La. Guard’s “Tiger Brigade” fields updates to Mortar Weapon System

By Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

PINEVILLE, La. – Last month, the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the Tiger Brigade, received new hand and fire mechanisms for the 60mm M224A1 Mortar Weapon Systems, as well as the 80mm baseplates and bipods.

Mr. Michael LaFratte, a quality assurance specialist with the Department of Defense Picatinny Arsenal, said a total of 14 hand and fire mechanisms were installed on the 60mm M224A1 Mortar Weapon Systems and eight 80mm baseplates and bipods were issued to the Tiger Brigade.

“The hand and fire mechanisms were updated with new safety features and the bipods are more user friendly,” said LaFratte.

The M224A1 is one of two classifications for the 60mm mortar and is lighter in weight while maintaining the same range, rate of fire and barrel life as the M224.

Both mortar systems can be fired in either a drop-fire mode (conventional method) or by using the firing trigger on the mortar handle.

“The new trigger assembly changes the selector switch of the weapon,” said Staff Sgt. Brian Smith, readiness noncommissioned officer for C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, 256th IBCT. “This is to assist [the mortarmen] with ensuring they have the weapon in the correct setting, either drop fire or trigger fire. The new safety prevents mortarmen from accidently switching from trigger fire to drop fire.”