The Guns, Gadgets, and Gear of Spec Ops (2024)

The M4A1 has been the standard for special operations since its release in 1994. The A1 model has a slightly heavier barrel compared with the standard M4, and full auto capability. The Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) Kit provides additional items such as the M203 Grenade Launcher, a Picatinny Rail System for attachments, forward hand grip, Trijicon's 4x ACOG sight, EOTech's holographic sight, Aimpoint's Close Combat Optic (CCO) sight, Insight Technology's PEQ-2 or PEQ-15 Aiming Laser, and the Insight Flashlight.

While many Tier 1 spec ops units are shooting Glock and Sig Sauer pistols, Marine Special Operations has been using internal gunsmiths of the Marine Corps' Precision Weapon Section to create hand-refurbished versions of the 1911 with ranges out to 50 meters at a muzzle velocity around 825 fps. The standard magazine is seven or eight rounds stacked, and the weapon and ammo weigh around 2.5 pounds.

Special Operations pioneered the use of fused imaging systems that combine a thermal camera with night-vision light intensification in a package light enough to fit on a helmet. The monocular combines imagery from an infrared heat sensor with traditional image intensification to create an enhanced fused image with an infrared highlight. The combination enables the operator to pick up heat signatures in the distance that may be hidden behind bushes or vehicles. With all this information, the wearer can identify targets well beyond the max effective range of the M4, allowing the shooter more time to acquire and engage a target. It also allows the shooter to seamlessly track a target from daylight into a dark cave or tunnel. Finally, the i-Aware Fusion also allows the wearer to transmit and receive real-time color video and other battlefield information. This means that the operator could see the feed from an overhead UAV, or share imagery with other users or beam it back to a command post.

There are several different versions of Crye uniforms popular with operators, but almost all wear the Multicam pattern now. The Combat Shirt, Field Shirt, and Jacket provide various levels of moisture wicking and temperature control, while all allow the use of insertable elbow pads. Combat pants all have 10 pockets and allow for insertable knee pads.

Given the increasing weight from sensors, batteries, and other tools, operators try to minimize weight wherever possible, so most have switched from vests to plate carriers. The PICO serves as a basic plate carrier, but the operator can add side armor, and then pelvic, groin, biceps, and deltoid protection, and even drop leg ballistic panels. The newest version of PICO can be configured as part of a dynamic load carrying system which transfers some of the weight onto a belt that rests on the hips. PICO is made of a new material called PV, a combination of military spec nylon and Dupont Kevlar that decreases material weight by 20 to 50 percent but is about 10 times stronger than standard tactical nylon material.

The Impact Elite gloves are light enough not to interfere with weapons and trigger handling but durable enough to protect the hands while moving through rocky terrain. Raised ridges on the backs of the gloves protect the knuckles from abrasion. Retention loops at the wrist help members of special forces pull on gloves quickly.

Salomon boots, which have received a lot of attention from special ops, use a "chassis," or platform, that provides torsional stiffness and lateral stability, and wider outsoles to increase ankle support and provide a more stable platform for walking. The XA Pro 3D Mid GTX boot is a lightweight fighter that is used more on shorter range missions and for summer wear. It uses the Quick Lace lacing mechanism, which runs a 500-pound test strength lace that is pulled tight and then secured with a cordlock on the lacing, eliminating the need to spend time tying bootlaces. The Quest 4D GTX is a heavier boot made for winter or mountainous terrain. It has traditional laces, but those laces have a locking mechanism at the ankle so that the laces around the foot can be kept tight while the laces around the leg are looser to allow for expanding calf size and leg movement during exercise.