09-05-2012, 01:01 AM
When it comes to ammunition weight, I suspect that belt-fed MGs are more significant than rifles. I recall hearing a US Army presentation a couple of years ago about the introduction of the MK48 7.62mm LMG. At that time, the dismounted troops were carrying both 5.56mm M249 and 7.62mm M240. The Army expected the troops to leave the M240 back at the base and take the MK48 instead - but they found that it was the M249 which was being left behind in favour of a MK48 and M240 combination.
Basically, the troops were happy to rely on 5.56mm in the short ranges of Iraq, but when they got to the longer ranges in Afghanistan, they were delighted to get hold of 7.62mm MGs and rifles (even bolt-action rifles initially in the BA, for want of anything better). They found the 5.56mm weapons ineffective at longer ranges, while the 7.62mms did what they wanted. By far the most popular small arms in the BA sections are the 7.62mm GPMG and L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle. Even the BA's senior officers concerned with small arms regard the 5.56mm as having an effective range of only 300m (the emphasis being on effective - I am aware it can perform better than this on the target range).
You may say that this is all in the mind but I doubt that, on the basis of some of the first-hand reports I've heard. Even if it is, I wouldn't dismiss too quickly a factor which has such a powerful effect on combat morale.
Basically, the troops were happy to rely on 5.56mm in the short ranges of Iraq, but when they got to the longer ranges in Afghanistan, they were delighted to get hold of 7.62mm MGs and rifles (even bolt-action rifles initially in the BA, for want of anything better). They found the 5.56mm weapons ineffective at longer ranges, while the 7.62mms did what they wanted. By far the most popular small arms in the BA sections are the 7.62mm GPMG and L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle. Even the BA's senior officers concerned with small arms regard the 5.56mm as having an effective range of only 300m (the emphasis being on effective - I am aware it can perform better than this on the target range).
You may say that this is all in the mind but I doubt that, on the basis of some of the first-hand reports I've heard. Even if it is, I wouldn't dismiss too quickly a factor which has such a powerful effect on combat morale.