US Navy made to see the error of its ways as sailor fits telescopic sight on backwards
The US Navy has been at the receiving end of some Marine Corps banter after a sailor was photographed firing live rounds from an M27 assault rifle – with the telescopic sight fitted back to front.
The sailor is seen shouldering his M27, which is a derivative of the Heckler & Koch 416, with empty 5.56mm cases flying out of the ejection port.
However the sight, a VCOG Squad Common Optic, has been fitted to the rail the wrong way round, with the objective lens to the rear.
The photo was taken on board the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S McCain during weapons training in the Pacific Ocean.
According to manufacturer Trijicon, the 1-8x28 Variable Combat Optical Gunsight is a highly rugged, variable magnification riflescope designed for close-quarter battle and long-distance marksmanship.
As long as it's been fitted correctly.
One person was quick to post on X: "Dear US Navy. The scope is on backwards.
"This is why we have Marines on ships."
The US Marine Corps was quick to respond.
An image was posted of Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) wearing their Marpat uniforms lined up on the deck firing their M27s – but with the optics fitted the correct way round.
That photo was taken during a live-fire deck shoot aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer.
The post was titled Clear Sight Picture – something the sailor would not have had when using his optic the wrong way.
Other users on X were quick to spot the difference, with one posting: "You knew exactly what you were doing with this post, and I respect it."
Another said on X: "Your team knows when to strike. Outstanding job, Marines."
While a third post called out the US Navy, saying: "You could learn a thing or two here. Take notes."
Most regular telescopic sights do have a larger objective bell than ocular bell, so the sailor could perhaps be forgiven for fitting the optic that way if that is what he was used to.
But he should have known something was wrong when looking through the VCOG and seeing the target appear far further away than expected.
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