Minimi and AG36

[baboontwozero]

Does anyone know on what basis these weapons are issued in the British Army and Royal Marines ie how many per section or platoon/troop? From pictures of the war in Iraq the Minimi would appear to be quite common, the SA80/AG36 combination less so.
Thanks.

[Chris1]

In an ideal world, I'm told (this is after my time) that its meant to be 1xRifleman (SA80) 1xMinimi gunner 1xSA80/AG36 and 1x LSW in each 'fireteam' with the rifleman being the section commander and section 2i/c's
(and of course, 2x that for section 3 sections for platoon)
But
the Issue of the Minimi's was not force-wide, just for the Para's (who got them in '99) then the marines then the Infantry for the gulf.
A question on my mind is will the 19 Mech who are going out to replace those coming home, get the hand-me-downs of the units it is replacing, or will they get the issue they are meant to?
As for the AG36's, to be honest with you I have not heard of them being issued in combat yet.
My ears aren't that big, so I just don't know.
I have heard some Infantry Regiments over in the Gulf were given them, without grenades, to parade in front of the MoD's camera's.
I do know however, that some Battalions have actually re-organised putting in the 7.62 GPMG at Platoon level, with two sections organised in 6xRifleman 2xLSW (3xRifleman 1xLSW each 'fireteam') and one support section organised with 2xGPMG's, 2xRiflemen with extra link and the Section Commander.

So, to answer your question, its probably (for those issued with the Minimi) 2xRifleman 1xLSW 1xMinimi until the AG36's are available in enough numbers.
Anyone be able to correct any of this, go right ahead, as I've said, this is second hand info.

[baboontwozero]

Thanks! Yes according to quite a few sources the GPMGs are back with the rifle platoons. Actually saw a squaddie firing an AG36 on Sky during the war so they must have been used.