BOISE, Idaho — The Oregon Army National Guard’s infantry units trained on the new M3E1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) at Orchard Combat Training Center near Boise, Idaho, from February 5-9, 2024. The lightweight recoilless rifle, manufactured by Swedish company Saab, provides enhanced capabilities over the AT4 Light Anti-Armor Weapon, also made by Saab, that infantry units previously depended on for this role.

The M3E1, known colloquially as the “Carl Gustaf,” is 28 percent lighter at just 14.8 pounds than its predecessor, the M3, which U.S. special operation units have relied on since 1994. It contains an integrated fire control system for engaging moving targets, improved ergonomics, and an automatic round counter. With an effective range of 1300 meters against soft targets, the M3E1 can engage light armored vehicles out to 700 meters and utilize multiple ammunition types, including high explosive anti-tank, smoke, and illumination rounds.

“The fielding of the M3E1 MAAWS is a significant step in modernizing and enhancing the lethality of the Oregon Army National Guard,” said Brig. Gen. Eric Riley, Land Component Command, Oregon. “The M3E1 provides increased tactical capabilities for our infantry units with improved fire control, lighter weight, and multi-target use. This modernization effort reinforces our commitment to equipping Oregon Guardsmembers with the very best tools for the battlefield.”

Training on the new system included a block of classroom instruction at Orchard Combat Training Center. The hands-on learning provided essential education on the operation, maintenance, and capabilities of the M3E1. To build proficiency, soldiers in the course then moved to live-fire exercises to reinforce classroom learning at the range, including firing live combat explosive rounds.

“Having deployed to Afghanistan in 2015 with the Oregon Army National Guard, I used the older M3 variant issued to my platoon,” said Master Sgt. Andrew Burk, non-commissioned officer overseeing the fielding. “This state-of-the-art M3E1 brings increased capabilities and modularity that will bolster our lethality and flexibility across a range of combat scenarios.”

As the combat arms reserve of the Army, the National Guard must be ready to fight alongside its active counterparts at a moment’s notice. Fielding of the M3E1 allows Oregon guard members to train on this cutting-edge system, modernizing capabilities and ensuring lethal readiness. Having the latest weapons and equipment is crucial for the Guard to deliver on its motto, Always Ready, Always There.

The expedited procurement and fielding of the M3E1 recoilless rifle reinforces the priority placed on providing Oregon’s citizen soldiers with the tools they need to prevail on any battlefield. This modernization effort will bolster the combat power of the state’s infantry formations, enabling them to fulfill their federal mission, equipped and trained to the highest standards.