Generation Kill

Generation Kill (2008)

Generation Kill is a seven part Iraq War miniseries that premiered on HBO in the summer of 2008. The miniseries was based on the book of the same name, which was a chronicle of Rolling Stone writer Evan Wright's experiences being embedded with the Marines of the First Reconnaissance Battalion during the initial stages of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. The series was produced by the creators of the HBO series The Wire.

The following weapons were featured in the miniseries Generation Kill:

Rifles

M4A1 Carbine

The M4A1 Carbine is the main rifle used by the United States Marines of First Recon in the miniseries, including Sergeant Brad 'Iceman' Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård) and Corporal Josh Ray Person (James Ransone). The M4s seen in the series all have UTG full quad rails (as opposed to KAC quad rails handguard, used by the real-life Recon Marines), A1 tear drop forward assist buttons as opposed to the A2 rounded buttons on factory M4s and 6 position M4 LE buttstocks (which isn't inaccurate but also not as common then) instead of the original CAR 4 position stock ubiquitous to the Marines at the time. 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 PAQ-4; he is the only Marine who isn't a team leader and gets a PAQ-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. It should also be noted that the Marine's M4A1's are seen with AN/PAQ-4s and AN/PVS-7s (which use AA batteries) but quoting and handling AAA batteries for their laser sights and night vision, which are actually for AN/PEQ-2 that the AN/PAQ-4 is standing in for, and in reality the Recon Marines used AN/PEQ-2 during the invasion of Iraq. Also for some reason, their M4s are using chrome bolt carriers, even though the particalised bolt carriers had been used in the M16A1 (and its successors) since its adoption in 1967.

Colt M4A1 Carbine with M68 Aimpoint scope and RIS foregrip - 5.56mm

Sgt. Brad "Iceman" Colbert (Alexander Skarsgard) looks through the scope of his M4A1 with M203 grenade launcher affixed during the training sequence in "Get Some" (Ep.1). Note here Colbert's M4 is fitted with the ACOG scope instead of the AN/PVS-17 night sight that he uses throughout the rest of the miniseries.

In "Get Some" (Ep.1), Sgt. Rudy Reyes (portraying himself) prepares to run laps around Camp Matilda while wearing a M40 gas mask, in full gear and carrying his M4, which has a UTG vertical foregrip and AN/PAQ-4 laser sight. Rudy Reyes was a member of 1st Recon during the invasion and was one of the technical advisors on the miniseries.

Pfc. John Christeson (Daniel Fox) aims his M4A1 when searching an enemy encampment in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2).

A closeup of Sgt. Colbert's M4A1, which is equipped with a AN/PVS-17 night sight and a M203 grenade launcher in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2).

In "Screwby" (Ep.3), Cpl. Evan "Q-Tip" Stafford (Wilson Bethel) is armed with an M4A1 with no accessories.

In "Screwby" (Ep.3), Cpl. Ray Person (James Ransone) is cleared to fire his M4A1. Note a blank adapter protruding visibly from the barrel.

Sgt. Brad "Iceman" Colbert (Alexander Skarsgard) sights an enemy bunker with the AN/PVS-17 night sight on his M4A1 with M203 in "Screwby" (Ep.3). Also visible is another blank adapter protruding from the barrel in the muzzle brake.

Another view of Sgt. Colbert's M4A1 in "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6).

Sgt. Antonio "Poke" Espera (Jon Huertas) searches for enemy muzzle flashes with his M4A1, equipped with iron sights and an AN/PAQ-4, in "Bomb in the Garden" (Ep.7).

Classic Army M15A4 airsoft replica

In many scenes of the miniseries where no blank-firing weapons were required, the Classic Army M15A4 airsoft replicas of the M4 were substituted (as evidenced by the carry handle and white Armalite markings). The rifles are notably seen carried by members of Alpha Company in the miniseries.

Classic Army M15A4 airsoft carbine

A member of Alpha Company carries the Classic Army M15A4 replica rifle with the rather appropriate KAC style quad rail handguard in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4). Note the "Armalite" markings right above the mag well.

