U.S. and Romanian Marines, compared
While the U.S. Marine Corps, as everyone knows, dates back to Tun Tavern in 1775, their Romanian equivalent– Regimentul 307 Infanterie Marină (Forțele Navale Române) — was only formed in 1975 by that country’s Black Sea-based navy.
Originally just a battalion-sized force that emulated the Soviet Naval Infantry with the goal of raiding the Turkish coast in WWIII-type conflict involving the Warsaw Pact vs NATO, it has evolved over time to a full regiment and has been involved in a series of mentoring exercises with Western marine units such as that of the Dutch Korps Mariniers, the British RM and, of course, the Devils. Heck, they even deployed to Kosovo as part of KFOR in 2008-9.
Below is a good comparison from a 2017 exercise between the 24th MEU and the 307th that shows both a Romanian naval infantry sailor and an American Leatherneck at Capu Midia
Romanian Sailor Cpl. Pintilie Madalina:
(U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Sgt. Matthew Callahan/Released)
Note the M2002 pattern camo, which is a Romanian version of British DPM (and is being replaced by a new pixilated camo) and her Cugir-made PA md. 86 underfolder in 5.45x39mm 7.62x39mm PM md. 65 (thanks, Alex!) akin to the old school AKMS, complete with the distinctive Romanian “dong” wooden fore end.
Now contrast her with Marine Capt. Rebecca Bergstedt, officer in charge of the 24th Marine Expeditionary (MEU), Unit Female Engagement Team.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Sgt. Matthew Callahan/Released)
Still, I wouldn’t want to fight either one.
The rifle in the Romanian picture is actually a 7.62mm PM md. 65, not a 5.45mm PA md. 86. The Navy has a lot of old (60s era manufacture – quite obvious here by the wood color and the strut pattern on the stock) AKMS type underfolders in stock. In addition to that, I know the Marine Infantry have the SIG 551L (green) with the Aimpoint Comp M2 or M3 (on low ring mounts).