12-04-2011, 02:23 PM
I think the point LRRPF52 makes can be summarized with the observation that experienced soldiers know that "shit happens." Hence any overly complex system has to be viewed with suspicion unless and until it is proven as being reliable and effective.
The current incarnations of these sighting systems are clumsy appearing and, judging from the reports of soldiers who have combat experience, are clumsy to use.
That doesn't mean that they won't pass muster in ten years, but it does mean that we need to work a common time frame for the discussion.
Also, we need to define the background experience the new recruit is likely to have and how much effective weapons-handling skills development he or she will enjoy during that first term of active duty. First, they will have killed about a zillion Gorgon/Dragon/Evil Things by putting a dot on the image and punching a button. That gives an advantage over the inner city kids of 80s who didn't have all the gaming experience. It is also part of why the red-dot sight works as well as it does for the younger troops. They are, however, still ill-prepared for precision shooting even in the mode of place the pip on target, hold, and squeeze.
The ability to get a steady sight picture from a stable firing position while squeezing the trigger is an advanced marksmanship skill.
I further believe that the average soldier does not need this skill when just the assets of a platoon are considered. As much as I personally dislike the varmint cartridge, the 5.56 does have a good track record where it works.
We have covered the intermediate range with 7.62mm, grenade launches, and LMGs. These are the roles and applications where new cartridges, grenades, and sighting systems may get traction over the the coming 5-10 years.
The current incarnations of these sighting systems are clumsy appearing and, judging from the reports of soldiers who have combat experience, are clumsy to use.
That doesn't mean that they won't pass muster in ten years, but it does mean that we need to work a common time frame for the discussion.
Also, we need to define the background experience the new recruit is likely to have and how much effective weapons-handling skills development he or she will enjoy during that first term of active duty. First, they will have killed about a zillion Gorgon/Dragon/Evil Things by putting a dot on the image and punching a button. That gives an advantage over the inner city kids of 80s who didn't have all the gaming experience. It is also part of why the red-dot sight works as well as it does for the younger troops. They are, however, still ill-prepared for precision shooting even in the mode of place the pip on target, hold, and squeeze.
The ability to get a steady sight picture from a stable firing position while squeezing the trigger is an advanced marksmanship skill.
I further believe that the average soldier does not need this skill when just the assets of a platoon are considered. As much as I personally dislike the varmint cartridge, the 5.56 does have a good track record where it works.
We have covered the intermediate range with 7.62mm, grenade launches, and LMGs. These are the roles and applications where new cartridges, grenades, and sighting systems may get traction over the the coming 5-10 years.