New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[Tony Williams]

On what do you base that? The info from Guardsman26 says nothing to that effect.

LDAM is supposed to replace .50 BMG in the anti-personnel role, which means it will be using ammo significantly bigger and heavier than 7.62mm. Also remember that before Afghanistan, 7.62mm MGs were not carried by infantry squads (in fact, the British Army is reportedly considering pulling them back into a support role, leaving the section with nothing but 5.56mm).

BA excepted, an increasing number of armies seem to be looking for lightweight 7.62mm MGs at section level, while keeping the heavy 7.62mms back in the support role. I envisage CLAWS - and the GPC - replacing all of the 5.56mm weapons and also the lightweight 7.62mm MGs and DMRs. LDAM would replace the heavy 7.62mm and the .50 cals in the support role.

Well, your "GPC" would provide a common cartridge only for the rifle squad, not the platoon, company, or battalion, right?

It would provide a common cartridge for all soldiers with rifles (except snipers), and for all soldiers carrying portable MGs, leaving only the heavier support weapons in a significantly larger calibre.

Seems to me that makes it a Squad Common Cartridge, not a General Purpose Cartridge.

Seems to me it doesn't...