USMC begins to replace M249 SAW with M27 IAR (HK 416) starting Nov 2011
Each company in the infantry battalions will receive 28 M27s, one for every SAW gunner and one extra to remain organic to the unit. These companies will also retain six M249s to give commanders more firepower if necessary.
The LAI (LAV) battalion will receive 14 M27s per company and will not retain any M249s.
The Corps plans on buying 4,476 M27s and reducing its number of M249s from 10,000 to approximately 8,000.
Marine Corps Times
Marine Corps Gazette
H&K