Marine Corps Fielding Squad Aiming Laser to Replace Legacy PEQ-16
The Squad Aiming Laser delivers a generational leap in night optic clarity through VCSEL technology, giving infantry Marines superior target acquisition in low-light conditions.
In This Dispatch
Program Manager Ground Weapons Systems Begins Rollout at Camp Lejeune
The United States Marine Corps has begun fielding a new-generation aiming laser system to infantry and reconnaissance units, replacing a legacy device that has been in service for nearly two decades. Program Manager Ground Weapons Systems (PM GWS) within PAE Marine Corps initiated the rollout of the Squad Aiming Laser (SAL) at the School of Infantry-East, Camp Lejeune, N.C., during field training exercises held July 27 and 28.
The SAL is an ultra-compact, all-digital, multi-function laser system that provides both visible and near-infrared (NIR) aiming pointers and illuminators. According to Harry Mandeles, the project officer for the Optics Team at PM GWS, the transition from the legacy PEQ-16 represents a generational leap in night optic clarity.
"The NIR beam and illuminator clarity is a generational leap. Infantry Marines will notice significantly less eye strain and a much clearer target picture through their Night Vision Goggles compared to the legacy PEQ-16," Mandeles said.
Three Tactical Advantages in One Package
The benefits to the Fleet Marine Force are rooted in three primary improvements: weight reduction, beam quality, and engagement range. By trimming the front-end weight of the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, the SAL improves overall weapon balance, making the platform more maneuverable during high-tempo operations. The use of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser technology — commonly referred to as VCSEL — produces a uniform, clean beam that enables faster target identification, allowing squads to fully utilize the extended-range capabilities of modern NVGs.
Fast-Track Acquisition Through SOCOM Partnership
The SAL program is notable not only for its performance but also for how quickly it reached the fleet. By leveraging the U.S. Special Operations Command's Small Business Innovation Research framework and existing small-business contracting mechanisms, the program moved from a stated requirement to a major contract award in a timeframe that Mandeles described as a significant departure from traditional defense procurement cycles.
"The biggest success with SAL was competitively awarding an IDIQ contract, securing a higher-power laser in a package smaller than any laser in our inventory, and we did it at an extremely competitive price," Mandales said.
What Comes Next
Following the initial fielding at Camp Lejeune, SAL is expected to continue rolling out to additional infantry and reconnaissance units across the Fleet Marine Force. The Marine Corps' broader Force Design initiatives have prioritized rapidly delivering modernized individual combat gear to the rifleman level, and the Squad Aiming Laser is one of several systems expected to reach the fleet over the next 18 months.
For tactical gear buyers and industry observers, the SAL's adoption signals continued investment in individual Marines' precision equipment — a category that directly overlaps with the expanded optics and accessories market. The shift toward lighter, higher-resolution aiming systems also reflects lessons learned from recent military exercises and real-world operations where low-light engagement capabilities proved decisive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Squad Aiming Laser (SAL)?
The SAL is an ultra-compact, all-digital, multi-function laser system fielded by the Marine Corps. It provides both visible and near-infrared aiming pointers and illuminators, designed to replace the legacy PEQ-16 laser module.
What advantage does VCSEL technology provide?
VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) produces a uniform, clean beam that delivers faster target identification and extended engagement ranges when used with modern Night Vision Goggles. It also reduces eye strain compared to older laser technologies.
Which units are receiving the SAL first?
Initial fielding began at the School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in late July, equipping infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations forces. Broader rollout across the Fleet Marine Force is expected to follow.
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Sources: Soldier Systems Daily
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