The M1 Carbine is the standard by which all PDWs are measured.

[stanc]

I agree with you that infantry platoon leaders are front line troops, but a platoon leader's primary role is to lead and direct his men. His secondary role is to fire upon the enemy.

That's essentially the same thing I said in post #4:

Actually, the M1 carbine was also intended for issue to front line infantrymen for whom the heavy M1 Garand would have been a hindrance to their primary duties.

The point is that -- contrary to the statement in the article -- the M1 carbine was designed to be a PDW not just for use by rear echelon support troops, but front line soldiers as well.