US Army Considers Adopting an Interim Battle Rifle in 7.62NATO: eventually adopt 6.5

[JASmith]

Having spent some time in the weapons R&D business, I understand the bean counter issues all too well.

I can also say that I was hugely frustrated during the '70s and '80s that ALL of the non-nuclear wepons development focused on the Fulda Gap scenario with none directed at the then 'Last War - Viet Nam". We threw away a vast store of corporate experience that would have served our nation well in every engagement except the roll-over of Saddam's forces.

I can also say that the 'Fulda Gap' weapons and doctrine did very well there. I also grudgingly admit that that overwhelming crush of what was publicized as the world's strongest army short of the US or Soviet Union helped with deterrence in the larger sense.

Nonetheless, a balance of emphasis between 'large war" and continued COIN weaons technology, tactics and doctrine might have placed our national leadership in a better position to make wiser decisions in response to 9/11.