Testing, testing...

[LR1955]

Gene,

I don't know if all of those changes could rightly be judged as "screw-ups," or not. What I'm saying is that, when it comes to what they'll probably find acceptable in the present (and future), look at what their SOP has been in the past.

The only exception to this rule that comes to mind is the Stryker. Prior to Shinseki's reign as Chief of Staff, the Army's leadership was absolutely and fundamentally opposed to wheeled armored infantry vehicles. In spite of that institutional opposition, he managed to get it adopted.

Now, it could be you're right that any new small arms cartridge would have to deliver a "quantum" improvement. Since I can't read their minds to know if that's what they want, it seems logical to me to go by what they've habitually done before.

Stan:

I never noted anyone in the RD arena willing to put money into something unless it represented a very significant improvement over what we have now. In addition it must meet some sort of requirement.

Although I do not know if any requirements exist for a new cartridge, my bets are that if one does exist it stipulates a statistical improvement in one or more areas over what exists now. And that such improvements are part of an overall system that includes the weapon and sighting system.

LR1955