Generation Kill is a seven part Iraq War miniseries that premiered on HBO in the summer of 2008. It is based on the book of the same name by Rolling Stone writer Evan Wright, who was embedded with the Marines of the First Reconnaissance Battalion during the initial stages of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq.
The following weapons are featured in the miniseries Generation Kill:
The M4A1 Carbine is the main rifle used by the Marines of First Recon in the miniseries, including Corporal Josh Ray Person (James Ransone) and Sergeant Brad 'Iceman' Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård). The M4s seen in the series all have UTG full quad rails (as opposed to KAC rails, used by the real-life Recon Marines). Most of the Marines' M4s have no additional accessories, while the team leaders all have M4s fitted with M203 grenade launchers and AN/PAQ-4 infrared laser designators (in real life, the AN/PEQ-2 was used by the Recon Marines instead, which is why the show's dialogue makes reference to the PEQ-2 batteries). Sgt. Colbert's M4, which is the most unique of the M4 Carbines in the series, sports an AN/PVS-17 night sight (sometimes replaced with an ACOG scope), a M203 grenade launcher, UTG rail covers, PAQ-4 laser module, and an ERGO grip. Colbert appears to be the only Recon Marine whose M4 is fitted with optics, rather than the standard carry handle/iron sights. Sgt. Rudy Reyes carries an M4 with a UTG vertical foregrip and a PAC-4; he is the only Marine who isn't a team leader and gets a PAC-4, and also the only Marine whose M4 has a vertical foregrip. Also note that with the exception of some officers, First Recon are the only Marines to carry the M4A1 as standard issue; probably the result of a need for a lighter weapon that's easier to carry in cramped Humvees.
In Episode 3, at 34'10", the M4 appears to be a Classic Army airsoft replica (look at the carry handle and Armalite white markings).
The M16A2 is carried by numerous Marines, including Lt. Nathaniel Fick (Stark Sands),
Cpt. Bryan Patterson (Michael Kelly), and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Robert Timothy 'Doc' Bryan (Jonah Lotan). The M16A2 has been mostly phased out for the newer M16A4, but because the mini-series depicts the Invasion of Iraq in 2003, the M16A2 was the standard rifle of most Marine units at the time.
AKMS rifles are used by Iraqi soldiers, civilians and even American Marines, in particular one platoon commander, Captain Dave "Captain America" McGraw (Eric Nenninger). Whilst all of the AKMS rifles in the series are of normal length, none are seen with the folding stock deployed.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingAKMS, stamped steel receiver w/ slant muzzle brake and under-folding stock - 7.62x39mmError creating thumbnail: File missing"Hey Captain Sir, where'd you get that nice-looking AK?" "Captain America" (Eric Nenninger) shows off the well-oiled AKMS he's recovered to Cpl. Ray Person (James Ransone) in Episode 2 "The Cradle of Civilization".Error creating thumbnail: File missing"Captain America" fires his AKMS at a SUV to "deny the enemy transportation", startling the Marines in his platoon. Notice how the actor keeps from flinching.Error creating thumbnail: File missingIraqi forces fire their AKMS rifles blindly at the Marines during the Battle of Al Gharraf in Episode 2.Error creating thumbnail: File missingIn Episode 3 "Screwby", as one of the Marines videotapes, "Captain America" picks up an AKMS from a dead Iraqi soldier, adding to his collection of Kalashnikovs.Error creating thumbnail: File missing"FOLLOW MY TRACERS!" "Captain America" firing his AKMS during the capture of the abandoned enemy airfield during Episode 3.Error creating thumbnail: File missingIraqi Freedom Fighters armed with AKMS rifles roll up to Ash Shatrah in Episode 4, "Combat Jack".
M40A1 sniper rifle
The M40A1 sniper rifle is used by Scout Sniper Sgt. Larry Shawn "Pappy" Patrick (Josh Barrett) to eliminate an enemy RPG team in episode 2.
Some of the Marines, notably Lance Corporal Trombley (Billy Lush), carry the paratrooper variant of the M249 SAW throughout the series. The M249 is also seen mounted on Marine UH-1 helicopters.
Several Browning M2HB machine guns are mounted on the Marines' Humvees, and are often used in conjunction with the Mk. 19 grenade launchers to assault Iraqi positions. In Episode 4, "Combat Jack", a Browning M2HB mounted on an M3 tripod is used by the dug in Marines on watch.
The M203 grenade launcher is usually carried by the Marine team leaders and officers, including Sergeant Brad Colbert and Lieutenant Nathaniel Fick. In episodes 5 and 6, the M203s are used to launch blue smoke grenades in an attempt to prevent accidental shootings at roadblocks. In one tragic scene, a smoke grenade is fired to only ricochet off the ground and strike the head of a civilian.
The Mk 19 grenade launcher is seen mounted on several of the Marines' Humvees including Sergeant Colbert's. Seen operated by several Marines including Cpl. Anthony "Manimal" Jacks (Rich McDonald), Cpl. Walt Hasser (Pawel Szajda) and Cpl. Garza and is often used to demolish enemy strong points throughout the miniseries.
The 25mm M242 Bushmaster chaingun is the main gun of the Marines' LAV-25 armored personnel carriers. The LAVs are seen firing their Bushmasters after the First Recon encounters enemy forces at the bridge. All LAVs that are seen in the series are computer generated. Originally they were practical vehicles made from plywood and sheet metal on a truck chassis, but due to their poor quality appearance the military advisers insisted that they be replaced with CG models, at the cost of $240,000.
After the recon Marines successfully capture a strategic bridge in Episode 5, the surrendering Syrian irregulars can be seen abandoning Recoiless rifles and heavy mortars, which includes the Spg-9 Recoiless Rifle.
Remington 870 shotguns are seen being carried by Meesh (Nabil Elouahabi), the Marine recon battalion's Iraqi translator, and Major Todd Eckloff (Benjamin Busch), the Battalion's executive officer.
