I'm sure all of you already know this, so pardon the newbie question. But what is the rule on adding your own optics onto your service rifle. Are you stuck with the iron sights?

What do all the pictures say? What do the soldiers you talk to say?

How about you worry about getting through basic and AIT before you worry about whether you'll be able to use HSLD gear.

Dependent on MOS, unit, and job most units are issuing optics. The use of personally owned optics depends on the chain of command and what they allow. First before you think about this know that if you use your own optic and it is damaged or lost the Army is in no way required to replace or repair it. It's your money use it wisely.