Light weapons typically refer to firearms and various other armaments carried by individual soldiers or squads. These weapons are primarily designed for infantry use, though they are also widely utilized across different military branches. Their main combat purpose is to neutralize enemy personnel, damage light armored vehicles, and destroy other military assets.
Weapons can be classified based on several criteria:
Target Damage Method: This includes point-kill weapons, which aim at specific targets, and surface-kill weapons, which affect broader areas.
Tactical Use Characteristics: These can be categorized as self-defense weapons, assault weapons, suppression weapons, anti-armor weapons, and anti-aircraft weapons.
Equipment Type: This classification includes individual weapons and team weapons.
Common examples of light weapons include pistols, submachine guns, rifles, machine guns, grenades, rifle grenades, grenade launchers, portable rocket launchers, and recoilless launchers.
According to relevant laws and regulations, Sean is permitted to use portable rocket launchers, recoilless launchers, and individual air-to-air missiles, which he can acquire through legitimate arms companies.
However, the question arises: why seek out 'friends' for these weapons?
Weapons obtained through formal channels must be used in strict accordance with laws and regulations. In contrast, weapons acquired from 'friends' may not be officially recorded, allowing for greater freedom in their use.
Partridge examined the list Sean provided and nodded. "RPGs are straightforward, but there's a slight issue," he said, pointing at the '5.56 and 7.62mm armor-piercing rounds.' "To be honest, we don't have any in the army."
He continued, "If you really need to destroy armor, you should go for anti-tank rockets instead."
Sean frowned. "Why can't I just get an RPG and blow things up? Where am I supposed to source it?"
"This ammo is trickier to handle," Partridge explained. "It's actually more dangerous than rockets—similar to how pistols can be more hazardous than machine guns."
"So, what do we do now?"
"I suggest manufacturing your own bullets," Partridge advised. "Not finished rounds, though. The regulations are much looser for that. You can get a manual reloading machine to handle it—after all, you won't be using much, right?"
Sean pondered this. He wasn't on the battlefield and likely wouldn't fire hundreds of rounds yearly. Reloading a small batch would suffice.
"Let's finalize the order: 5 recoilless launchers, 50 standard warheads, 5 armor-piercing warheads, 100 M16A2 rifles, and 1 million rounds of ammunition."
Additionally, they would need to outfit the M16A2s with heavy-duty barrels, detachable carrying handles, adjustable mechanical sights, Weaver-style sight bases, Picatinny rails, shield ring metal sights, and 3-9x adjustable range telescopic sights.
Sean snapped his fingers. "The modifications are for the M16A2, which can be converted into an SDM-R sniper rifle."
In the U.S. military, there's a specialized role known as the Designated Marksman—an experienced rifleman who supports squad operations with precise fire from a distance slightly beyond normal engagement ranges. Bill, a designated marksman in Sean's group, was among the 30 personnel brought back, including 10 designated marksmen.
Sean planned to equip them with SDM-R rifles. The multiple barrels were necessary due to the wear from frequent live training.
"No problem," Partridge replied without hesitation. "For a military base, this level of equipment is trivial. Just report any losses."
Sean continued, "Let's add five more M60E1 machine guns and another million rounds of ammunition."
The M60, a primary suppression weapon for U.S. military units, is lightweight at only 10.51 kg and has proven reliable since the Vietnam War. It fires 7.62mm bullets with an effective range of 800 meters and is versatile enough for both ground combat and mounting on vehicles or aircraft.
"This is the one Lambo uses. It's quite fierce in action," Sean added.
They also needed standard equipment such as grenades, landmines, and body armor helmets—100 sets in total, plus communication devices for Gracie.
Once the order was finalized, Partridge began calculating costs. Unfortunately, the ammunition was expensive. Market prices showed that 5.56 and 7.62mm bullets typically cost around 40 cents each, even with military bulk pricing reducing it to over 20 cents. For Sean's order, the total cost for ammunition alone ran about $400,000, and including other firearms and gear, the total value exceeded $550,000 for just 100 troops.
"We can agree on one price: $150,000!" Partridge said, tapping away on his calculator. "You know, I'm taking a risk here too. I can't manage all this alone; too many eyes are watching. The money needs to be shared among everyone, and I'm just trying to make it work."
Partridge gestured emphatically, as if trying to justify the deal to Sean. After all, these items were outdated military stock, worth less than scrap metal, but they couldn't be priced too low either.
Sean feigned contemplation. As Partridge's anxiety grew, he finally extended his hand decisively. "Alright, it's a deal. What can I say? Friends help each other out!"
"Hahaha! Yes, we're friends, the best of friends!" Partridge laughed, shaking Sean's hand with enthusiasm.
With $100,000 already piled on the bed, Sean pulled out another bundle of cash—mostly small, old bills—and said, "I'll leave it to you to count this."
"Hahaha, old bills are good!" Partridge grinned, clearly excited. Dempsey had already filled him in; everyone knew everything, and Sean wouldn't dare lie about the money.
After settling the payment, Sean stood up, a knowing look on his face. He reached into his pocket and handed Partridge another room card. "My friend, I have a little surprise waiting for you. I believe you'll love it."
"Brother, you really understand me!" Partridge exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.
"Money, booze, and women—what could be more thrilling?" Sean thought, sharing in Partridge's excitement.
As they wrapped up their business, the atmosphere brimmed with camaraderie and the promise of more adventures to come.