The M16 Without a Shoulder Sling: Reasons and Historical Context

Over the years, I have come across various photographs and videos of infantry riflemen in the Vietnam War carrying their M16 rifles without any shoulder slings. This practice raises the question: why would soldiers opt to remove their rifle slings? Let's delve into the main reasons behind this decision and explore how it reflects the realities of combat and personal preferences.

Reasons for Carrying the M16 Without a Shoulder Sling

During the Vietnam War, the M16 rifle was widely used by American infantry. However, some soldiers were observed carrying the M16 without shoulder slings. Here are the primary reasons for this practice:

Tangle Prevention

One of the main reasons for not using a shoulder sling was to prevent tangling. Soldiers often operated in dense jungle environments, which are filled with branches and other obstacles. When moving through such terrain, the rifle could easily get tangled in vegetation. By carrying the rifle without a sling, soldiers could keep the weapon free from entanglements, enhancing their mobility and reducing the risk of entanglement which could slow them down or cause them to lose control of the weapon.

Quick Access and Agility

Another significant reason for removing the shoulder sling was to ensure quick access and agility. In many combat situations, especially during ambushes or when moving through treacherous terrain, soldiers might prefer to have the rifle in hand at all times. The sling could be cumbersome and might hinder quick movements, so removing it could provide more freedom of movement and a tighter grip on the weapon during critical moments.

Personal Preference and Experience

Individual soldiers had varying preferences based on their experiences and comfort levels. Some soldiers found that the added weight and bulk of the sling made them less agile, particularly in close-quarters combat or when moving through dense vegetation. Others might have preferred a more direct connection with the rifle, which could provide a better sense of control and familiarity with the weapon.

Combat Situations and Stress

In high-stress combat situations, soldiers might also remove the shoulder sling to streamline their gear. Simplifying their equipment could reduce the potential distractions and hindrances, allowing them to focus more on the mission at hand. The sling could sometimes be apoint of irritation or discomfort, especially when the soldier was in a state of heightened alertness and stress.

Historical Perspective

It is worth noting that modern slings have evolved to serve as both a means of retention and a tactically hands-off function. However, the classic two-point attachment type slings were designed to provide stability when firing the rifle off the shoulder, not for carrying the weapon. In older training manuals, it was suggested to put the supporting arm through a loop in the strap, creating a third point of anchorage for additional support. This method could work surprisingly well in certain scenarios, but it might not be the best choice in high-mobility situations where quick movement is essential.

While the M16 was designed to be used with a sling, the realities of combat and personal preference often led to variations in how soldiers chose to carry their weapons. Some soldiers, especially in the later stages of the war, might have felt that the sling was more of a hindrance than a help, particularly in environments where quick and agile movements were crucial.