Optimized Caliber

[stanc]

It would appear that his vision would result in a 2-caliber system for the dismounts.

His vision is for the operational use of two calibers by dismounted infantry.

But it would require adoption of a third rifle/machine gun caliber by the entire military force structure.

7.62 NATO will be around for a long time, and there is no need to get rid of it in aircraft and vehcile-mounted, mechanically-fired weapons.

- 5.56 NATO for carbines
- 6.5 Super G for LMGs and DMRs
- 7.62 NATO for vehicle and aircraft MMGs

I know of no historical precedent wherein the Army chose to add a new rifle caliber, without concurrently phasing out an old caliber.

However, there is historical precedent for refusing to adopt a third caliber: The 6mm SAW was proposed for a similar purpose as the 6.5 Super G, but rejected.

The other two concepts (6.5 Grendel, 6.X GPC) take the proven historical path, and would completely replace 5.56 NATO throughout the military.