The Next Generation Squad Automatic Weapon project is a work in progress for the past three years to build the Army’s replacement for the M4 carbine and Squad Automatic Weapon. Sig Sauer, General Dynamics, and Textron are the three companies that the army is considering to build the Army’s replacement. Other than weapons development, L3 Technologies, and Vortex Optics are also competing for the fire control to mount on this new rifle. Officials expect to select one of the three companies to build their version of the NGSW on or before October this year.

Scene Camera Operator: SSGT Suzanne Day, USAF