Scott R. Gourley

Scott Gourley is a former U.S. Army officer and the author of more than 1,500 articles covering topics across all military services. He currently holds masthead listings as contributing editor, North American editor, or correspondent for nearly one dozen international defense publications. He is a frequent contributor to Faircount’s Year in Defense and Year in Special Operations as well as other Faircount commemorative publications.

In addition to his articles for professional and trade journals, he has written about defense issues and defense technology for general publications including The Wall Street Journal, Popular Science, and Popular Mechanics, and has consulted for defense-related shows airing on multiple television networks.

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  • Total Posts by Author: 197

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Sgt. Michael Weaver, Personal Security Detail, Regimental Combat Team 5, uses a Mk. 11 assault rife equipped with a Magnum Universal Night Sight (MUNS) to spot activity along the Syrian border during Operation Al Anbar Border Initiative (AABI), north of Al Qiam, Iraq on Oct. 12, 2008.  U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler W. Hill

New Sight Programs Expand Combat Effectiveness

A number of recent tactical sighting and aiming programs may soon expand and enhance operational capabilities at both long and short range for U.S. warfighters.

Long Range

As an example, …

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A Navy diver stands by to assist a special operator, both from SEAL Delivery Team (SDVT) 2, with SDV operations with the nuclear-powered submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) for material certification off Key West, Fla., in 2007. NSWG 3 reorganization consolidated far-flung assets and personnel into one central command location. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Andrew McKaskle.

NSWG-3 Prepares for an Underwater Future

Another representative example of the dynamic changes taking place within the NSW community can be found in the reorganization of Naval Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3) and the other ongoing …

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SCAR test-firing during the NDIA show. Photo by Scott R. Gourley.

U.S. Seeks New SCAR Magazines

In support of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Naval Sea Systems Command’s Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division has released draft performance specifications for new “Lightweight, Durable, Reliable” …

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SCAR test-firing during the NDIA show. Photo by Scott R. Gourley.

U.S. Seeks New SCAR Magazines

In support of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Naval Sea Systems Command’s Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division has released draft performance specifications for new “Lightweight, Durable, Reliable” …

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The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) arrives for a routine port visit to the island of Crete in 2010. Florida is one of four specially-modified SSGNs operated by the U.S. Navy.  U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley

New Naval Special Warfare Capabilities for an Uncertain World

With the official return to service of USS Ohio (SSGN 726) in February 2006, the Naval Special Warfare community marked a significant expansion of its capabilities to “take the fight …

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The Jackal 2 combines the Jackal's mobility with the protection needed today on the battlefield, and is part of the British MoD's response to criticism that some of its vehicles were under-armored. Photo courtesy of UK MoD.

International Land Forces Trends and Developments

The waning days of 2009 provided what could be a prototypical glimpse of international land force trends and developments for the next few years.

United Kingdom

On Dec. 15, 2009, …

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Image courtesy of United States Army.

Army Awards Contracts for Configurable Extended Range Sniper Rifle

As noted in several recent YiD news reports, the past year has witnessed significant joint service interest in sniper ammunition, terminal effects on target, and the small arms sniper weapons …

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A soldier tests the Class 1 UAS. U.S. Army photo

U.S. Army Designates Initial E-IBCT

The U.S. Army’s recent designation of its initial Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team (EIBCT) has helped to crystallize planning schedules for the first combat deployment of the service’s modernized capabilities.…

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The U.S. Army Studies NLOS-LS Failures

The Army is analyzing recent firing failures for its XM501 Non Line of Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS) in an effort to determine a path forward. Significantly, some potential paths could …

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In Extreme Dust Test III, 10 M-4 carbines were subjected to 25 hours of constant heavy dusting after which 6,000 rounds were fired from each weapon. All weapons exhibited significant wear that rendered them unsafe for firing beyond 6,000 rounds without replacement of the barrel and/or bolt. The Army has issued a sources sought/market survey announcement seeking companies "to provide measurable improvements in reliability, durability, and maintainability of the M4.” Photo Courtesy of PEO Soldier

Army Shifts Modernization Focus to M4 Carbine “Improvements”

Against a backdrop of recent large system fielding, development and modernization programs for platforms like the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and, …

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