New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[cory]

As long as we're talking about a system, I believe we need to be discussing the replacement of the M9 and 9mm round with another pistol directed towards the CQB environment. If the 5.56 NATO is arguably an effective round at 300m, then I think we can assume something like the 5.7mm will be effective at <10m.

In my dream world....

The 5.56 and 7.62 NATO would go away as far as combat troops are concerned. Grunts would be issued a sidearm designed for CQB and a 6.5 Grendel x45mm (stretched Gendel) chambered AR12. Most Grunts would be issued a 14.5" Version DMRs would get a 18"-20" Rifle. The M249 design would be erased from any and all Military databases. A LMG would be designed around the Grendel. A MMG designed around the .338 would replace the M240 and 50 as the vehicle mounted MMG. In turn 300 win mags and .308 Sniper rifles would be converted to the .338.

Each squad would have an ATV integrated with a Mortar System that would require a Grunt with a pad, telling it where to go and where to fire, utilizing GPS. This system would talk with all other vehicles on battlefield, which would prevent most friendly fire.

The 5.56 NATO won't completely go away. Just give it to the Air Force. Maybe in 100 years they'll use up the stockpile of ammunition we have. HAHA jk