th Security Forces Squadron became the first unit in Air Force Global Strike Command to receive a shipment of M4A1 Carbine rifles June 28.

The rifles will replace older models and allow Ellsworth Air Force Base’s defenders to better respond to any threat.

“The rifle delivery is a direct result of the Security Forces’ Reconstitute Defender Initiative, which bolsters defender readiness and lethality,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Parkis, the 28th Security Forces Squadron logistics superintendent. “RDI is a multiyear approach to enhance mission effectiveness across [the] security forces career field.”

While the M4 utilizes single-side safety and three-round burst firing, the new rifles have more modern and effective enhancements.

“The M4A1 provides several upgrades such as utilizing ambidextrous safety and safe, semi and automatic trigger groups,” said Tech. Sgt Richard Hovland, the 28th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of combat arms. “While the upgrades seem minor, the features provide an enhancement for left-handed shooters and increase operational capabilities for defenders.”

These enhancements make the weapons more effective tools for the base’s current and future defenders. Once processed, the M4A1 will become the main weapon system used at Ellsworth.

“We are moving quickly to inspect, inventory and clean the newly arrived weapons,” said Hovland. “When completed, they will be assigned to our defenders for qualification, training and sustainment firing.”