M16A2 Rifle

The M16A2 is carried by numerous Marines, including Cpt. Bryan Patterson (Michael Kelly), Lt. Nathaniel Fick (Stark Sands) with a M203 grenade launcher attached on a heatshield handguard, and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Robert Timothy 'Doc' Bryan (Jonah Lotan) with a M203A1 grenade launcher on a heatshield handguard. The newer M16A4 would have mostly phased out the M16A2 in service for the Marine Corps, 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, making it entirely accurate.

M16A2 Rifle - 5.56mm. Select Fire rifle (Safe/Semi/3 round Burst Only).

In "Get Some" (Ep.1), Sgt. Christopher Wasik (Daniel Janks), the battalion driver, searches for Cpl. Ray Person (James Ransone) to give him the rumor of "J-Lo's" death, carrying an M16A2 rifle around his back.

In "Get Some" (Ep.1), a Marine takes a break near a Humvee with some M16A2 rifles resting on the side. The rifles appear to be rubber props.

'Doc' Bryan (Jonah Lotan) aims his M16A2 with M203 in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Two Marines from RCT-1 engage an enemy insurgent with M16A2 rifles in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2). The Marines from the Regimental Combat Team carry M16A2s rather then the M4A1s of First Recon; for an explanation see the entry for the M4A1.

In "Screwby" (Ep.3), Lt. Nathaniel Fick (Stark Sands) takes cover behind a Humvee with his M16A2 as he discusses "relative" safety with the Reporter (Lee Tergesen).

With his M16A2 slung on his shoulder, Capt. Bryan Patterson (Michael Kelly) discusses tactics with the Battalion Commander (David Warshofsky) in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

Colt Model 733

What appears to be a Colt Model 733 carbine is carried by a U.S. Marine. It may possibly be a MGC replica.

Colt Model 733 SMG - 5.56x45mm.

The Marine on the right carries what appears to be a Colt Model 733. Note the A2 forward assist.

A better view of the Marine's M733 carbine which features a A1 carry handle and lacks a shell deflector.

Norinco Type 56-1

Norinco Type 56-1s constitute the majority of the AK-pattern rifles 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 Type 56-1 rifles in the series are of normal length, none are seen with the folding stock deployed.

Norinco Type 56-1 (under-folding stock variant) - 7.62x39mm

"Hey Captain Sir, where'd you get that nice-looking AK?" "Captain America" (Eric Nenninger) shows off the well-oiled Norinco Type 56-1 he's recovered to Cpl. Ray Person (James Ransone) in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2).

In "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2), "Captain America" fires his Type 56-1 at a SUV to "deny the enemy transportation", startling the Marines in his platoon. Notice how the actor keeps from flinching but uses the wrong eye.

Iraqi forces fire their Type 56-1 rifles blindly at the Marines during the Battle of Al Gharraf in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2).

In "Screwby" (Ep.3), as one of the Marines videotapes, "Captain America" picks up a Type 56-1 from a dead Iraqi soldier, adding to his collection of Kalashnikovs.

"FOLLOW MY TRACERS!" "Captain America" firing his Type 56-1 during the capture of the abandoned enemy airfield during "Screwby" (Ep.3). Trivia: In real life, Captain McGraw was known to prefer an East German MPi-KM rather than a Type 56, which he fired randomly and without warning during combat operations.

Iraqi Freedom Fighters armed with Type 56-1 rifles roll up to Ash Shatrah in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

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 "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2). In "Bomb in the Garden" (Ep.7), a SEAL sniper team is seen engaging targets with the M40A1 from the factory office.

Remington M40A1 sniper rifle - 7.62x51mm NATO

On the right, Sgt. Larry Shawn "Pappy" Patrick (Josh Barrett) prepares to fire his M40A1 as Sgt. Reyes (Rudy Reyes) spots for him in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2). Note how the rifle scope and observation telescope have tape over the lens to reduce glint or flash.

