Company Level Weapons

The Irish Army's infantry company is a sub-unit commonly referred to as a Rifle Company. The Rifle Company is commanded by a commandant and consists of three Rifle Platoons, and a Weapons Platoon. The Weapons Platoon consists of a Medium Machine Gun Section of two GPMG (SF) detachments, a Mortar Section of three 60mm light mortar detachments, and an Anti-Tank Section of three 84mm Anti-Tank Gun detachments. The Weapons Platoon is a company asset and as such its tasks come directly from the company commander. He/she may decide to group some or all of the platoon together as a fire support group (FSG) in support of a company attack, or to assign the Weapons Platoon's detachments to the Rifle Platoons to support them in their mission and tasks. For large operations, the company might require greater fire support than that of the Weapons Platoon. In this case, the company commander can request assistance from the company commander and will be allotted battalion level support weapons from the Support Company.

GPMG (SF)

The GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) when used in the Sustained Fire (SF) role, i.e. tripod mounted, is used as a medium machine gun (MMG) to support the company in offensive and defensive operations, as well as during withdrawal. In this role the GPMG (SF) is very effective, and can accurately hit point targets up to 1800 metres away or provide fire over an area. The crew of three consists of the gunner, loader and the detachment commander. The weapon's C2AI sight is used in conjunction with an aiming post to allow the crew to engage targets that they cannot see due to fog, smoke or darkness. This system ensures that the GPMG (SF) can be relied upon to support troops during night time operations. Its relative lightweight allows the weapon and ammunition to be carried quickly into action by its three man crew.

60mm Mortar

The Mortar Denel Vektor M1 60mm is designed for use by infantry units in all phases of battle. It is a smooth bore, muzzle loaded, high angle fire weapon. The Mortar is carried in a single unit, with three main assemblies, the barrel, bipod, and baseplate. Weighing only 17.8 Kg the mortar can be quickly and easily moved, ensuring support at all stages of action. This mortar has a modern sight similar to the C2AI sight in use with the 81 mm mortar. This sight is also compatible with the T (Fire Control Computer) fire control system also employed with the 81 mm mortar. The mortar can also be fired in a commando role by removing the bipod and baseplate and fitting a special small baseplate and attaching sighting unit/handgrip. Planning range is extended to 2100 metres in the conventional role.

84mm Anti-Tank Gun

The 84 mm Anti-Tank Gun is a breach loaded and percussion fired weapon. There is no recoil as pressure is not built up in the barrel, but escapes backwards through the venturi. The gun can be fired in all positions; sitting, kneeling, standing, and prone. A gun mount housed in the shoulder butt supports the gun in the lying position and it can be used as a stabiliser against the chest in all other positions. As the gun is recoilless, it is much lighter than a weapon with a conventional breech.