Marines Deploy Next-Generation Mortars

The Marine Corps is sending a new generation of mortars — featuring 60mm mortar sight, sling and heat shield — to units deployed to Afghanistan.

“The nighttime capability is awesome, I mean awesome,” assistant mortars instructor Sgt. Garrett Dennard said in the statement. “At night, by the second round, I trusted it 100 percent.”

It’s easier to transport the mortar, thanks to a sling and heat shield that protects a Marine’s hands. The also has a lightweight mount to eliminate noise that might compromise the Marine’s location.

“The new sling and sight overall are really important additions to the weapon,” Dennard said in a statement.