How to Apply Immediate Action for the M4
The US Army’s current main weapon system for the basic soldier is the M4 carbine. Successor to the M16 rifle, this weapon maintains the same platform but varies in its length and variability. The M4 is currently defined as “a 5.56 mm, magazine fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, semi-automatic or three-round burst, hand-held, shoulder-fired weapon”.
As is prone to happen, operating the M4 may lead to an encounter with a malfunction. A malfunction is essentially the ceasing of fire due to stoppage resulting from either the mechanical failure of the weapon or magazine ammunition. A stoppage will occur any time there is a failure in the completion of the M4’s cycle of fire. The US Army has developed the following acronym to remember the proper response: SPORTS
The S in SPORTS stands for “slap”. In this step the operator will “slap” the weapon’s magazine in an upward motion in order to ensure it is fully seated in the magazine well. This may also positively interfere with the placement of the ammunition within the magazine itself as well as the M4’s chamber.
The P in SPORTS stands for “pull”. This step requires the operator to manually pull the charging handle to the rear. It is also implied in the is task that the operator may lock the charging handle to the rear utilizing the M4’s bolt catch. It is important to be wary of the cartridge that will be released from the chamber upon pulling the charging handle to the rear. The cartridge may be hot enough to cause severe discomfort, but no maiming or lethal injury.
O in SPORTS stands for “observe”. This step implies that the operator will “observe” the m4’s chamber. It is in this step that the stoppage will most likely be identified. The operator should ensure his inspection covers the M4’s star chamber (the front of the chamber) and the bolt face (the back). Anything causing the stoppage such as a double-feed, grime, rocks, or other foreign objects should be immediately removed.
The R stands for “release”. In this step, the operator will “release” the charging handle. If the bolt catch was utilized, then the bolt release must be depressed in order to allow the bolt to slide in the closed position. If the bolt does not slide completely into the closed position, repeat steps “pull” and “release”.
The T in SPORTS stands for “tap”. Once the bolt has successfully seated itself in the closed position, the operator will “tap” the forward-assist button located on the right side of the carbine. It is encouraged that the operator taps the forward assist a minimum of 2 or 3 times. This action will ensure that the incoming round of ammunition from the magazine well is correctly and firmly seated in the chamber.
Once immediate action is complete, the operator may continue firing. If the weapon continues to malfunction or misfire, then remedial action may be required. Remedial action consists of the continuing effort to determine the cause for the stoppage of normal function and trying to clear the stoppage once it has been identified. However, remedial action is not field expedient; that is, it cannot be done under fire. Proper maintenance and lubrication of both the weapon system and the magazine will aid in preventing possibility of either stoppage or malfunction. A well-maintained weapon should only have to require immediate action.