In "Bomb in the Garden" (Ep.7), a SEAL sniper team is seen engaging targets with the M40A1 from the factory office.

Machine Guns

Browning M2HB

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 "Combat Jack" (Ep.4), a Browning M2HB mounted on an M3 tripod is used by the dug in Marines on watch.

Browning M2HB on vehicle mount - .50 BMG

Closeup of the Browning M2HB in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Cpl. Gabe Garza (Rey Valentin) handles a Browning M2HB during a training exercise in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Garza firing his Browning M2HB during the same exercise in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Engage! Engage! "Captain America" (Eric Nenninger) orders Third Platoon's Team One Gunner, Cpl. Dan Redman (Sean Brosnan), to open up on several civilian hamlets outside with the Browning M2HB.

"Sir, that target is more than 3,000 meters away. The range of my .50 is 1830." Third Platoon's Team One Gunner, Cpl. Dan Redman (Sean Brosnan) tries to tell "Captain America" that the target is outside the range of his M2HB.

Cpl. Dan Redman, wearing his NVG's, opens up on a truck with the M2HB in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

Browning M2HB on M3 tripod - .50 BMG

Gunnery Sgt. Mike Wynn (Marc Menchaca) on watch with a tripod-mounted Browning M2HB in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

Two Alpha Company Marines, Sgt. Damon Fawcett (Theo Landey) and Cpl. John Burris (Kyle Siebert), take their turn on watch with the M2HB in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

M249 SAW (FN Minimi Paratrooper)

Some of the Recon Marines, notably Lance Corporal Trombley (Billy Lush), carry the paratrooper variant of the FN Minimi, fitted with a heat shield to pass for an M249 SAW Paratrooper throughout the series. The Minimi is also seen mounted on Marine UH-1H helicopter in "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6). The Minimis throughout the series are seen with FN FAL flash hiders instead of the Minimi flash hider, some fitted with or without heatshields and both the straight carry handle of the Minimi and/or the M249's angled carry handle.

FN Minimi paratrooper version with 100-round cloth ammo bag - 5.56x45mm

A closeup of the Minimi firing from "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Lance Cpl. Harold Trombley (Billy Lush) leans his Minimi Para out the window in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2). Because the weapon is not seen firing, the ammo belt is loaded with more realistic rounds (not crimp-nosed).

Pfc. John Christeson (Daniel Fox) takes aim with his Minimi Para in "Screwby" (Ep.3).

Pfc. John Christeson (Daniel Fox) fires at armed insurgents with his Minimi in "Screwby" (Ep.3).

Trombley gets ready to open fire with his Minimi Para in "Screwby" (Ep.3). Note the rounds have been crimp-nosed, indicating that these are blank rounds.

Cpl. Smith (Jeffrey Carisalez) holds the M249 after finding an antenna in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4). Like Rudy Reyes and Eric Kocher, Jeffrey 'Dirty Earl' Carisalez was one of the actual 1st Recon Marines depicted in the book. He was portrayed by J. Salome Martinez Jr in the miniseries.

In "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5), Cpl. Anthony "Manimal" Jacks (Rich McDonald) deploys his Minimi on a roadside berm when the platoon takes fire from a Russian AA gun.

In "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5), close observation reveals Cpl. Walt Hasser's (Pawel Szajda) Minimi is loaded with blanks.

In "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6), a female Marine is seen carrying a Minimi Para.

In "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6), a Marine UH-1 carrying Lt. Col Ferrando and Gen. Mattis is seen with door-mounted Minimi Paras. By the lack of a Pitot tube in this shot and the fact that it's visibly single engined in shots that show it from the side, we can see that it is a UH-1H. While this is the youngest of the single-engined Hueys to see large scale production, it had still been phased out years earlier by the twin-engined UH-1N which saw significant use by the USMC in the war. UH-1Hs were sold to a number of civilian operators and thus appeared in movies as military helicopters well past their actual years of use.

