The Department of the Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command has just issued a directive to small arms armorers to deface Biblical scripture references that are part of the product description of several models of the Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG). The media first attempted to generate a scandal over the references almost five years ago.

In accordance with included instructions remove the biblical reference from the indicated area of the M150RCO/ACOG. This biblical reference will include, but not be limited to JN8:12 and 2COR4:6.

NSN’s/ Versions:

1. RCOM150 (NSN: 1240-01-557-1897)
2. OFL29TA31RCO-M4 (NSN: 1240-01-534-1114)
3. TA01, (NSN:1240-01-412-6608)
4. TA31RCO-A4 (NSN: 1240-01-525-1648)
5. TA31F (NSN: 1240-01-514-8428)
6. TA11E (NSN: 1240-01-594-7613)
7. TA11F (NSN: 1240-01-594-7614)

Tools:

1. Dremel Kit (NSN:5130-01-014-6856)

2. Black paint pen (NSN: 7520-01-207-4167)

3. Safety Glasses (NSN: 4240-01-500-6196)

 

 

Removal Instructions:

1. Using a 1/8” end mill bit in a Dremel.
2. Hold the housing securely in a horizontal position, with one hand, while braced against a stable surface; a vise is not required. Using a vise may create additional issues to include exterior damage and internal rupture.
   
3. Align the tip of the bit with the text on the housing to be removed.

4. Using short, light passes, remove the scripture reference from the end of the model number.
5. Remove any debris left by the removal process.
6. Verify that the scripture reference is completely removed; perform additional removal as necessary.
7. Use the black paint pen to apply paint over the surface that is now exposed.
8. Ensure that paint is thick enough to thoroughly cover exposed silver surface.
9. Allow paint to dry.

ABC News nearly had an aneurysm over what they called “secret ‘Jesus’ Bible codes” in January of 2010, feeling that we weren’t being culturally sensitive to the insurgent, al Qaeda, and Taliban terrorists that our soldiers were trying to kill, or to our nominal and incompetent allies in both Afghanistan and Iraq who were unaware that the references existed.

The scripture references have always been part of Trijicon’s product naming conventions.

I’m glad to see that the Army didn’t succumb to the hysterics of the anti-Christian media nor the Obama Administration, and is only now beginning to remove these important optics from frontline service for “repair” now that our mission in Iraq has ended and the mission in Afghanistan is winding down.

ACOGs are magnified optics that help our soldiers identify and separate friends from foes at extended distances, and which enabled soldiers to engage with and destroy enemy forces at the longer ranges faster and more accurately than with standard iron sights.

There is no cost estimate nor estimate of man-hours wasted in this exercise of political correctness run amok.