Testers were pulled from across the military, including Soldiers of the Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Kentucky and of the 3rd Infantry Division, Georgia. Some of the military occupational specialties involved include police, pilots, infantry and crew chiefs.

“We wanted to make sure that we have a huge sample to make sure that we’ve got this right — that the Army has it right,” said McHugh.

“These are the Soldiers who would be using the weapon every day, so getting their feedback on the pistol is really what is important for operational testing,” explained Maj. Mindy Brown, test officer, OTC.

It was important to bring the test to Fort Bragg because the installation has the ranges to support realistic conditions.

“You are using real Soldiers in a realistic environment,” Brown said.

Soldiers provided feedback on the interchangeability of the weapon with the M4, as well as its functionality while wearing cold weather gear, for instance.

Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Custer, of 160th SOAR, seemed to appreciate being able to participate in MHS testing.

“It’s good. We don’t really get the opportunity to test the equipment in the unit we’re in.”

Sgt. Emily Todd, 16th Military Police Brigade, said testing is ideal.

“It’s a great opportunity for Soldiers to get to shoot more rounds . . . it’s nice to have a forward look into what the Army might use some day.”