How could or should the 6.5 mm Grendel be improved?

[stanc]

You also have to ask: "Does it make sense to adopt a universal caliber that is more ideal for Afghanistan, and make every RTO, Key Leader, Forward Observer, Assistant Gunner, Ammo Bearer, Anti-Armor Weapon Specialist, combat engineer, generator mechanic, driver, cook, supply sergeant, etc. carry that versus 5.56?"

It may or may not, depending upon:

a. Is it better to have a caliber that is excellent for, say, 90% of combat theatres, but inadequate for 10%, or a caliber that is excellent for 10%, and usable for the other 90%?

b. Is it better to have the simplified logistics of a single, universal caliber versus two or three specialized calibers?

c. Is the weight penalty of a universal caliber for Key Leaders, RTOs, FOs, etc, unacceptable or tolerable? (Use of the M14/M60, FAL/MAG, and G3/MG3 before adoption of 5.56x45 would seem to indicate that the weight of universal caliber weapons is tolerable.)