I had an M16A4, and got my own rail, sling, optic, grip, etc. Only thing we could not do is change how the weapon fired or anything permanent.
The reason why they don't technically allow mods is because they don't want people putting junk parts on their guns that will fail in battle. My unit let this idiot SAW gunner put a BSA red dot on his weapon, and it broke the 1st time he tried shooting with it. Crap like this is why commanders don't want joe blow to go buy parts, and put it on their issued weapons. Unfortunately with so many aftermarket parts out there its impossible for the big mil to say this is ok, and this isn't. They could never keep up with everything, and so just ban it all.
Also agree with the stupidity of "old school" leaders who don't like the new issued gear, and don't let soldiers use it. Includes fleece, beanies, gloves, jackets, etc. At another command I got bitched at for wearing a black fleece because the unit SOP was the gortex. Well I was ETS'ing, and had already turned everything in. Didn't matter that it was 20 degrees with a foot of snow on the ground. So I got to shiver and be miserable the rest of the time there.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...R/DSC00899.jpg

