09-04-2012, 04:43 AM
I just ran a series of data on how an Infantry Rifle Squad fare's with regards to combat endurance and follow-on mission capability after a chance contact while patrolling in the vicinity of a village.
With the successful execution of Battle Drill 1.a (Squad Attack), and NO casualties, the Infantry Squad is at 81% combat readiness after the quick pursuit of an enemy harassment team. 1-3 mags per soldier w/5.56 carbine were expended, with 100rds of linked per SAW, as well as 3x40mm HE per Grenadier.
They could endure one more engagement of this impact on their ammunition status, after which they would be 60% ready.
If I ran the sequence with Grendel, you need 2lbs more carrying capacity per Rifleman, Grenadier, Team Leader, and Squad Leader, for one less magazine. Not sure how much weight increase the SAW gunners would see.
8x30rd 5.56 NATO loaded aluminum mags = 8.47 lbs/240rds
7x30rd Polymer Grendel loaded mags = 10.5 lbs/210rds
You will never have the same bounds of fire & maneuver per weight with anything using projectiles that are significantly heavier than 5.56 NATO, so you have to convince Big Army that the increased strain on the logistics posture is really worth it in the long run, as re-supply operations slow down the pace of taking ground, while increasing combat arms AND combat support units, to include unit internal re-supply assets (Platoon Sergeant w/Medic, or 1SG w/driver, another Squad that could be combat-focused, etc.).
With the successful execution of Battle Drill 1.a (Squad Attack), and NO casualties, the Infantry Squad is at 81% combat readiness after the quick pursuit of an enemy harassment team. 1-3 mags per soldier w/5.56 carbine were expended, with 100rds of linked per SAW, as well as 3x40mm HE per Grenadier.
They could endure one more engagement of this impact on their ammunition status, after which they would be 60% ready.
If I ran the sequence with Grendel, you need 2lbs more carrying capacity per Rifleman, Grenadier, Team Leader, and Squad Leader, for one less magazine. Not sure how much weight increase the SAW gunners would see.
8x30rd 5.56 NATO loaded aluminum mags = 8.47 lbs/240rds
7x30rd Polymer Grendel loaded mags = 10.5 lbs/210rds
You will never have the same bounds of fire & maneuver per weight with anything using projectiles that are significantly heavier than 5.56 NATO, so you have to convince Big Army that the increased strain on the logistics posture is really worth it in the long run, as re-supply operations slow down the pace of taking ground, while increasing combat arms AND combat support units, to include unit internal re-supply assets (Platoon Sergeant w/Medic, or 1SG w/driver, another Squad that could be combat-focused, etc.).