M240G Machine Gun

The USMC version of the M240 Machine Gun, the M240G, is seen mounted to LAVs throughout the series. These machine guns were CG models, as the majority of the LAV's seen in the miniseries were created with digital effects.

M240G USMC style with no heat shield - 7.62x51mm NATO

In "Screwby" (Ep.3), a Marine LAV rolls past with a turret mounted M240G Machine Gun.

In "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5), a pair of LAVs rolling past the Marines both have M240G MGs mounted on their turrets.

PKM

PKM machine guns are used by the Iraqi forces throughout the miniseries, sometimes mounted on tripods.

PKM with latest version of the flash hider - 7.62x54R

An abandoned PKM machine gun, mounted on a tripod on a technical in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

Sgt. Colbert approaches a dead Iraqi soldier and his PKM in "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6).

Heavy Weapons

M242 Bushmaster chaingun

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. During the filming of the miniseries, the LAVs were practical vehicles made from plywood and sheet metal on a truck chassis. However, these mockups did not satisfy former 1st Recon Marine and miniseries' key technical adviser Eric Kocher, who insisted that they be replaced with CG models, at the cost of $240,000.

M242 Bushmaster chaingun 25mm

An LAV with an M242 Bushmaster chaingun in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5). The LAV seen here is a CG model, as the practical vehicle mockups used during the production were not satisfactory for Eric Kocher, the miniseries key technical adviser.

LAV-25s fire their Bushmasters on enemy positions in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5).

General Dynamics M197 Vulcan

Marine AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters with its three-barreled version of the GE M61 Vulcan, the General Dynamics M197 Vulcan, is seen providing air support. The helicopters were CG models.

General Dynamics M197 Vulcan - 20mm.

A Marine Super Cobra begins a missile run in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

The Super Cobra opens fire with its M197 Vulcan in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5).

The muzzle flash from the Cobra's M197 Vulcan is seen in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5). The Vulcan is seen unintentionally dropping hot brass on Marines' convoy in the episode.

Launchers

M136 AT4

M136 AT4 anti-tank weapons are seen in the Humvees and then later at the First Recon encampment in Baghdad. None are seen used in the miniseries.

M136 AT4 Anti-Tank rocket launcher - 84mm

In "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2), an AT-4 rocket can be seen behind the Reporter (Lee Tergesen).

In "Bomb in the Garden" (Ep.7), a row of AT-4's is seen behind Sergeant Brad 'Iceman' Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård).

M203 grenade launcher

The M203 grenade launcher is usually carried by the Marine team leaders and officers, including Sergeant Brad Colbert and Lieutenant Nathaniel Fick. In "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5), Colbert uses his M203 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.

M203 grenade launcher- 40mm

M4A1 carbine 5.56x45mm with M203 grenade launcher - 40mm

In "Get Some" (Ep.1), Sgt. "Pappy" Patrick holds the M4A1 fitted with the M203 Grenade Launcher.

In "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2), Capt. Bryan Patterson (Michael Kelly) is on the radio with Ferrando as Gunnery Sgt. Rich Barrett (Eric Kocher) lays down fire with his M4 with M203 during the battle in Nasiriyah.

In "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2), Gunnery Sgt. Rich Barrett (Eric Kocher) clears his M4 that is fitted with an M203. Like Rudy Reyes and Jeffrey Carisalez, Eric Kocher was one of the actual 1st Recon Marines depicted in the book. Kocher was portrayed by Owain Yeoman in the miniseries.

In "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2), a closeup of Colbert's M203 as he loads another grenade into it.

In "Screwby" (Ep.3), Capt. Craig "Encino Man" Schwetje (Brian Wade) fires his M203 grenade launcher.

In "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5), Sgt. Colbert launches a smoke grenade with his M203 in an attempt to stop an oncoming car.

M16A2 5.56x45mm with M203 grenade launcher - 40mm

In "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2), Lt. Fick fires his M16 with the M203 underneath.

