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For some reason, the services don't want to come to the conclusion that the m-16 family is sub-par for actual battle conditions. They would be much better with a larger caliber weapon that doesn't jam when you need it most. At least give the guys graphite instead of that CLP crap. And the other poster was correct, that light oil they dole out will only rust your weapon immediately. And as far as pistols go (or rifles for that matter), spend the money and get our guys a sig sauer or HK in .40 cal so they can defend themselves. Some of our current crop of weapons and parts are made outside the US so why dont we just buy the best there is? Jeesh, sometimes I wonder if the people at the top are even listening.

For some reason, the services don't want to come to the conclusion that the m-16 family is sub-par for actual battle conditions.

One problem is that different weapons are better in different environments. For example, the article noted that some troops wanted a shorter barrel than the M-16A2/A4 for urban fighting, but bitched about the shorter effective range of the shorter barrels. And a weapon that is machined too finely for the desert may be perfect in other environments.

I'm not keen on letting each troop choose his own weapon. If guys want to have a secondary weapon of their own choosing, I suppose that's okay. But the logistics of keeping different weapons supplied with ammo could be a nightmare. Ingenuity can only carry you so far. If you run out of personal ammo for your favorite hunting rifle, you're screwed.

What we really needs is a better mix of available weapons, so secondary weapons can be added based upon the particular environment. Perhaps you augment on a squad or fireteam level. Pass out one shotgun per squad in an urban environment. More 40mm where appropriate, etc.

For some reason, the services don't want to come to the conclusion that the m-16 family is sub-par for actual battle conditions.

One problem is that different weapons are better in different environments. For example, the article noted that some troops wanted a shorter barrel than the M-16A2/A4 for urban fighting, but bitched about the shorter effective range of the shorter barrels. And a weapon that is machined too finely for the desert may be perfect in other environments.

I'm not keen on letting each troop choose his own weapon. If guys want to have a secondary weapon of their own choosing, I suppose that's okay. But the logistics of keeping different weapons supplied with ammo could be a nightmare. Ingenuity can only carry you so far. If you run out of personal ammo for your favorite hunting rifle, you're screwed.

What we really needs is a better mix of available weapons, so secondary weapons can be added based upon the particular environment. Perhaps you augment on a squad or fireteam level. Pass out one shotgun per squad in an urban environment. More 40mm where appropriate, etc.