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Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2003 5:13 pm
Posts: 36989
Location: Ohio - USA
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Again, a lot of good points. Logistics is always a critical factor. But for example keeping the calibre in a new weapon the same is only one consideration. Parts and other support systems for the new weapon will also be a consideration. ?Assault rifles, like the M-16 and AK-47, etc. came about because of the WWII experiences that the tactic of fire and movement/maneuver works. Suppressing a target with fire, while another element maneuvers to it's flank ... Just like WWI helped spawn the sub-machine gun. The M-16/M-4 works and has worked against the enemies faced in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Since many are using it's counter part, the AK-47. Now once the US goes to some newer system, and gives it a bigger firepower/fire superiority factor then it already has, the enemies will be at a bigger disadvantage. So whether the design is Bull-pup, like the SA-80, FAMAS, etc., or like the P-90, etc., etc. ... the bottom line after logistical considerations/(money), is tactic needs of the battlefield. ?I started as cadet training with an M-14 which is basically just a magazine feed M-1. It had knock down power firing a full rifle round, but didn't have the ability to effectively place suppressive fire. A factor critical in modern tactics. ?And since suppressive fire requires a lot of rounds being fired at a target, and it was no longer a requirement to have a round that can kill a horse, a smaller cartridge meant more ammo could be carried. Plus suppressive fire could be used effectively and the Grunt already over burdened with gear, gets a little break. ?Not to mention like a submachine gun or machine gun if properly used increases your chances of killing something, if for nothing else you are throwing a lot of rounds at a target ... So as much as design is a consideration, logistics, and tactical employment all play critical factors. ?A well trained unit with M-1s will be more effective then marginally trained guerillas with AK-47s. ?But even in the "Wars of Liberation" of the late 20th and early 21st centuries being feed Soviet AKs, PKMs, RPGs, etc., gave the marginally trained but extremely motivated (willingness to die in large numbers) guerillas a bit of an edge ... ?Of course we could always Nuc'm ! 
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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
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