M203A1 grenade launcher

At least one M203A1 grenade launcher is seen carried by 1st Force Recon units, most notably fitted on Hospital Corpman "Doc" Bryan's (Jonah Lotan) M16A2 in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Knight's Armament Company M203A1 - 40x46mm

In "Get Some" (Ep.1), "Doc" Bryan (Jonah Lotan) in the front takes aim at possible Iraqi fighters with his M16A2 with the M203A1 grenade launcher underslung. Note the shorter grenade launcher barrel compared to Sgt. "Pappy" Patrick's M203 on his M4A1, in the case of which Bryan's grenade launcher barrel should meet end of the M16's bayonet lug if it were the full length M203.

Mk 19 grenade launcher

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.

Mk 19 grenade launcher 40mm in vehicle mounting

"Mr. Potato Head at your six, and approaching fast." Sgt. Rudy Reyes and Sgt. "Pappy" Patrick check out the Mk.19 on their Humvee in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

In "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2), Cpl. Anthony "Manimal" Jacks (Rich McDonald) mans his Mk.19.

Lance Cpl. Trombley mans the Mk.19 in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5).

A Mk.19 AGL removed from its vehicle mount in "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6).

A front shot of Cpl. Walt Hasser (Pawel Szajda) as he handles the Mk.19 in "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6).

RPG-7

RPG-7 launchers are used by some Iraqi Feyadeen during their attempts to attack the invading American forces. RPG's are also seen in the hands of Iraqi freedom fighters in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

RPG-7 70mm

"Motherfucker died trying to get a round off. Combat discipline." A dead Iraqi Feyadeen fighter with a RPG-7 in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2).

An RPG team as seen through the spotting scope of Sgt. Rudy Reyes in "The Cradle of Civilization" (Ep.2).

Some of the Iraqi freedom fighters are armed with RPG's in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

SPG-9 Recoiless Rifle

In "Screwby" (Ep.3), when the Marines take the airfield, a Recoilless rifle sits beside captured Iraqi T-72 tanks. After the recon Marines successfully capture a strategic bridge in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5), the surrendering Syrian irregulars can be seen abandoning Recoilless rifles and heavy mortars, which includes the Spg-9 Recoilless Rifle.

A Recoilless Rifle sits beside captured Iraqi T-72 tanks at the airfield in "Screwby" (Ep.3).

In "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5), an Spg-9 Recoilless rifle can be seen after an unknown longer barrel recoilless rifle.

Handguns

Beretta 92FS

The Beretta 92FS pistol is carried primarily by Marine officers and NCOs throughout the miniseries.

Beretta 92FS 9x19mm

Lt. Col. Stephen Ferrando (Chance Kelly) and Major Todd Eckloff (Benjamin Busch) are seen with their Beretta 92FS pistols in their leg holsters in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Gunnery Sgt. Mike Wynn (Marc Menchaca) seen with his Beretta 92FS holstered in his Interceptor vest in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Lt. Fick has his Beretta drawn while trying to direct his humvee convoy out of a firefight in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5).

Shotguns

Remington 870

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.

Remington 870 - 12 gauge

In "Get Some" (Ep.1), Meesh (Nabil Elouahabi) carries his Remington 870 shotgun as he goes to his Humvee.

A passing shot of Meesh with his Remington slung over his shoulder in "Get Some" (Ep.1).

Major Todd Eckloff (Benjamin Busch) carries his Remington while standing over "Captain America" in "A Burning Dog" (Ep.5).

Major Eckloff is holding his Remington as he greets Lt. Col. Ferrando in "Stay Frosty" (Ep.6).

Other

M18A1 Claymore

M18A1 Claymores are mounted on the barricades as part of the Marine roadblock at Al-Hayy in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel mine

Cpl. Teren "T" Holsey (Sydney Hall) sets a claymore on some concertina wire at a roadblock in "Combat Jack" (Ep.4).

In "Combat Jack" (Ep.4), Sgt. Leandro "Shady B" Baptista (Mike Figueroa) uses an M18A1 Claymore to give Portuguese lessons to Holsey.