SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 – The Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division is among the first Guard units to field the Army’s newest automatic rifle, the M250, during a New Equipment Training, or NET, event at Camp Ripley.
The M250, part of the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon program, replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and introduces a new 6.8mm cartridge, higher muzzle velocity and advanced optic capabilities. The NET fielding marks a milestone for the Guard, giving Soldiers hands-on instruction to build confidence and proficiency with the new system.
The event is led by Project Manager Soldier Lethality, or PM SL, under Program Executive Office Soldier, which oversees the Army’s small arms and fire-control systems. PM SL experts deliver classroom instruction, explaining the M250’s technical features, ballistics and optic functions.
On the range, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group, or ITG, turns that technical knowledge into practical performance. Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, ITG’s primary instructor for the event, emphasizes fundamentals such as sight alignment, trigger control and recoil management to ensure Soldiers can use the weapon effectively in live-fire conditions.
“We take PM Soldier Lethality’s technical knowledge and put it into performance on the range,” Riegel said. “We show Soldiers everything they learned in class, then focus on the shot process and what they need to do to get hits on target.”
The M250’s advanced optic is one of the biggest changes for Soldiers. With its onboard ballistic system, it is unlike anything many have used before. Riegel said once Guard members fire live rounds with it, their confidence grows quickly.
“The optic ensures every Soldier has the capability to make first-round hits at distance, whether in single shot or burst,” he said. “And the cartridge’s terminal performance is incredible — it will defeat pretty much anything they come across.”
The shift from the 5.56mm round of the Squad Automatic Weapon to the 6.8mm cartridge means Guard members must adjust to new ballistics and extended ranges. According to Riegel, this requires a deeper understanding of long-range shooting, but ultimately makes units more lethal.
The NET fielding also highlights the value of PM SL and ITG working together. While PM SL explains the technical aspects of the M250 and its optic functions, ITG ensures that Soldiers can apply that knowledge in live training.
“ITG provides the most up-to-date marksmanship instruction and techniques used across the Army,” Riegel said. “PM Soldier Lethality explains the technical aspects in great detail so Soldiers understand the why behind the new equipment.”
As the Army continues to field the Next Generation Squad Weapon program, Guard units such as the 34th Infantry Division are among the first to gain experience with the M250, thereby strengthening readiness across the Total Force.
For units interested in similar training, Riegel encourages them to reach out.
“If units want to get in contact with the Instructor Training Group, all they have to do is send us a message,” he said. “We’ll provide a training request form and deliver tailored training to meet their needs.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin