MA5F Individual Combat Weapon System (troud38)

The Misriah Armory MA5F Individual Combat Weapons System (ICWS) is the latest generation model of the famed MA5 Series assault rifles. Development began in early 2553 as part of a combined effort by all branches of the UNSC military to simplify and modernize their arsenal. Adopted in November of 2553, the MA5F is the workhorse of the UNSC Army, and served in the Marine Corps and Navy until largely replaced by the BR58 Battle Rifle (troud38) in 2555. 
== Background and design ==
At the end of the Human-Covenant War, the branches of the United Nations Space Command Defense Force (UNSCDF) aimed to simplify and modernize the infantry arsenal. Across the four branches, there were numerous variants of rifles, handguns, and other equipment in service. Upon a comprehensive review of the current weapons in service, it was determined that there were at least five variants of the MA5 series (MA5B, MA5C, MA5D, the MA5K carbine, and the Army's MA37 derivative) in service. 
Misriah Armory was tasked with designing a new weapon to replace the B, C, D, and the MA37 to be the new standard service rifle. The core of the MA5 system was kept, including the instantly recognizable electronics suite. The electronic ammunition counter and compass unit was made smaller and featured a rail mounting system over the top of it allowing for the mounting of optical and electronic sighting systems. 
== Service History ==
Rollout of the MA5F began slowly in late 2553 and into 2554 with the Army receiving the first large batches of rifles. The 26th Infantry Division and 11th Air Assault Division were the two first Army divisions to complete transition to the new rifle. Field testing with the new rifle found few complaints and overwhelming praise.
Transition in the Marine Corps however, was much slower. Beginning in 2553, the 2nd Marine Division slowly began receiving shipments of rifles to replace their current inventory. Shipments began to arrive in early 2554 at the 3rd Marine Division when the Marine Corps and Navy shifted their opinion on the MA5, and adopted the BR58 Service Rifle and it's heavier hitting cartridge as standard.
Category:UNSC Weapons